6 East/West Coast National Park Trails for Running

From the rainforest of the Pacific Northwest to the shores of Maine, these bicoastal picks will inspire you to hit the trails. But before you ditch the road and hit the dirt, be sure to have a plan, experts say. That includes setting a distance to run and looking at a map to understand the trail’s details, such as the grade and where the path ends.

Parking, restrooms and park fees are also important to figure out ahead of time. Talk to park rangers to learn about weather and animal hazards along your route. And for longer adventures, don’t forget to bring water and snacks.

“Knowing what to expect when you get out on the trail will help you spend less time during your run worrying about whether you are going the right way and more time enjoying the run,” says Kristen Arendt, editor and content manager for Adventure Projects, an online resource for outdoor aficionados.

About the Author

Theresa Juva-Brown

Theresa Juva-Brown

Theresa Juva-Brown is a New York City-based journalist and former Gannett reporter who has covered a variety of topics, including breaking news, transportation and health. Theresa ran cross-country and track competitively for The University at Albany and has a master's degree in journalism from Syracuse University. She contributes to ACTIVE.com, Competitor Running, and Runner's World/Zelle. Follow her on Twitter at @TJuva.
Theresa Juva-Brown is a New York City-based journalist and former Gannett reporter who has covered a variety of topics, including breaking news, transportation and health. Theresa ran cross-country and track competitively for The University at Albany and has a master's degree in journalism from Syracuse University. She contributes to ACTIVE.com, Competitor Running, and Runner's World/Zelle. Follow her on Twitter at @TJuva.

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