Excited for your next run? Whether that’s due to the fact you just treated yourself (finally) to new running gear or because you’ve got a new workout buddy who makes even the most grueling fartleks more enjoyable, all runners know one truth of the road: Not all trails are created equal. And we’re not just talking about gravel quality or the shady wonder of trees. We’re talking boggle-your-mind spectacles, major technical bragging rights, and fascinating histories that make trails worth planning a trip around. For 15 of the best trails in the country, keep reading. For unforgettable foot-to-earth memories, take those vacation days already.
Sarah Day
1. Discovery Trail in Long Beach Peninsula, Washington
Southwest Washington is a veritable mecca for runners. We can’t think of a better place to launch your adventures than on Discovery Trail, an 8.5-mile asphalt expanse (except for one unpaved steep section) that’s mostly parallel to the beach. Here, it’s well worth waking up early for your trot. You can savor the solitude, a misty or foggy backdrop, and perhaps a bald eagle or two. Most of the trail follows the curves of the sand dunes, which buffer winds off the Pacific Ocean. You’ll appreciate the parts of the trail under the blissful shade of scrub pine. File this under neat: The trail traces the path of Captain William Clark. Here, he ventured over the headlands to set foot for the first time on the western edge of the continent in what’s now known as the Long Beach Peninsula. You can read excerpts from the journals of the Corps of Discovery (a special unit of the United States Army for the Lewis and Clark Expedition) at interpretive markers on the trail. A bronze sculpture of a life-size windswept pine tree marks the north end of the trail. It takes the place of a real tree that stood for over 100 years after Second Lieutenant William Clark carved his initials and date in it.
2. The Carriage Trails in Moses Cone Memorial Park in Blowing Rock, North Carolina
This 25-mile network is part of the Blue Ridge Parkway (which is part of the National Park Service). The gravel trails are well-maintained and wide, giving you access to a large area of protected Blue Ridge Mountain land with picture-perfect views of green pastures and highland meadows (and, yes, plenty of epic mountain vistas). In terms of elevation gain, it’s comfortably gradual. Even if you choose a straight shot from the lowest point to the highest, you’re looking at a 1,200-foot gain over the course of 5.5 miles. This area is so beloved by runners, these very trails are what inspired the founders of ZAP Endurance to establish their running camp here, which currently provides training to Olympic hopefuls and long-distance runners, as well as running vacations with the Carriage Trails as your home base. While you’re in the area, be sure to journey to Flat Top Tower at the top of Flat Top trail. Here, the fire tower boasts some of the best views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the highest vantage point in Moses Cone Memorial Park.
3. Chocorua Mountain Trail in Chocorua, New Hampshire
There’s perhaps no better place in the world to build a campfire and treat yourself to a hot dog on a stick than New Hampshire’s White Mountains. And perhaps no better time to treat yourself to said feast than after conquering this uber-difficult trail. To orient yourself, this scene-stealing portion of the state contains Mount Washington Valley, which puts 700,000+ acres of national forest, 48 4,000-foot peaks, and a big chunk of the Saco River at your disposal. This particular trail pick comes courtesy of the Rockhopper Races organization, which creates challenging courses by working closely with the United States Forest Service, conservation organizations, and private landowners to host unique events. Expect soul-restoring views and 5,000 feet of climbing with an elevation that builds over the course of 14 miles. You’ll start with a 2.5-mile climb before descending to the bottom of the mountain, then climbing up to the summit. Warning: It’s very rocky, and only strong hikers and runners should attempt this beast of a trail.
Located near Lincoln City, the Drift Creek Falls Trail is pleasantly verdant. It’s lined with ferns, alder trees, and vine maple that weave through a rain-drenched coast range forest of hemlock and fir. Runners looking to take it easy will thoroughly enjoy the jaw-dropping landscape on this 3.2-mile jaunt. You’ll especially marvel at the suspension bridge. It’s held up by two giant towers and bolts in the rock, but still gives you that tightrope feel and a major adrenaline rush 100 feet above a rocky gorge.
5. Bowl and Pitcher Trailhead at Riverside State Park in Spokane, Washington
This sprawling park (more than 9,000 acres) is just outside of the city’s downtown along a delightful stretch of the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers. With 55 miles of hiking trails, it’s hard to pick just one, but one of the top trails has got to be the Bowl and Pitcher. It’s an excellent choice for any level of runner in the spring, summer, and early fall (when snow comes, try snowshoeing here). Our favorite spot on the trail is soaring across the suspension bridge, where you’ll definitely want to slow down and take in the scenery. History buffs, the wood and wire span was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1941, and you’ll see parts of the CCC’s old stone buildings and camps along the route. A Discover Pass is required to park, and kiosks to pay for day parking are also available at the Bowl & Pitcher Trailhead.
6. Colorado Trail via Molas Pass Trailhead in La Plata County, Colorado
About a half-hour outside Durango, this is a superb trail for runners with well-maintained grounds and fairly flat terrain that rewards you with picturesque scenes of the San Juan Mountains and Molas Lake. As part of the Colorado Trail system, the run length is up to you and operates like an out-and-back route, so you don’t have to worry about being winded in the middle of the woods. While it’s great for spring and summer runs, our vote is for fall outings thanks to the golden aspens brimming with radiant tones along the trail.
7. Sugar Pine Trail in Twain Harte in Tuolumne County, California
With Tuolumne County being the home to Yosemite National Park, epic views are a given. The Sugar Pine Trail is a must. Expect beautiful water features, panoramic mountain views, and plenty of gorgeous trees (which also provide welcome shade) along the 4.7-mile round-trip trail. The wide gravel path is dog-friendly should you decide to bring your canine companion.
On this 13-mile path from Columbus to Worthington, you’ll experience cityscapes and bucolic suburbia. You’ll see Ohio State University, charming neighborhoods, and the Whetstone Park of Roses and Antrim Park. Be sure to take note of The Shoe, the horseshoe-shaped football stadium where the Buckeyes play. If you’ve got your dog along for the fun, make a pit stop at Antrim Lake so your pet can cool off.
9. Monterey Coastal Recreation in Monterey, California
This 18-mile waterfront trail from Castroville in the north to Pacific Grove in the south has coastal views as heart-pounding as your PR pace. If you want to stop along the way, there are several joints to get a bite to eat and drink on the trail. Or, bring your own victuals and set up a picnic on one of the many grassy areas. Bonus points if you spy a sea lion or sea otter in the bay. Converted into a trail in the 1980s, a good portion of Monterey Coastal Recreation sits where the Southern Pacific Railroad once ran.
10. Chief Standing Bear Trail in Beatrice, Nebraska
You can get a history lesson at kiosks along the 22.9-mile crushed limestone rail-trail between Beatrice and the Nebraska/Kansas Border (there, it converges with the Blue River Trail, which continues on for another 11.7 miles to Marysville, Kansas). Suitable for all levels, try timing your visit to late September or early October, when the air is cooler and the foliage is at its peak, a colorful contrast to the glassy river. Parking is available in Beatrice at the trailhead right off Hwy 77, just south of Perkins Street.
11. James River Park Trail Loop in Richmond, Virginia
With more than six miles along this urban trail loop, it’s got something for everyone. The main sections of the loop are the Buttermilk Trail on the south side of the James River (when milk was delivered to people’s homes, the milkman would store buttermilk in a cool well that’s still located on the side of the trail—hence the name) and North Bank Trail on the north side. The North Bank offers top-notch views of the James River. However, if your experience allows, our vote is heading to the off-road trail. There, you’ll find rolling hills mixed in with a few steep climbs, creek and river crossings, and multiple access points and trailheads on either side of the river.
Maine. Glorious, wild Maine. This forest boasts nine stellar trails encompassed within 680+ acres of wildlife habitats (home to ever-elusive black bears, white-tailed deer, coyotes, and more) and forest. With ample trail options depending on your level and/or desired intensity, run along peat moss or packed gravel in one of the most phenomenal nooks of the Pine Tree State. The boardwalk section, Orono Bog Boardwalk, is one of our personal favorite cool-down spots, a roughly one-mile easy trail that goes through the wide reaches of an ancient bog.
13. Ridge to Rivers Trails in the Boise Foothills, Idaho
Yet to hit the road in the Gem State? You’re missing out—especially when it comes to the superb Ridge to Rivers trails. The interconnected system comprises 190 miles of trails in the Boise Foothills, just outside the city. Whether you crave a recovery day jog on flat land or a more challenging session, there’s no shortage of options. Many prefer visiting in spring when wildflowers are in bloom and shroud the hills in pink, yellow, and blue hues, but we’re partial to summer at the higher elevation trails closer to ski area Bogus Basin, where you can escape the heat and enjoy much cooler temperatures. If you’re in it for the wildflowers, head to Central Ridge Trail, a two-mile loop with sweeping views of downtown Boise. This particular trail is located in the Military Reserve, a 734-acre natural area that’s named for Fort Boise and the associated military maneuvers that were performed there between the 1860s and 1940s.
14. Hidden Falls Regional Park in Placer County, California
Trail maps don’t lie, these parts mean business. This picture-perfect park near Auburn provides 30 miles of multi-use trails for running, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It spoils guests with impressive vistas of the Sacramento Valley and the Sutter Buttes mountain range. When you head to these oak woodlands, carve out at least a few minutes to see the two observation decks to scope out some waterfalls and river scenes. The grounds are also home to a quarter-mile of concrete ADA-accessible trails. And while it’s open year-round, nothing beats catching the California poppies and other wildflowers in springtime. There are sheep, goats, and cattle roaming around the park, so be kind to your running buddies. Worth noting: A new 30-acre expansion will bring the entire trail network up to 60 acres.
15. Sugarloaf Trail at Carolina Beach State Park, Carolina Beach, North Carolina
Biology enthusiast? The rare Venus flytrap is native to Carolina Beach State Park. In fact, it only grows within a 60-mile radius of Carolina Beach. Now for the trail specs: Sugarloaf Trail is a three-mile loop along the Cape Fear River. The trail winds along coastal evergreen forest, fringe sandhill forest, tidal cypress-gum swamp, and longleaf pine savannah. It culminates at Sugarloaf Dune, a 50-foot-high forested sand dune, perched near the bank of the Cape Fear River. The scenery is so captivating you’ll almost forget you just cranked out three off-road miles. As long as they’re on leash, dogs are welcome. Once you’ve checked Sugarloaf Trail off your list, there are seven other trails to explore at the 761-acre park.
There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
Courtesy image
1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
Marius Bugge
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Marius Bugge
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
Marius Bugge
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top. Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
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If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
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