Find the Best Running Path/Trail Near You (Running Tips)!

Daniel Kao
4 min readMay 5, 2022

If you’re looking for the best running path or trail near me, look no further!

Here are tips on how to find the best running path near you quickly & effectively.

As a bonus, we’ll show you how you can also find the best 5K, 10K, or Half-Marathon near you so you can sign-up for a fun race to set a goal for.

Without further adieu,

#1 This first step may be obvious but Start with Google

You can do a simple google search on “running path” or “running” trail to find trails nearby, often even with reviews of the trails before you run them.

If you’re looking for a running path near where you live, you may be familiar with several of the paths in your city already.

But if you’re looking for a running path while traveling or at a new place, it’s important to find out what trails are nearby that other people have enjoyed running on.

Some running paths may not be suitable for running at different times of the day or some may be overcrowded at times.

Just a little bit of research will go a long way to help you find a running path that’s best for you.

#2 Try searching Parks

Often times, the best running paths can’t be found just through a google search. However, if you search for “Parks”, a lot of popular parks are great for running!

Parks are awesome places to run. Many parks will have trees to help shade you from the heat.

Parks may also have water fountains to quench your thirst.

Usually, Parks will also have trash cans to dispose of any of your running snack packaging you may want to bring.

But best of all, Parks are usually maintained by the City so you know the paths will be cleaned and maintained so you have a great running path to run on.

#3 Try searching Downtown

The urban environment or running downtown is a great way to see the City and give you an extra pump to your run.

This is because the city lights and all that’s going on around town is stimulating and gives you the experience of running in a large organized marathon.

The urban city usually will also have more people walking around. And though they’re probably not there to cheer you on, the energy of others being present can be motivating for your run.

Just be weary and careful of some of the downsides of Urban running such as vehicles, traffic stop lights, and shady areas.

Always exercise common sense (such as not running at night by yourself where there aren’t a lot of other people).

#4 Try searching “Attractions” (e.g. Farmers Market)

There’s no better way to explore or see a City than running! This is particularly fun if you haven’t seen certain attractions in a new place. But even if it’s your hometown, you can visit popular attractions or Farmers Market to grab a reward for your run!

The only thing you want to remember is to make sure to bring some money in case you find something you want to buy during your run!

This is a great way to take your mind off of the run itself and get lost in a City running away those calories.

#5 Try searching “Running Group near me”

Often, running in a group is much better than running alone. But even better is finding a local running group where other runners will know the best running paths to runon.

Local runners will usually know the best running paths at different times, in different locations, and in different seasons.

On top of that, local running groups usually may even have a social gathering after the run! This will be sure to keep you motivated to continue running and reaching your goals.

#6 Try searching “5K run near me”

Organized runs are usually set up by race professionals that measure distance, elevation, and scenery of the running path they set up for their race.

You can find the course map for most races on their website. Some have a complete loop. While others may be an out-and-back path with a turnaround point.

You’ll also find ideal water stops and certain course markings that may be helpful to know.

This gives you all the benefits of a professionally laid out running path without having to map out your own.

Who knows… perhaps if you like the course enough, you may even sign-up for that race and compete on it!

#7 Go Spontaneous!

Sometimes the best running paths start from right outside your doorstep.

Whatever gets you out the door and running without you having to think too much about how or when to start, could very well be the best running path to run on!

There are limitless possibilities with the running route from your house. You can explore new places to go and new routes to take.

This spontaneous running path can lead to somewhere you never would have explored if you try planning too much.

So give it a try… lace up your shoes, go out, and just run!

Which of these running paths is your favorite? Or which one would you try on your next run? Comment below! Every month we’ll pick out a random winner to send a free running shirt to.

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