Running with a View: 19 Fantastic Paths!
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Erie and Ohio Towpath Trail
Distance: 85 miles (170 miles round-trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Address & Parking: The Cuyahoga Valley section of the trail runs from Independence to Akron, Ohio. There are several trail-heads within the park. Parking at Trailhead 39 on Rockside Road in Independence, Ohio is a great place to start.
The Towpath Trail is an 85 mile long multi-purpose route which runs through 4 counties in Northeastern Ohio (Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas). It’s the place to run in Ohio, whether you are training for a simple 5k or full marathon. This pleasant trail follows the canal and features great shade coverage.
Tree-lined views for the majority of the course means that the fall season is particularly stunning. There are more than 48 trailheads to choose amongst. One of the most scenic sections of the path travels through Cuyahoga Valley National Park from Independence to Akron (20 miles of the trail cross through the park). Brandywine Falls is the most popular sight within the park and a great place to relax and take a recovery break.
If you are too tired to run the return route, you can always take a scenic ride aboard the Cuyahoga Valley train ride (Run Aboard! Program) for a special rate of only $5 (normally $9). You have the choice between the first train southbound or the last train northbound. So, plan how far your want to run in advance and be sure to take the train back for a relaxing, scenic recovery ride.
The trail is clean and well-marked and pretty desolate. The views are outstanding. There is no better place to train for a marathon in Ohio! Who knew Ohio held such pockets of beauty!
Tip: Plan your run in the Cuyahoga Valley section during the fall season. Then, take the train back at any one of the 6 stations for fabulous fall photography opportunities!
More info on the Towpath trail
Huntington Beach Bicycle Path
Distance: 7.5 miles (15 miles round trip)
Difficulty: Medium
Address & Parking: The beach is located at: 21601 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92646. Free parking can be found along the side streets (check the signs) or in various paid parking lots.
Southern California’s number 2 beachfront path is Huntington Beach State Park’s 7.5 mile oceanfront multi purpose path. This is a clean, wide trail that is sure to please all different types of athletes. You will see everyone out here – runners, walkers, roller-skaters, skateboarders, and cyclists.
Both short and long distance runners will appreciate the flat, paved course. The unending views of the Pacific Ocean make you anticipate your run, rather than dread it. It’s hard not to want to get out there and join everyone else in the fun. How can you not appreciate the beautiful ocean views? The round trip distance is absolutely perfect for those training for marathons – not too long, nor short.
Huntington Beach is one of the most scenic and active beach communities in Orange County. As you are running, you are likely to see surfers, volleyball players, and live events taking place, especially during the busy summer months. You may be tempted to join in on the fun after your run. Or better yet, take a well deserved break and relax at the beach for an hour or 2.
There are drinking fountains, snack shops, and restaurants conveniently located along the way. There is no separate path for bikers and runners, however, this should not be a problem if you visit early in the morning. The only downside to this path is the oftentimes super windy conditions.
Huntington Beach is a great town with plenty of things to do before an after your run. You will have your choice amongst dozens of waterfront restaurants, plenty of shopping, and of course endless beach activities!
Tip: Weekends get crowded! Visit on a weekday morning for reduced traffic on the path.
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Distance: 3 miles (6 miles round-trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Address & Parking: The boardwalk is located at: Atlantic Avenue Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Parking can be found on side streets and at paid meters.
What a gorgeous, clean, well-maintained pedestrian & bike path! Virginia Beach is home to a 3 mile oceanfront path, which is conveniently separated into a separate biking and walking path. This takes out many of the problems found on multi purpose paths, namely cyclists and joggers running into another.
The ride is very fast and flat and extremely scenic. You can gaze into the Atlantic Ocean for the entire journey. How’s that for a motivational run?! 6 miles is the perfect distance – not too long, but still a great workout! Great for 5k training and shorter half marathon training runs.
Jogging along the Virginia Beach boardwalk is a great opportunity to get out there this summer and enjoy people watching and the lively beach scene, while still getting in a nice workout. There are plenty of restaurants and attractions to treat yourself to after your run. And, a nice relaxing hour on the beach is the perfect motivating reward.
Virginia Beach, rightfully so, is often rated one of the top boardwalks in the country. After enjoying a leisurely run or bike ride along this beautiful course, you will see why it so highly regarded. It is also lit up at night, making it safe to enjoy a night run.
It’s hard to beat the views on the Virginia Beach boardwalk. With nothing but amazing views of the coast for 3 solid miles, you are sure to stay motivated to finish that run!
Tip: Visit during the spring off season and enjoy less traffic. And be sure to book your stay at an oceanfront hotel for direct access to the boardwalk. Best Western Plus Oceanfront is a great value!
More info on the Virginia Beach boardwalk path
Blackstone Boulevard Walking Path
Distance: 1.6 miles (3.2 miles roundtrip)
Difficulty: Medium
Address & Parking: The Blackstone Blvd. path is located at: Blackstone Blvd & Hope St. Providence, RI 02906. Plenty of free street parking is available.
Blackstone Boulevard, located near Brown University in the eastern section of Providence, Rhode Island, is the best place to run in the city. On any given day, you will see walkers and joggers enjoying the day, yet it is never too crowded to enjoy the path yourself. This path has a healthy, fresh vibe. You will find everyone from Brown University athletes, to seniors enjoying a cup of coffee, to dog walkers out completing the 3 mile round trip journey.
There are a few small hills, nothing too dramatic, but enough to make your run a bit more challenging. If you want more distance, just run the length twice. You will not tire of the peaceful, tree-lined views! The fall season is absolutely fantastic with striking red and orange trees lining the path.
No bikes are allowed so need to worry about sharing the path. Also, the path is very wide so you can easily glide past any walkers without constantly going around them. In general, people are very respectful on this path and stay out of the way for the runners.
Tree-lined views along with gorgeous views of historic homes allow you to get a workout in while actually enjoying the journey at the same time. This path has just got something special -maybe it’s the healthy, youthful vibe which is quite motivating.
Tip: After your run treat yourself to a dessert at Wildlflour Bakery in Pawtucket.
Crystal Cove State Park
Distance: 17 miles of trails
Difficulty: Hard
Address & Parking: Crystal Cove is located at: 8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Parking is steep – $15 per car ($20 on weekends and holidays), but don’t worry it is worth it for the tremendous views! Or, you can always find a side street and bike into the park for free (if you are willing to travel a bit).
One of Orange County’s hidden gems, Crystal Cove State Park, home to over 2000 acres of pristine, natural wilderness is the perfect place to train interrupted in the hills. Not for the novice runner, Crystal Hill’s hilly terrain is suited for intense running workouts.
Training on a portion of the 17 miles of hiking trails available within the park offers you the opportunity to take in fantastic views of the coast and natural coastal sage scrub landscape, while also getting in an all over body workout.
You will be prepared for any race after training on these intense hills. This really is a peaceful park with barely any crowds. It can be a bit spooky at times because it is so quiet. Mountain lions are known to inhabit the hills, so be careful. Also be aware that there is barely any shade on the trails, so wear a hat and wear plenty of sunblock! Also pack snacks and carry a large water bottle or water backpack.
Take an opportunity to escape the crowded beaches of Orange County by enjoying a natural getaway to Crystal Cove. The views are gorgeous and you may even spot wildlife along the way. Sweeping views of the coast help motivate you up the steep hills of Moro Canyon. And, a beautiful less-crowded beach awaits you after your workout.
Tip: Bring plenty of water – hill training here is quite intense!
