Are you itching to pack your bags, drive across the country, and run on some of the nation’s best trails? Fuel your wanderlust with these top trail running recommendations, chosen by our well-traveled team. Whether you’re looking for sweeping views of the Tetons or secret Midwestern trail gems, these inspiring options provide plenty of opportunities to explore the United States on foot.
In a country as large as the United States, there’s no shortage of dreamy National Park and National Scenic trails to explore. This list could go on and on, but here are 6 of our favorite running (and hiking) trails to consider:
1. The Ice Age Trail
The Ice Age Trail is a stunning National Scenic Trail that stretches over 1,000 miles across the state of Wisconsin, from the Minnesota border to Potawatomi State Park along the shores of Lake Michigan. This remarkable route winds through rolling forests and ancient glacial landscapes, offering a unique opportunity to experience Wisconsin’s natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful forest-bathing escape or to navigate the geological edge of the last continental glacier in Wisconsin, there’s plenty of terrain to explore.
Most people complete shorter section runs (3-20 miles at a time). A good place to start is the Kettle Moraine State Forest. If you are looking for an added challenge, you can sign up for the Ice Age Trail 50, an ultramarathon through the southern Kettle Moraines. The Ice Age Trail Alliance provides information on trail running, backpacking, and thru-hiking routes.
Trail Rating: Mellow to Moderate
Best Time to Go: September for fall foliage
2. Jenny Lake Trail, Grand Teton National Park
If the sight of towering granite spines sends your heart soaring, hop in the car right now and drive out to Grand Teton National Park. We recommend starting with a tried-and-true GTNP favorite: Jenny Lake Trail. While popular, this easy-to-access 7-mile trail combines the beauty of mountain wilderness with a moderate elevation gain (400 feet) as you circumnavigate Jenny Lake and take in stunning mountain views.
Note: Wyoming is bear country, so it’s important to practice proper bear safety.
Trail Rating: Moderate
Best time to Go: June through late September (the road from Jackson closes for the winter).
3. Syncline Loop Trail, Canyonlands National Park
Experienced adventurers only: If you’re looking for a trail-running challenge and want to get off the beaten path, try this epic 8-mile loop through the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park. Navigate colorful canyons, steep switchbacks, and boulder fields while gaining 1,600 feet of elevation.
Note: The Syncline Loop is recommended for experienced hikers and runners only. Download the AllTrails map (the trail is marked by cairns, but they can be difficult to see in certain lighting). Go early in the morning to avoid the heat and pack plenty of water.
Trail Rating: Challenging
Best time to Go: April and October for more moderate temperatures.
4. The Long Trail, Vermont
Nestled amidst the Green Mountains in Vermont, the Long Trail is the oldest continuous footpath in the United States. Starting at the Vermont-Massachusetts border, it winds its way 272 miles north to the US-Canada border. While many adventurers thru-hike it as an extension of the Appalachian trail, a good portion of users opt to section run or hike anywhere from 2-20 miles in a single day. Vermont running is no joke: boulder-strewn trails, mud, and uphill battles can take a toll on quads and ankles. The Green Mountain Club has a guidebook with everything you need to know as well as suggested trail running routes (from beginner to advanced).
Trail Rating: Moderate to Challenging (depending on the section)
Best time to Go: June through September
5. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Step back in time and take a ferry to Mackinac Island, a dreamy Lake Michigan oasis. On this fairytale island, cars are outlawed, and bikes, runners, horses (and ghosts?) reign supreme. Once celebrated as the United States' second National Park, the island now enjoys State Park status, offering over 70 miles of scenic trails.
Explore the iconic 8-mile paved loop that hugs the rugged Lake Michigan coastline or take on the hilly interior trails for an added challenge. After your run, unwind by exploring the island’s Victorian-style hotels, charming outdoor restaurants, and historic forts. There’s plenty to discover and enjoy in this family-friendly paradise.
Trail Rating: Mellow
Best Time to Go: June – September
6. The Boy Scout Trail, Joshua Tree National Park
If you're craving a desert landscape that feels straight out of a Dr. Seuss book, make your way to Joshua Tree National Park. Just a short drive from Palm Springs, and a few hours from LA or Vegas, this magical park sits at the crossroads of the Mojave and Colorado desert ecosystems. For generations, it has been a sanctuary for those seeking wellness, tranquility, and a touch of the mystical.
The park’s whimsical Joshua trees, prickly pear and hedgehog cacti, and towering boulder formations spark the imagination, while its delightful desert trails keep adventurers coming back for more. Trail runners will love the Boy Scout Trail, a relatively flat 8-mile point-to-point (or 16-mile out-and-back) route that also features excellent rock formations for bouldering or scrambling, with stunning desert views. For those seeking a challenge, the Joshua Tree Traverse offers ultrarunners a thrilling 40-mile adventure through this otherworldly landscape. Remember to run early in the morning (or late in the afternoon) to avoid peak temperatures and to pack more water and electrolytes than you think you need.
Trail Rating: Mellow to Moderate
Best Time to Go: Oct-March (to avoid the heat)
The Best Places for Trail Running in the U.S.:
What are you waiting for? Hop in the car and head somewhere new this year. Even if you don’t have the time for a big road trip, the U.S. is home to countless incredible trails to run and hike on. This list is only the beginning. From backyard paths to 1,000-mile trails, we’d love to hear where you’re planning to run this year. Wherever you run and hike, it pays to have the right gear. Trail runners and hikers rely on Injinji toesocks to keep their feet dry and blister-free during sweaty pursuits. We recommend checking out our Trail series to upgrade your gear kit, prioritize foot health, and complete your runcation blister-free.
The Best Socks for Blister-Free Trail Running:
This fall, Team Injinji Athlete Jeff Browning ran 490 miles (from Durango to Denver) in just over 7 days. Along the way, he relied on Injinji toesocks to complete the grueling challenge completely blister-free (and even earn an FKT). Curious about his footcare recommendations, or want to know how to choose socks that prevent blisters for athletes?
