Happy Trails to You

We've scoured the country to find awe-inspiring routes -- from a near-vertical scramble to an idyllic seaside trot -- and mapped them out. You don't have to try them all, but you might want to

By Nancy Foley

If you're putting one foot in front of the other for miles on end, you'd better like the view. And if you're setting off into terra incognita, you'd best do it on a road that's been tested by like-minded runners. We polled a nationwide cross section of running devotees -- including top competitors like Karen Smyers and Suzy Hamilton -- for the paths that set their pulses racing. The routes are as different as their disciples, but each one serves up a combination of heart-pounding exertion and heart-stopping vistas. So hit the roads -- and enjoy the view.

The Mesa Trail
Boulder, Colo.
National triathlon champ Siri Lindley whistles to her dog Whoopi and heads out from Chautauqua Park up into the foothills to "running paradise." The trail meanders through forest, alongside streams and over rugged terrain. Have a friend pick you up at the end, at South Mesa Trail Head, 6.9 miles out, or hang an early U-turn and eyeball the spectacular view as you drop back down into Boulder.
the burn: 3+*
the high: eagles, deer, rabbits, Whoopi....
the info: 303-441-3408

The Walden Pond Path
Concord, Mass.
Follow the 1.7-mile trail as it hugs the edge of the pond, or venture into Walden Woods along the larger network of trails -- from wide and wood-chipped to narrow and boggy. Heads up for Team Psycho, a.k.a. triathlete Karen Smyers and her cronies.
the burn: 2
the high: the transcendent bliss of Thoreau's Walden
the info: 978-369-3254

The Beach Run
Hilton Head, S.C.
From Coligny Circle, set off in either direction on this hard-packed, easy-on-the-joints 12-mile strand and watch the sun rise. Some stretches are solitary; others buzz with beachgoers. All are idyllic.
the burn: 2
the high: dolphins, turtles and shrimp boats
the info: 843-785-3673

The Sugar River Trail
New Glarus, Wis.
This Swiss-style village is the start of the 23-mile trail where top runner Suzy Hamilton regularly stretches her legs. The scenery reminds her of Europe, she says. Yodeling optional.
the burn: 1
the high: fine, packed, knee-friendly gravel
the info: 800-527-6838

The Old Seven-Mile Bridge
Marathon, Fla.
Park in the lot off U.S. 1 just south of Marathon. Run two miles out to Pigeon Key -- the Atlantic on one side, the Gulf on the other -- turn back and enjoy the marine life along the way.
the burn: 1
the high: stingrays, sea turtles and sharks
the info: 800-842-9580

Camelback Mountain Summit Trail
Phoenix
Join the posse of superfit Arizonans who rise early to beat the heat and sprint up (1,400 feet) this rugged 1.2-mile trail. Come to the Echo Canyon Park trailhead prepared: gloves to protect your hands, a hat to block the sun and plenty of water to keep you from passing out. The path can get crowded, but you'll get a killer workout over a relatively short, if practically vertical, distance.
the burn: 4
the high: spectacular desert vistas from the city's best overlook
the info: 602-256-3220

The City Run
San Francisco
Start this seven-mile route downtown on Kearny Street and head through North Beach, then Russian Hill. Zigzag up Lombard Street. The course flattens as you cross Cow Hollow and enter Fort Mason. Check out Aquatic Park before turning back to Ghiradelli Square and Fisherman's Wharf. Just past Pier 39, head back to the start.
the burn: 3
the high: glimpses of Alcatraz, Coit Tower, Chinatown
the info: 415-392-4520

The Wildwood Trail
Portland
Choose any stretch of this 29.75-mile mother of a trail. The hilly terrain keeps your heart rate up, and the tree canopy keeps you cool in the heat or dry in the rain.
the burn: 2+
the high: lush-woods reverie minutes from the office
the info: 503-223-5449

*Difficulty is ranked on a scale from 1 (sight-seeing types welcome) to 5 (don't try it unless you're an Olympian).

Also: Shoe Time

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