How to Find Places to Walk Trails

Experience the natural beauty of any area by exploring on foot while you get your daily exercise. Trails are as diverse as any location. You may find wood-chipped trails, flower-filled paths and even historical ones. Always wear comfortable and protective shoes and drink plenty of water as you walk.

Instructions

    • 1

      Go to the official website of the county, city or state where you want to find walking trails.

    • 2

      Access the outdoor and recreation link from the official website and find a list of parks in your desired area. Narrow down your search to a location near you. Parks offer designated, marked trails for nature walks and hiking.

    • 3

      Choose walking trails by looking at different types of parks in the area and their distance from your location. Neighborhood parks are the smallest type of parks developed for recreation. They are typically within walking distance of homes and offer a short loop trail from residences to the park and back. The walking trail may consist of paved paths, sidewalks and dirt trails. Other types of parks include regional parks, state parks and national parks. Regional parks offer bigger trails than neighborhood parks and have open spaces for recreational use as well as cultural activities. State parks typically have numerous wilderness and paved trails for hiking, walking and running. National parks offer longer, multi-use trails for walking and other recreation, often connecting to a statewide trail system. Expect to pay entrance fees to most state and national parks.

    • 4

      Consider trail features, length and scenery. Fort Washington National Park in Maryland, for example, has a three-mile trail that features opportunities for birdwatching and views of the Potomac River.