No. 10 – Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Location: Wisconsin
Total length: 1,200 miles
Best time to visit: Fall
Take a stroll back in time at the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin. Originally established in 1980, this National Scenic Trail actually features remnants of the Ice Age, dating back over 12,000 years. Bordering the edge of the state’s most recent glacier, the Ice Age Trail includes a number of rare glacial landforms like moraines, eskers, and drumlins. Regulars advise visiting in the fall, when the glacial formations are most visible.
No. 9 – Wales Coast Path
Location: Wales
Total length: 870 miles
Best time to visit: March to November
With a motto of “we never close,” the Wales Coast Path is accessible in all seasons and conditions, but it's best to avoid the extreme winter weather of December, January, and February. The massive 1,400 kilometer stretch runs up the entire coastline of the country, the first path of its kind. With gorgeous views of the beaches, cliffs, hills, and even castles, this is the ultimate explorer’s trail. In fact, it connects with the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail to result in a 1000+ mile stretch that circles entirely around the country.
No. 8 – Rockefeller State Park Preserve
Location: Sleepy Hollow, NY
Total length: 20 miles
Best time to visit: Year-round
Although it’s not quite as spacious as some of the other options on this list, the Rockefeller State Park Preserve trail is all about quality over quantity. Trail Runner called it “one of the finest areas to run in the US,” noting its regularly groomed foliage and challenging terrain. The short yet populated path is loaded with woodlands, meadows, streams, and rivers, making this relaxing spot the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the NYC streets.
No. 7 - Alta Via 1 Trail
Location: Italy
Total length: 93 miles
Best time to visit: Late June-August 1, or early September through early October
If you’re looking to take your run to the mountains, the Alta Via 1 Trail is where it’s at. The rocky landscape offers lodging throughout the route and is incredibly popular, so if you’re planning to visit, it’s best to book your stay in advance. With a highest point of 2,750 meters, this path might seem intimidating, but the huts make it all the more manageable. You’ll have a chance to rest up, eat, shower, and recover before heading back out to the cliffs. Just make sure you bring a suitable pair of trail running shoes!
No. 6 – El Choro Trail
Location: La Cumbre, Bolivia
Total length: 36 miles
Best time to visit: April-September
It's not incredibly long, but the El Choro Trail in Bolivia is a serious downhill trek that takes most explorers around three days to complete. The winding path descends from 4,900 meters to 1,350 meters and is home to beautiful plants, waterfalls, cattle, lamas, and even bears. Unfortunately, the El Choro Trail is extremely popular with visitors and has been known to have issues with security and safety, so be sure to travel with a group.
No. 5 - McKenzie River Trail
Location: Eugene, Oregon
Total length: 27 miles
Best time to visit: May-October
Ranked as the #1 Mountain Bike Trail in 2008 by Bike Magazine, the McKenzie River Trail runs through a 300 year old forest and follows crystal clear lakes throughout its 27 mile stretch. Rivers, waterfalls, log bridges, and rustic cabins make up the landscape of this gorgeous trail that borders the Cascade Mountains. Although it’s beloved by mountain bikers, it makes for a can’t-miss trail running experience, too.
No. 4 - Tahoe Rim Trail
Location: California, Nevada
Total length: 165 miles
Best time to visit: June-September
The Tahoe Rim Trail stretches around the Lake Tahoe Basin, encompassing six different counties and the states of California and Nevada as it winds through the Sierra Nevada and Carson ranges. It opened in 2001 and has quickly become a top destination for running, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. It’s open year-round, but sees some pretty serious snowfall in the winter, so it’s best to head up during the warmer months.
No. 3 - Poison Spider Mesa
Location: Moab, Utah
Total length: 37 miles
Best time to visit: Spring and Fall
Nestled in between the Colorado River and Utah’s Moab Valley, the Poison Spider Mesa is a popular destination for biking, ATVs, and 4x4s, but it also offers everything that makes for a great trail run. With large areas of unbroken slickrock, hills, and canyons, the Poison Spider Mesa is a diverse terrain that is both beautiful and historic. It offers amazing views of the Behind the Rocks trail in San Jaun County, as well as the La Sal Mountains. And, if you’re looking for some history, the Poison Spider Mesa actually has dinosaur footprints throughout the 37 mile stretch. Just make sure you look, but don’t touch or disturb the paleontological resources, or you’ll be breaking federal law.
No. 2 – Long Trail
Location: Vermont
Total length: 272 miles
Best time to visit: June to mid-October
The OG. Vemont’s Long Trail holds the distinction of being the oldest long-distance running trail in the country. Long Trail was completed in 1930 by the Green Mountain Club, and they continue to maintain and support the trail to this day. The lengthy, 272 mile stretch hits several major mountain summits and also goes through 45th parallel north, which is the halfway point between the equator and North Pole. If you’re looking to take in a truly historic run, Long Trail should be at the top of your list.
No. 1 - Kalalau Trail
Location: Kauai, Hawaii
Total length: 11 miles
Best time to visit: May-October
The Kalalau Trail along the Nā Pali Coast of Kauai is NOT for the faint of heart. It’s been named as one of the world’s most dangerous hikes on numerous occasions, and poses threats such as rising water levels, narrow paths, falling rocks, and deadly cliffs. However, for the more experienced hikers and trail runners, the rewards are fruitful. The secluded trail offers a challenging terrain, unforgettable sights, and, upon completion, a sense of accomplishment like no other.
