Running is an excellent way to stay healthy, and there’s no better place to do it than in a beautiful park. From winding trails to wide-open spaces, parks in the United States offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors while getting in a great workout. Here are some of the best city parks to run in the United States.
- Schenley and Frick Parks, Pennsylvania
The city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is home to two of the best parks for running in the country: Schenley Park and Frick Park. Schenley Park is located in the heart of Pittsburgh and features miles of well-maintained trails that wind through lush forests and offer stunning city skyline views. Runners can choose from various routes, ranging from flat and easy to hilly and challenging. The park also boasts several attractions, including a beautiful lake, a golf course, and the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, making it an excellent spot for a post-run stroll or picnic.
Frick Park, located in eastern Pittsburgh, offers runners a more rugged and challenging experience. With over 600 acres of dense forest, rocky terrain, and steep hills, Frick Park provides a true wilderness experience right in the city’s heart. The park features several popular running trails, including the challenging Riverview Trail, which offers stunning views of the Monongahela River. Frick Park offers several other attractions, including a nature center and the Frick Environmental Center. It is an excellent spot for runners who combine their workouts with an educational experience. Overall, Schenley Park and Frick Park offer something for runners of all levels, making Pittsburgh a top destination for running enthusiasts.
- Piedmont Park, Georgia
Piedmont Park, located in the heart of Atlanta, GA, is an excellent park for runners of all levels. With over 200 acres of green space, Piedmont Park provides runners with ample room to stretch their legs and enjoy a scenic workout. The park’s paved paths are well-maintained and provide a smooth surface for running. Additionally, the park offers a variety of terrains, including hills and inclines, making it an excellent spot for runners looking to challenge themselves.
Piedmont Park features several areas that make it an ideal location for runners. The park’s expansive fields provide plenty of space for dynamic warm-up exercises or post-run stretches, while its beautiful Lake Clara Meer offers a tranquil setting for a cool-down walk. For runners looking to add some variety to their workout, Piedmont Park also offers a fitness area with outdoor workout equipment, as well as a swimming pool for aquatic exercise. With its many amenities and scenic beauty, it’s no wonder Piedmont Park is a top destination for runners in Atlanta.
- Forest Park, Portland
Located in Portland, Oregon, Forest Park is a beautiful park that offers runners over 80 miles of trails to explore. One popular trail is the Wildwood Trail, a 30-mile trail that takes you through the park’s beautiful forests, streams, and waterfalls. The trail offers runners a challenging workout and stunning views of the city.
Want a shorter, easier run? The park’s many trails can be combined to create shorter routes, such as the popular 5-mile loop around the park that takes you through some of the park’s most beautiful features, including the Hoyt Arboretum and the Portland Japanese Garden. With its beautiful scenery and challenging terrain, Forest Park is a great place for runners looking to explore the outdoors in Portland.
- Eden Park, Ohio
Eden Park, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a hidden gem for runners looking for a scenic and challenging workout. The park is situated on a hill overlooking the Ohio River and offers stunning views of the city skyline. With over 186 acres of green space, Eden Park provides runners with plenty of trails to choose from, ranging from easy paved paths to more challenging dirt trails. The park’s most popular running route is the 1.9-mile loop around Mirror Lake, which provides a flat and scenic path for runners of all levels.
Eden Park also offers several other attractions that make it an excellent destination for runners. The park is home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, which features an impressive collection of over 67,000 works of art, as well as several other cultural and historical landmarks. Additionally, Eden Park is home to several playgrounds and picnic areas, making it an excellent spot for runners looking to bring their families along for a day of outdoor fun. With its stunning views and diverse array of attractions, Eden Park is a must-visit destination for runners in the Cincinnati area.
- Eagle Creek Park, Indiana
In Indianapolis, Indiana, Eagle Creek Park is a stunning destination for runners looking to combine their workouts with a peaceful natural setting. The park spans over 3,900 acres and features several trails that wind through lush forests, past serene lakes and offer stunning views of the city skyline. Runners can choose from several routes, including the popular 3.5-mile loop around Eagle Creek Reservoir, which provides a flat and scenic path for runners of all levels. Additionally, the park features several more challenging trails that provide a true wilderness experience for more adventurous runners.
Aside from its running trails, Eagle Creek Park boasts several other attractions that make it an excellent destination for runners. The park features a marina that offers boat rentals, fishing, and other water activities, as well as a beach and swimming area for post-run relaxation — or even for those planning to train for a triathlon. Additionally, the park is home to several cultural and historical landmarks, including the Ornithology Center, which features a bird sanctuary and
several educational exhibits. With its stunning natural beauty and diverse array of attractions, Eagle Creek Park is a top destination for runners in the Indianapolis area.
Stay tuned for our next installation of the Best City Parks in the United States!
