Five Trail-Friendly Towns

Not every town makes it easy to live an active, outdoors-oriented lifestyle. These six trail-friendly towns and small cities put walking, biking, and hiking at the center of daily life. From riverfront greenways and urban paths to forested trails and mountain climbs just outside town, each destination has plenty of venues for enjoying the outdoors.

Asheville, North Carolina

Tucked between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Smoky Mountains in scenic western North Carolina, Asheville is trendy and funky with a Southern sensibility and a wonderful downtown full of comfy cafes, arcades, art galleries, street buskers, Art Deco buildings and breweries. 

The city is also home to the French Broad River Greenway, which winds along the river, offering paved and natural paths for walking, running, and cycling. Parks such as Carrier Park and the North Asheville greenways add miles of accessible trails right in town. Step just outside Asheville and the options expand dramatically, as the Blue Ridge Parkway provides scenic overlooks and hiking trailheads, while Pisgah National Forest and the surrounding mountains feature hundreds of miles of hiking paths, waterfalls, and old-growth forest.

Boulder, Colorado

Nestled in the shadow of the rugged Rocky Mountain foothills just outside of Denver, Boulder is home to the University of Colorado’s flagship campus and is a progressive, outdoor-oriented metropolis. The downtown Pearl Street Mall is a wonderful pedestrian shopping area with fun shops, great restaurants, street performers and more. 

For walkers, bikers and hikers, Boulder never disappoints. The Boulder Creek Path runs through the city, connecting parks, neighborhoods, and downtown, making daily walks or bike rides effortless. Beyond the city limits, the Flatirons rise dramatically from the foothills, offering dozens of trails of varying difficulty with breathtaking views of the plains and mountains. Chautauqua Park provides both historic charm and access to dozens of interconnected paths.

Traverse City, Michigan

At the southern end of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, idyllic Traverse City is home to a robust arts and foodie culture with galleries, museums and restaurants aplenty. The area has more than 180 miles of shoreline and boasts 149 deep, crystal-clear lakes. Dozens of beaches are nearby, as are acres and acres of lush forests, rolling hills, vineyards and cherry orchards.

For cyclists, walkers and hikers, the Boardman Lake Loop Trail winds around Boardman Lake, providing picturesque views of the water and downtown skyline. Just outside of town, trails lead into Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where towering sand dunes, forested paths, and bluff-top overlooks offer more challenging hikes and breathtaking panoramas of Lake Michigan.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Founded in 1610, Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the United States and the oldest European community west of the Mississippi. It sits at 7,000 feet above sea level in the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and is a rustic but sophisticated place with a slightly mystical vibe. Locals enjoy hundreds of art galleries, the renowned outdoor Santa Fe Opera, the world-famous Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival and much more. 

For hikers, bikers and walkers, the Santa Fe River Trail and the Rail Trail offer scenic, flat paths connecting parks, historic neighborhoods, and cultural sites, perfect for strolls or casual bike rides. Just outside of town, the Sangre de Cristo foothills and surrounding national forest trails provide countless hiking opportunities, from gentle desert strolls to more strenuous mountain climbs with panoramic views of the high desert and city below.

Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville sits at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in South Carolina’s Upcountry and is a shopping, dining and cultural hub undergoing a renaissance, receiving national attention for turning its once decaying downtown into an inviting, leafy, walkable area with a slightly European ambiance. The city is home to pubs, shops, art galleries and outstanding restaurants that rivel those found in New York and San Francisco. 

The city’s in-town walking and biking trails are just as impressive. The Swamp Rabbit Trail stretches more than 22 miles, connecting downtown Greenville to parks, neighborhoods, and nearby towns, perfect for walking, running, or cycling. Just outside of town, the Blue Ridge foothills and nearby state parks offer forested trails, waterfalls, and moderate hikes for nature lovers.

Whether you’re looking for a casual stroll through a downtown greenway or a challenging hike in the nearby mountains, these towns make it easy to connect with Mother Nature every day.