Running with a View: 19 Fantastic Paths!
East Bay Bike Path
Distance: 14.5 miles (29 miles round-trip)
Difficulty: Medium
Address & Parking: The path begins in Bristol or East Providence, Rhode Island. The best place to park and start your ride is in beautiful Independence Park located on Thames Street in Bristol, Rhode Island. Parking is free.
Although technically a bike path, Rhode Island’s best trail is also a runner’s dream. This is one occasion where you will be excited to get out there and complete your run. With views of everything from parks, to the bay, to a lighthouse, how could you not be motivated?
Spectacular views await you on almost the entirety of this 14.5 mile trail which follows the route of a former railroad. Not surprisingly, it has been included in the Rail Trail Hall of Fame.
The flat, well-maintained surface provides for a smooth, easy run. There are 2 rough hills, but otherwise it’s a nice, leisurely path. Whether you are training for a 5k or half marathon, there are endless breathtaking views to enjoy and miles to be run!
Along the way, you will have the opportunity to pass several attractive sights including: The Providence skyline, Narragansett Bay, and Hanes Memorial Forest. Starting in Bristol at Independence Park and running to Haines Park is a good 16 mile round-trip marathon training run – and it just so happens to be the most scenic portion of the path.
Tip: Check out the East Bay trail map to plan out your running route.
More info on the East Bay Bike Path
Emerald Bay State Park
Distance: Rubicon Trail (6.5 miles)
Difficulty: Medium-Hard
Address & Parking: Emerald Bay State Park is located at: 11001 California 89, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. The main Vikingsholm lot is $10 per car. There are several parking lots on the road which are free. You can also park in the Lake Tahoe Visitor’s Center and take the Nifty 50 trolley to the trail head either at Eagle Point Campground or DL Bliss State Park.
Emerald Bay State Park in Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful places in the world. With spectacular scenery at every corner, it’s the perfect location for a trail run.
Although challenging, the views more than make up for the effort. Here you will find miles upon miles of trails, each offering panoramic views of the beautiful lakes and surrounding mountains. There isn’t a more spectacular place for a run than amongst the beautiful mountains of Lake Tahoe.
With scenery as amazing as this you may run even further than you initially planned. Panoramic views of gorgeous Lake Tahoe combined with an amazing full body workout – a run doesn’t get much better than this!
The Rubicon Trail is a mesmerizing 6.5 mile trail which offers outstanding overlooks of the entire region.
Take a break from the many attractions found in South Lake Tahoe and experience a natural wonder like no other. A jog through Emerald Bay is both a great workout and an opportunity to view the natural landscapes away from the crowds. You may even spot a black bear – they are frequently seen within the park. Do keep your distance!
Tip: Be sure to read up on Black Bear safety before planning a run. Read through Emerald Bay’s Black Bear safety guide.
Ashokan Reservoir
Distance: 1.5 miles (3 miles round-trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Address & Parking: Free parking at BWS Road in Shokan, New York
One of the most beautiful places on the East coast is no doubt New York’s beautiful Catskills Mountains region. Within this mesmerizing rural escape, you will find endless choices for beautiful year-round recreation, including a trail around Ashokan Reservoir, New York’s deepest reservoir and source of drinking water for New York City.
This wide, flat paved path is perfect for runners. Unending views of the gorgeous Catskill mountains and reservoir lead to some picture-perfect running conditions. The 1.5 mile path curves around the reservoir, enabling you to experience panoramic views of New York’s gorgeous Catskills region. This walk provides you with some of the best views in the region.
The only way to truly appreciate the beauty of the area is by getting out there and taking in the gorgeous views for yourself. A slow, relaxing jog around the reservoir is the perfect way to start each morning of your Catskill vacation.
Tip: Stay at Emerson Resort and Spa, located just a 10 minute drive away. This beautiful resort features cabins with views of the Esopus Creek, a great spa, and an on-site restaurant
Walkway over the Hudson
Distance: 1.28 miles (2.56 miles round-trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Address & Parking: Free parking is available on the side streets at: 87 Haviland Rd. Highland, NY
Walkway over the Hudson, a 1.28 path, is the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. The year-round path offers spectacular views of the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains.
Although the distance is just a little bit over a mile, the opportunity to run across this 200+ foot tall bridge is an incredible experience offering tremendous views that you are sure to never forget. The pathway is completely flat, allowing for multiple trips across to up your total mileage. It’s definitely one of the more scenic short running paths!
Fall is a particularly fantastic time to plan your visit as the views will be even more amazing.
Restrooms, snacks, and picnicking areas are available to use before/after your run.
Tip: This path tends to get pretty crowded. It will be hard to jog with high walker traffic. Visit during the off season or weekday mornings for the most peaceful running conditions.
