The right shoes are essential to a successful trail run, as is a good amount of grit. Especially across America's sprawling landscapes, no two trail runs are ever the same. Some weave in and out of urban cities, while others have runners practically scaling mountains. But for those daring enough to endure, the payoff can be massive. We've collected some of the most gorgeous trail runs in the country, full of lush scenery that is worth the road trip for those fit enough to get after it. Here are the best trail runs America has to offer.
The McKenzie River Trail in Eugene, Oregon
The McKenzie River Trail in Eugene, Oregon
Slinking alongside Oregon's gorgeous McKenzie River, the trail takes runners through ancient forests deep within Eugene's Cascade mountains. For those fit enough to endure the turbulent 27-mile trek, pure outdoor magic awaits. Log bridges, quick turns, steep climbs, and even steeper descents, runners will see former lava fields, hot springs, gorgeous blue pools, and seductive hot springs. The McKenzie River Trail is also home to its own 50-k, which sells out in mere minutes every year. Not to mention it's the highest-ranked mountain bike trail in America.
Laurel Highlands National Scenic Trail in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania
Laurel Highlands National Scenic Trail in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania
This 70-mile beast is a never-ending footpath expanding across the gorgeous Laurel Ridge of Ohiopyle. The trail explores deep and ancient forests and winds along the Youghiogheny River. It's one of the oldest ultra-distance trail races in the country, the 70.5 mile Lauren Highlands Ultra Race dating all the way back to 1980. For those in proper shape and not nervous about their knees, the views remain spectacular.
The Appalachian Trail From Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine
The Appalachian Trail
Not meant for the faint of heart, the legendary Appalachian Trail spans over 2,179 miles, passing through 14 different states in the process. It's America's most iconic trail, and elite ultrarunners have sought to conquer it since the beginning of time. The current record is under 48 days, but for those not interested in testing their physical limitations, the trail offers plenty of manageable and gorgeous trails within. To explain all the beautiful landscapes you'll see would be too much work, as the trail winds through the gorgeous Knoxville, Tennessee through Roanoke, Virginia all the way to Harrisburg Pennsylvania, and more.
Kalalau Trail in Kauai, Hawaii
Kalalau Trail in Kauai, Hawaii
For those seeking a more tropical route, this manageable 11-mile expanse across the breathtaking island of Kauai should be on every trail runner's bucket list. Built in the late 1800s, runners start at Ha'ena State Park and weave their way through five different valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach. Waterfalls, white sand beaches, guava trees, so many Kodak moments await those willing to make the trip to Hawaii.
Poison Spider Mesa in Moab, Utah
Poison Spider Mesa
Known more for its mountain biking, the Utah desert is home to one of the most brutal Slickrock trails in the country. Hydration packs are a must when undergoing this steamy 13-mile loop, but the result is very much worth the strenuous effort. Vistas of red rocks, the snowcapped La Sal Mountains looming over head in the distance. It all culminates in gorgeous views of the Utah desert that have to be seen to be believed.
The Maah Dahh Hey Trail in Medora, North Dakota
The Maah Dahh Hey Trail in Medora, North Dakota
Sweeping big sky vistas, neverending grasslands which feature wild horses running free just like in the movies, the Maah Daah Hey's rugged terrain makes for some truly jaw-dropping sites. Formerly a Native American trading route, the 96-mile trek connects the north and south end of Theodore Roosevelt National Park together and makes for an intense run. With that said, it also takes you through the park, and into a gorgeous sprawl of land known as the Petrified Forest.
The Finger Lakes Trail in Hector, New York
The Finger Lakes Trail in Hector, New York
The vast Finger Lakes Trail spreads across 950 miles of upstate New York beauty. 16,000-acres of the Finger Lakes National Forest is perfect for running and exploring and is nestled between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, two of the greatest bodies of water around. 30 miles of interwoven trails also await the tough and daring and will take a runner through ravines, woodlands, pastures, and of course gorges.
The Long Trail in Winhall, Vermont
The Long Trail in Winhall, Vermont
Dubbed by many as the oldest distance trail in all of America, Winhall's Long Trail was built sometime between 1910 and 1930, and is a vast 273-mile run that loops from Vermont around the Massachusetts state line to Canada. Along their journey, runners will be able to enjoy the breathtaking Green Mountains, if they can fare well against the steep hills. For those not willing to undergo the entire trail, the first 10 miles from the Mass border to Congdon Shelter in Bennington is an amazing stretch to run.