The Best Strava Routes in Every Major City for Runners

This wide, flat trail around Lake Merritt attracts runners like a magnet with its natural beauty in an urban setting. At just over three miles long, it’s an especially convenient stretch for those training for a 5K.

This wide, flat trail around Lake Merritt attracts runners like a magnet with its natural beauty in an urban setting. At just over three miles long, it’s an especially convenient stretch for those training for a 5K.

Meandering nearly 20 miles through Maryland, the NCR (Northern Central Railroad) Trail is a popular choice for runners with its serene wooded surroundings. This high use of this trail could also be related to the fact that it is the site of Baltimore’s oldest continuously running marathon: the NCR Marathon.

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Much of this well trodden trail has runners following Loch Raven Reservoir’s edge and catching fantastic views of the water.

This point to point segment follows the Lake Michigan shoreline for a great workout along the water’s edge. For a longer run, take on all 18 miles of the full trail, which connects Chicago’s four major lakefront parks.

As part of the 11.2 miles of paved trails in the gorgeous Ned Brown Forest Preserve, this path gets plenty of foot traffic from outdoorsy folks eager to enjoy one of the best natural areas in Illinois.

This popular segment is just 3.18 miles of the full 10-mile lake loop, but those looking for a long run workout don’t have to stop there. Located on the city’s northeast side, the path offers calming water views and even passes through the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

Athletes on the north side of Dallas flock to this railway-line-turned-green-space. Bordered by thick stands of native trees and vegetation, the path features zen running conditions; plus, it offers easy access to restaurants in the Arts District on the south side and the Highland Park neighborhood on the north side for a tasty postrun meal.

Winding around the outskirts of Denver’s Washington Park, which features two scenic lakes, this loop gets plenty of love from athletes in the Mile High City.

Country Club to REI - 3.89 mi - (along river path) Runners start near the Denver Country Club and follow the route of the Cherry Creek Trail on this popular segment, soaking in some of the best sights the city has to offer along the way.

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As part of route making up Atlanta’s Peachtree Road Race, this segment surely gets much of its use from runners participating in the famed running event. Those looking for a challenge are sure to find it in the steep incline of Cardiac Hill.

This out-and-back route rambles along the Chattahoochee River and is a flat enough route for runners of all skill levels to enjoy.

With more than 10,000 lakes in the state of Minnesota, Lake Calhoun—the largest lake within the metro area—seems to win the popularity contest among runners. The running path is nearly a perfect 5K in distance and provides tree-lined views of the city skyline.

Thousands of runners frequent the West River Parkway Trail, which follows the winding path of the Mississippi River. Several parks are located throughout the route and conveniently provide water, picnic spots, and porta-potties for those passing through.

As part of Tampa’s Gasparilla Half Marathon course, this point-to-point segment sees Strava runners starting at the race’s turnaround point and cruising along Bayshore Boulevard until they reach the location of the finish line.

Starting near the USF (University of South Florida) Riverwalk Park, the majority of this out-and-back stretch has runners making their way along the Tampa Riverwalk. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of dolphins playing in the Hillsborough River.

Buffalo Bayou / Quail Trail - 3.23 mi - Almost as fun to describe as it is to run, this route follows the Quail Trail alongside the Buffalo Bayou waterway. Athletes relish the reprieve from the Texas heat on this well shaded running path.

This segment, which begins near Sugar Land Memorial Park and follows University Boulevard up to LJ Parkway, is part of the city’s annual USA Fit Half Marathon course.

Spanning 27 miles total, this highly used recreational trail is a clear favorite according to Strava’s numbers. We have a sneaking suspicion that the nearby location of Brooks Headquarters may have something to do with that, as employees of the running shoe company don’t have to go far for a perfect lunch run.

This path on Seattle’s north side encircles Green Lake and is surrounded by lush greenery. When the weather is warm, enjoy a postrun cooldown by jumping in the water at one of several swimming locations along the route.