Maine’s Acadia National Park is full of stunning sights that will charm any nature-loving visitor. The park truly offers something for everyone. Birdwatchers can look for wildlife along Jesup Path, stargazers can watch the skies over Cadillac Mountain, and people who prefer driving to hiking can cruise along Ocean Drive.
But what about trail runners? What does this dazzling park have for outdoorsy folks who enjoy jogging through scenic landscapes? If you’re looking for a prime trail running spot at Acadia National Park, look no further than Jordan Pond Path. This running hotspot circles the tranquil waters of Jordan Pond, but waterfront views aren’t the only perks runners can look forward to seeing there. Take a peek at this trail’s best sights and learn more about the area in the photo guide below.
If you’re new to trail running, you might wonder why you can’t just wear your regular running shoes. You can — they just won’t work as well. Trail running shoes are designed to handle wilder conditions than asphalt, such as steep inclines, patches of mud and snow, and areas full of roots and rocks.
Great as trail running shoes are, you’ll still want to wear your regular running shoes on roads. Abrasive pavement can wear down rubber lugs on trail running shoes.
Which shoes are the best for trails? “There is no one-size-fits-all trail shoe,” said Steve Moore, owner of Run Moore, a specialty shoe store in Maryland. “The best trail shoe for you depends on factors such as foot shape, injury history, and the types of trails you run on.”
So, to find some of the best trail running shoes, we surveyed avid trail runners to get their opinions. Here’s what they had to say.
Some national parks are perfect for runners. A few of the parks, like Grand Teton and Joshua Tree, even host 5K, half marathon, and marathon events. Yellowstone National Park also offers runners fun races to partake in. These events include races like the Yellowstone Half Marathon and 5K and the Yellowstone 50K Trail Race.
So, if there are official races like these hosted at Yellowstone, why shouldn’t you try tail running through the park? The answer is simple: wildlife. Bears, bison, wolves, and other powerful critters may view your running as a threat or as prey behavior. This isn’t just a potential danger; people have been attacked and killed by animals within Yellowstone. In 2023, a bear attack on one of the park’s trails led to the death of marathon runner Amie Adamson.
While wildlife dangers shouldn’t keep you from enjoying Yellowstone, the park does have a few important safety tips guests should know. Outdoors enthusiasts are probably familiar with most of these rules: don’t feed the animals, keep your distance, and carry bear spray just in case.
NPS photo by Neal Herbert
“All of Yellowstone is bear country,” Yellowstone National Park’s website explains, “from the trails in the park’s backcountry to the boardwalks and parking lots around Old Faithful. Your safety cannot be guaranteed, but you can play an active role in protecting yourself and the bears people come here to enjoy.”
Additional safety tips recommended by the park include hiking with a partner or group, making noise, respecting park closures, and not leaving food sources unattended. Oh, and if you’re carrying bear spray, make sure you know how to use it. Remember, it’s not like bug spray. You do not want to spray this stuff on yourself or your gear. Instead, bear spray should be directed at an aggressive bear to keep them away and keep you safe.
Read up on more wildlife safety tips here, or explore some of the sights you can expect to see at Yellowstone here.
Hit up the Texas Panhandle for one of the state’s coolest running trails. Located in the small Texas town of Canyon, Palo Duro Canyon State Park appeals to outdoorsy adventurers who value the iconic “rugged beauty” of rocky canyons. Known by some as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro Canyon is perfect for everything from geocaching and hiking to mountain biking and trail running.
Speaking of trail running, every sporty visitor who explores this stunning landscape should know about the park’s best running trail. Also one of the best hiking trails in Texas, Lighthouse Trail offers runners a rewarding challenge. Here’s what you should know and what you can see when running the Lighthouse Trail.
Washington state’s Mount Rainier National Park draws in visitors from all over the world. The park’s outstanding landscapes and inviting trails make it a treat for outdoorsy adventurers. But did you know it’s also a great place for trail runners looking for a challenge?
One of the region’s most captivating trail running spots is none other than Skyline Trail, aka Skyline Loop. With an elevation gain of roughly 1,700 feet and a round-trip distance of about 5.5 miles, this hiking/running trail welcomes athletic guests who want a strenuous workout. Runners brave enough to tackle this loop trail will be rewarded with some truly life-changing views. Get a sneak peek at those sights with these photos of Mount Rainier’s Skyline Trail.
Lace up your running shoes, trail explorers. Today, we’re stepping into a world where the runner’s high collides with nature’s beauty.
If you like your workouts with a side of fresh air and natural scenery, you’re probably already a fan of trail running. You might even have a favorite local running trail. Or maybe you’re on the hunt for new places to run and trails to check out. Either way, you’ve got the running bug and there’s no getting rid of it. So, why not indulge that passion?
Imagine racing through a forest full of lush and verdant trees. Picture yourself taking a breather on the side of a mountaintop trail. These experiences can be your reality at incredible locations throughout the United States. So, fill up your water bottle and start stretching. Without further ado, here are some of the country’s most scenic trail running destinations.
