Home › Features › Scenic Running Trails
Scenic Running Trails
A scenic trail will not change your splits, but it changes whether you get out of the door — and on a long run, boredom is what ends it early. These are the waterfront paths and river loops, the lake circuits, the ridge and canyon routes, and the trails that pass an overlook or a waterfall worth stopping at. It is also the category to browse when you are running somewhere new, because a scenic trail is usually the one a local would send you to.
The 144 most-reviewed
Ranked by local reputation — rating weighted by review count. Narrow them with the filters, or jump to your state below for all 17,454.
Central Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 300,064 reviews
Sprawling park with pedestrian paths & ballfields, plus a zoo, carousel, boat rentals & a reservoir.
Niagara Falls State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 78,121 reviews
Famous waterfalls steal the show at this park that also features an aquarium, restaurant & more.
The High Line
4.7 ★★★★★ 67,544 reviews
Popular park 30 feet above street level on an old rail line, with river & city views.
Garden of the Gods
4.9 ★★★★★ 58,076 reviews
Comprising 1,300 acres of sandstone formations, this park offers a visitor center & hiking trails.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 43,091 reviews
This urban oasis features shaded picnic tables, hibachi-style BBQ grills & river views.
Stone Mountain Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 43,054 reviews
Vast, scenic park with activities, golf, lodging & a cable car ride to a historic, carved peak.
Boston Common
4.7 ★★★★★ 38,548 reviews
Storied, nearly 50-acre urban park that hosted British troops during the American Revolution.
Liberty State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 36,921 reviews
Waterfront views of Manhattan, Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, plus miles of tree-lined walkways.
Forest Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 34,419 reviews
Opened in 1876, this 1,300-acre park includes 3 museums, a zoo, athletic fields & golf courses.
Prospect Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 28,472 reviews
Sprawling city park featuring the Audubon Center in the historic Boathouse, plus Prospect Park Zoo.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 25,797 reviews
Natural wonder with red rocks draws those looking to hike, rock climb or go for a scenic drive.
Lake Eola Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 24,640 reviews
Popular spot for walking, special events, feeding the swans & renting swan-shaped paddleboats.
Lummus Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 24,588 reviews
Sandy spot with beach access, plus a playground for young children & fitness equipment.
Honeymoon Island State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 24,340 reviews
Known for the variety of shells on its shores, this park also offers swimming, fishing & hiking.
Falls Park on the Reedy
4.9 ★★★★★ 21,473 reviews
Picturesque park with waterfall views, a curved suspension bridge & many acres of gardens.
Muir Woods National Monument
4.8 ★★★★★ 20,544 reviews
Scenic, forested park featuring giant redwood trees, long hiking trails, a visitor center & more.
New Orleans City Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 19,979 reviews
This expansive urban greenspace with a lake & paths features a dog run, museums, disc golf & more.
Forsyth Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 19,194 reviews
30-acre park with basketball & tennis courts, paths, a historic fountain & a Confederate memorial.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
4.9 ★★★★★ 18,363 reviews
Well-known national park famous for its limestone caves, rock formations & hiking trails.
Public Garden
4.8 ★★★★★ 18,626 reviews
Placid, verdant, circa-1837 city park with a lagoon, boat rides, fountains & other sights.
Haulover Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 18,310 reviews
Clothing optional & family-friendly beaches, dog park & picnicking just north of South Beach action.
Piedmont Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 17,919 reviews
Sprawling park featuring jogging paths, basketball courts, dog parks, a farmers' market & more.
Hocking Hills State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 17,731 reviews
Scenic park with hiking trails, archery, fishing, swimming & more amid waterfalls, cliffs & gorges.
San Bernardino National Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 18,077 reviews
Mountain destination for outdoor recreation, with scenic roads, multi-use trails & camping.
Starved Rock State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 17,508 reviews
Hiking, fishing & boating in a historic landmark area with canyons & trails plus a lodge & cabins.
Point Defiance Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 16,780 reviews
Large park with the Point Defiance zoo & aquarium, hikes in an old-growth forest, gardens & beaches.
Hampton Beach State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 16,749 reviews
Atlantic Ocean swim area with day-rate & metered parking, bathhouses, an RV park & event facilities.
Dockweiler Beach
4.5 ★★★★★ 17,090 reviews
Bustling public beach offering a hang gliding training park, bonfires & views of departing aircraft.
Bear Mountain State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 16,037 reviews
Lush, mountainous park featuring picnic sites, fishing areas, a swimming pool, trails & more.
Gateway Arch National Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 15,644 reviews
Park honoring Jefferson's role in western expansion, featuring the Gateway Arch & visitors' center.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 15,579 reviews
Acres of oceanside trails for exploring or exercising while spotting occasional dolphins or bobcats.
Centennial Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 15,454 reviews
Urban recreation area with a Parthenon replica & museum, plus a band shell, dog park & gardens.
Presque Isle State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 14,401 reviews
Park offers 11 miles of beaches, concert spaces, a lighthouse, lagoons & an environmental center.
Great Falls Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 13,934 reviews
Boasting spectacular falls & rushing white water, this park offers picnic areas, trails & boating.
Beverly Hills Garden Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 14,308 reviews
Expansive, tree-filled park with fountains & jogging paths plus cacti & rose gardens.
Tropical Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 13,785 reviews
City park offering miles of paved biking & hiking paths plus boating & fishing in 4 separate lakes.
Gathering Place
4.8 ★★★★★ 13,208 reviews
Riverfront park featuring an adventure playground, a sensory garden, a picnic area, eateries & more.
Papago Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 12,935 reviews
Expansive hiking & picnicking area that includes the Phoenix Zoo & famed Hole-in-the-Rock formation.
Indiana Dunes National Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 13,163 reviews
Park with hotels & eateries, plus 15 miles of shoreline for swimming, hiking, bird-watching & more.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 12,850 reviews
Park with historic lighthouse drawing weekend crowds for beaches, fishing, cycling & more.
St. Andrews State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 12,338 reviews
Outdoor sanctuary with beaches, nature trails & camping plus seasonal Shell Island boat tours.
Shelby Farms Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 12,300 reviews
4,500 acres with biking & horse trails, many bodies of water for fishing & boating plus playgrounds.
Sandia Peak Tramway
4.7 ★★★★★ 12,430 reviews
2.7-mi aerial tram ride with Albuquerque & mountain views to a peak with trails, skiing & dining.
Branch Brook Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 12,456 reviews
Scenic, 360-acre park featuring cherry trees, lakes & bridges plus bicycling & other activities.
Denver City Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 12,443 reviews
This expansive greenspace has amenities such as a zoo, museum & golf course, plus areas for hiking.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
4.9 ★★★★★ 11,005 reviews
1,682-acre park with scenic waterfalls & diverse wildlife, plus campgrounds, trails & picnic areas.
Coligny Beach Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 11,470 reviews
Oceanside park with landscaped walking & biking paths, plus Wi-Fi, swings & beach equipment rentals.
Minnehaha Regional Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 11,113 reviews
This 193-acre riverfront park has miles of trails & a waterfall celebrated in a Longfellow poem.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
4.9 ★★★★★ 10,862 reviews
Scenic coastal area featuring diverse sea animals & wildlife, hiking, diving & a whaling museum.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 11,034 reviews
Big ravine with 800-ft cliffs, multi-use trails, campsites & the musical "Texas" in an amphitheater.
Waterfront Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 11,268 reviews
Well-known park with Charleston Harbor views, plus a large lawn, walkways & fountains.
Memorial Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 10,826 reviews
Expansive city park with lush natural features, popular running trail, golf course & lots of shade.
South Pointe Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 10,811 reviews
Waterfront park with beach/pier access, a playground & splash pad, plus walking/biking & open space.
Olympic National Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 10,692 reviews
922,000-acre park featuring snow-covered mountains, lush rain forests & dramatic Pacific coastline.
Wekiwa Springs State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 11,156 reviews
Guided & self-guided canoe or kayak tours on the Wekiwa River with equipment rental available.
Amelia Earhart Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 10,982 reviews
Family-friendly 515-acre park with petting zoo, playground & pony rides plus fishing in 5 lakes.
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 11,212 reviews
National historical park known for a 77-ft. waterfall that sparked water-power development in 1792.
Riverside Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 10,920 reviews
Storied multilevel park with elms & rocky outcrops, plus a long boulevard & multiple playgrounds.
Atlantic City Boardwalk
4.4 ★★★★☆ 11,164 reviews
Iconic oceanfront boardwalk featuring views & a variety of shops & restaurants since 1870.
Sand Key Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 10,440 reviews
Expansive white-sand beach offering plenty of room for picnics, surfing & other outdoor activities.
Mark Twain National Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 10,414 reviews
Forested mountains with scenic rivers, lakes & streams for hiking, biking, camping, fishing & more.
South Mountain Park and Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 10,106 reviews
16,000-acre area with many trails, wildlife & a drivable road to a lookout with sweeping city views.
Tempe Beach Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 10,435 reviews
Local landmark features a splash playground, boating, a baseball diamond & other athletic fields.
Fred Howard Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 10,065 reviews
Happening park located on the Gulf of Mexico draws a bustling crowd for the beach & swim area.
Bushkill Falls
4.6 ★★★★★ 10,260 reviews
Park with a 100-ft. waterfall plus trails, fishing, boating & other family-friendly activities.
Belle Isle Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 10,136 reviews
982-acre island featuring trails, an aquarium, museum, conservatory, disc golf course & playground.
Kissimmee Lakefront Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 9,451 reviews
Grassy waterfront park with walking paths, a fishing pier, picnic pavilions & a shaded playground.
Point State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 9,624 reviews
36-acre park at the intersection of 3 rivers with boating, hiking, biking & a Fort Pitt museum.
Warren Dunes State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 9,482 reviews
Beech & maple-forested park provides peaceful riverside hikes, picnic space & 311 acres of terrain.
Cherry Creek State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 9,683 reviews
Large park around a reservoir with camping, water sports & many other outdoor leisure activities.
Bellevue Downtown Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 9,198 reviews
Lushly planted city park featuring a 240-foot-wide waterfall, a picnic green & a playground.
Lake Perris State Recreation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 9,508 reviews
Reserve on a lake, popular for boating & hikes in rocky terrain home to bobcats & birdlife.
Whittier Narrows Recreation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 9,400 reviews
Diverse sports, 3 lakes, a military museum, shooting ranges, horse center, disc golf & urban farm.
Huntington State Beach
4.7 ★★★★★ 9,154 reviews
A popular surfing destination, this sandy 121-acre beach also offers a 8.5-mi. paved trail.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,904 reviews
Vast recreation area with a lodge, camping & a restaurant, plus an 18-hole championship golf course.
Henderson Beach State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,882 reviews
Beach haven featuring a boardwalk & a pet-friendly nature trail, plus a playground & campground.
Sunken Meadow State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 9,251 reviews
Family-friendly park featuring 3 miles of beach, a golf course, hiking trails & boardwalk.
Irvine Regional Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,859 reviews
Park offers train & pony rides, plus paddle boat rentals, the Orange County Zoo & picnic areas.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,856 reviews
Natural cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean offer views of the coast & the occasional cliff diver.
Sebastian Inlet State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 8,998 reviews
Park boasting salt-water fishing including mackerel, snook & bluefish plus surfing & scuba diving.
Manito Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,808 reviews
78-acre park, opened in 1904, featuring rose, lilac, & formal & native plant gardens, plus a pond.
Mount Trashmore Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 8,942 reviews
Former landfill now a city recreational area with a skate park, picnicking & sports facilities.
Van Cortlandt Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 9,130 reviews
Park with a museum, playgrounds, sports facilities, dog runs, BBQ areas, trails & more.
Valley Forge National Historical Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,749 reviews
Trolley & ranger-led walking tours are offered at this Revolutionary War site with miles of trails.
Landa Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,747 reviews
51-acre riverside park with a miniature train, nature trail, mini-golf, picnic tables & more.
Audubon Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 8,890 reviews
Park with oak trees, jogging & bike paths, a lagoon, picnic shelters, tennis courts & playgrounds.
Hamilton Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,619 reviews
Grassy areas, floral gardens, benches, summer concerts & NYC skyline views from waterside cliffs.
Myrtle Beach State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 8,728 reviews
Sandy parkland offering recreational oceanfront, a nature center, forested areas & campgrounds.
Schenley Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 8,698 reviews
Park with 456 acres of trails, a sportsplex, botanical gardens, cafe, visitors center & golf course.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,229 reviews
Featuring a variety of forested areas, this park offers camping, fishing, hiking & picnic spots.
Point Dume
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,204 reviews
Tranquil coastal area featuring trails & rocky coves, plus blufftop views of Santa Catalina Island.
The North Carolina Arboretum
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,179 reviews
Arboretum in a forest with mountain views, gardens & a bonsai exhibit, plus hiking & biking paths.
Lookout Mountain Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,155 reviews
Park boasting wooded foothills, scenic road, picnic shelter & Buffalo Bill burial site & museum.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,110 reviews
Dramatic 425-ft. pink granite monolith & wilderness area offering hiking, climbing, camping & more.
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,080 reviews
This 200-acre park features a trail system, playground, picnic pavilion & public restrooms.
Diamond Head Crater Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 8,227 reviews
Extinct volcano is a popular hiking destination with a rugged trail leading to panoramic views.
Palisades Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 8,100 reviews
This sizable strip of grass, palm trees & walking trails features expansive ocean views.
Koko Head District Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 8,062 reviews
Sprawling collection of sports fields, gardens, picnic areas & stairs climbing a volcanic crater.
Eisenhower Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 8,225 reviews
County park covering 930-acres, a venue for golf, tennis & swimming, concerts & movies in summer.
Mission Trails Regional Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 7,818 reviews
8,000-acre recreational park featuring 60 miles of trails, along with a lake for boating & camping.
Tower Grove Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 7,976 reviews
1868 park that shows its history with carriage rides, grass tennis courts, a wading pool & a gazebo.
Stony Creek Metropark
4.7 ★★★★★ 7,935 reviews
Massive park featuring year-round activities from canoeing & picnics to workshop events.
Rocky River Reservation
4.8 ★★★★★ 7,766 reviews
Woodland park split by the Rocky River, offering hiking trails with bird & deer sightings.
McKinney Falls State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 8,091 reviews
Popular site for camping, hiking, biking & fishing, & for "Old Baldy," a 500+-year-old cypress tree.
Heisler Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 7,716 reviews
This beach area offers artsy park benches, sculptures, ocean views, rocky shores & tide pools.
Coolidge Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 7,873 reviews
Waterfront park with a restored historic carousel, an interactive play fountain & open spaces.
Indiana Dunes State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 7,842 reviews
Dune-lined park for hiking, swimming, fishing, cross-country skiing, birding & more, plus campsites.
Sweetwater Creek State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 7,672 reviews
Historical wooded state park offering hiking, picnicking & boating, plus fishing.
Green Lakes State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 7,596 reviews
2 glacial lakes cast a green glow at this serene park with wooded trails & an 18-hole golf course.
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
4.8 ★★★★★ 7,547 reviews
Expansive natural area with 7 ponds & hiking trails, plus an observatory.& dinosaur-bone dig site.
Lovers Key State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 7,495 reviews
Once secluded beach now accessible by boardwalk & tram is home to manatees, dolphins & bald eagles.
Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 7,331 reviews
Originally built in 1889, this bridge provides a scenic pedestrian walkway over the Hudson River.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 7,450 reviews
Park offering surfing & swimming in the ocean plus fishing & boating in a lake, as well as hiking.
First Landing State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 7,336 reviews
Cape Henry beachfront park & historic site with marshes, maritime forest, hiking & canoe trails.
Hole in the Rock
4.7 ★★★★★ 7,273 reviews
Landmark rock formation with multiple cavelike holes in the sandstone created by erosion.
Red Rock Canyon
4.8 ★★★★★ 7,117 reviews
City preserve with marked walking & biking trails, as well as scenic views of red-rock formations.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 7,267 reviews
500+ miles of flat & mountainous hiking trails through coastal chaparral, with views & picnic stops.
Forest Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 7,402 reviews
Large forested park featuring hiking trails & bridle paths, plus a bandshell, golf & other sports.
Prescott National Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 7,241 reviews
Vast wilderness area offering nearly 950 miles of trails, campgrounds & sites for fishing & boating.
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 7,237 reviews
This 308-acre park features a Japanese garden, a workout course, athletic fields & scenic trails.
Warinanco Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 7,371 reviews
Expansive park offering an ice-skating rink & lake activities plus multiple playing fields & trails.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 7,045 reviews
Preserved site of an 1864 Civil War battle, with a visitor's center featuring a film & artifacts.
Covert Park at Mount Bonnell
4.7 ★★★★★ 7,189 reviews
At 785-feet tall, or 106 steps, this hilltop park is the highest point in the city.
Craig Ranch Regional Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 7,305 reviews
Park offering grass lawns, playgrounds & sports areas on the site of a former golf course.
Oleta River State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 7,293 reviews
Urban park drawing nature-lovers with mangrove forest plus fishing, kayaking, biking & camping.
Louis Armstrong Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 7,396 reviews
31-acre park that's home to historic Congo Square & hosts concerts, films & other events.
Wissahickon Valley Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 6,926 reviews
Vast park with over 50 miles of trails for hikers, bikers & equestrians, plus a trout-stocked creek.
Central Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 7,192 reviews
Lakeside park with a golf course, 4 playgrounds, boat rentals, a fishing area, picnic sites & paths.
Ala Moana Regional Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 7,163 reviews
This 100-acre park with a man-made beach offers usually calm surf, plus tennis courts & a pavilion.
Mile Square Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 6,896 reviews
City park offering 3 golf courses, soccer fields & baseball diamonds as well as picknicking & lakes.
Mt. Tabor Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 6,749 reviews
Large forested park covering an extinct volcano with tennis courts, a playground & 360-degree views.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 6,874 reviews
Featuring a freshwater lagoon, this diverse wildlife habitat offers hiking, fishing & more.
Murray Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 6,874 reviews
Large, public open space with pavilions, playing fields, a gazebo, an amphitheater & a restaurant.
Grandfather Mountain State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 6,696 reviews
Expansive mountain park with challenging trails, rocky cliffs, scenic views & camping (with permit).
No trails match those filters.
Scenic Trails by state
Pick your state for the full list — every trail with scenic views, grouped by city.
- Scenic Running Trails in California
- Scenic Running Trails in Florida
- Scenic Running Trails in New York
- Scenic Running Trails in Ohio
- Scenic Running Trails in Texas
- Scenic Running Trails in Illinois
- Scenic Running Trails in Pennsylvania
- Scenic Running Trails in Washington
- Scenic Running Trails in Massachusetts
- Scenic Running Trails in Michigan
- Scenic Running Trails in New Jersey
- Scenic Running Trails in Wisconsin
- Scenic Running Trails in North Carolina
- Scenic Running Trails in Minnesota
- Scenic Running Trails in Connecticut
- Scenic Running Trails in Colorado
- Scenic Running Trails in Georgia
- Scenic Running Trails in Utah
- Scenic Running Trails in Oregon
- Scenic Running Trails in Missouri
- Scenic Running Trails in Arizona
- Scenic Running Trails in Indiana
- Scenic Running Trails in Tennessee
- Scenic Running Trails in Alabama
- Scenic Running Trails in Virginia
- Scenic Running Trails in South Carolina
- Scenic Running Trails in Kentucky
- Scenic Running Trails in Iowa
- Scenic Running Trails in New Hampshire
- Scenic Running Trails in Kansas
- Scenic Running Trails in Arkansas
- Scenic Running Trails in Idaho
- Scenic Running Trails in Maryland
- Scenic Running Trails in Maine
- Scenic Running Trails in Rhode Island
- Scenic Running Trails in New Mexico
- Scenic Running Trails in Nevada
- Scenic Running Trails in Oklahoma
- Scenic Running Trails in Louisiana
- Scenic Running Trails in Mississippi
- Scenic Running Trails in South Dakota
- Scenic Running Trails in Montana
- Scenic Running Trails in Nebraska
- Scenic Running Trails in Vermont
- Scenic Running Trails in Alaska
- Scenic Running Trails in West Virginia
- Scenic Running Trails in Wyoming
- Scenic Running Trails in Delaware
- Scenic Running Trails in Hawaii
- Scenic Running Trails in North Dakota
- Scenic Running Trails in District of Columbia
Browse every other feature, or start from what the trail is made of: paved, crushed stone, natural surface and boardwalk. You can also jump to your state or the best-rated trails in the country.