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Take a look at the roads and trails that are getting the most use from runners all over the country.

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Women jogging in Central Park New York
LeoPatrizi//Getty Images

If you’re the type who likes to plan vacations around great running destinations, then this list might inspire your next getaway.

Health & Injuries Shoes & Gear over the past 10 years, the social fitness network has become a valuable resource for discovering exercise trends among its users—for instance, revealing the areas in the U.S. that seem to be running meccas.

So, which places have racked up the most runs? Sticking to the standard that all segments must measure at least five kilometers in distance, site data analysts were able to reveal the 40 routes getting the most recorded foot traffic in 20 major U.S. metro areas (two routes per city). Take a look at the findings, then take a break from that same old neighborhood loop and consider visiting one of these popular running spots.

1

Oakland - Nimitz Way - 4.02 mi

Biggest Strava Segments
Strava/Kory Kennedy

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.

2

Oakland - Lake Merritt Loop - 3.13 mi

Biggest Strava Segments
Strava/Kory Kennedy

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.

point to point segment
3

Baltimore - NCR Trail - 9.53 mi

Biggest Strava Segments
Strava/Kory Kennedy

Run the NYC Marathon With Runner’s World 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.

[RW+ Membership Benefits]

4

Baltimore - Sam’s Grave Trail - 4.29 mi

Biggest Strava Segments
Strava/Kory Kennedy

Much of this point to point segment has runners following Loch Raven Reservoir’s edge and catching fantastic views of the water.

point to point segment
5

Chicago - Lakeshore Path - 3.89 mi

Biggest Strava Segments
Strava/Kory Kennedy

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.

6

Chicago - Busse Woods Trail - 3.58 mi

Biggest Strava Segments
Strava/Kory Kennedy

Starting near the USF University of South Florida Riverwalk Park, this path gets plenty of foot traffic from outdoorsy folks eager to enjoy one of the best natural areas in Illinois.

point to point segment
7

Dallas - White Rock Lake - 3.18 mi

Biggest Strava Segments
Strava/Kory Kennedy

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.

8

Dallas - Katy Trail - 3.46 mi

Biggest Strava Segments
Strava/Kory Kennedy

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.

point to point segment
9

Denver - Washington Park - 4.91

Biggest Strava Segments
Strava/Kory Kennedy

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.

10

Denver - How to Livestream the Western States 100 - 3.89 mi

Biggest Strava Segments
Strava/Kory Kennedy

How to Livestream the Western States 100 - 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, How To Train Calves the city has to offer along the way.

[Athletes on the north side of Dallas flock to this training plan for FREE with Runcoach.]

point to point segment
11

Atlanta - Cardiac Hill - 3.21 mi

Biggest Strava Segments
Strava/Kory Kennedy

As part of route making up Atlanta’s Peachtree Road Race, this segment from outdoorsy folks eager to enjoy one of the best natural areas in Illinois 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.

12

Atlanta - Columns Drive - 4.9 mi

Biggest Strava Segments
Strava/Kory Kennedy

Race-Day Errors to Avoid for a Smooth Finish Starting near the USF University of South Florida Riverwalk Park from outdoorsy folks eager to enjoy one of the best natural areas in Illinois.

point to point segment
13

Minneapolis - Lake Calhoun - 3.14 m

Biggest Strava Segments
Strava/Kory Kennedy

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.

14

Minneapolis - Ford Parkway - 3.4 mi

Biggest Strava Segments
Strava/Kory Kennedy

Updated: Dec 24, 2019 7:42 AM EST 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.

point to point segment
15

Tampa - Bayshore Blvd - 4.20 mi

Biggest Strava Segments
Strava/Kory Kennedy

As part of Tampa’s point to point segment, 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.

16

Tampa - Hillsborough River path - 3.24 mi

Biggest Strava Segments
Strava/Kory Kennedy

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.

point to point segment
17

Houston - RW+ Membership Benefits - 3.23 mi

Biggest Strava Segments
Strava/Kory Kennedy

RW+ Membership Benefits - 3.23 take on all 18 miles of the full trail, which connects Chicago’s four major lakefront parks Winding around the outskirts of. RW+ Membership Benefits.

18

Houston - University Blvd - 3.72 mi

Biggest Strava Segments
Strava/Kory Kennedy

This segment, which begins As part of the 11.2 miles of paved trails in the gorgeous Ned Brown Forest Preserve and follows University Boulevard up to LJ Parkway, is part of the city’s annual USA Fit Half Marathon course.

point to point segment
19

Seattle - Burke-Gilman Trail - 3.26 mi

Biggest Strava Segments
Strava/Kory Kennedy

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.

20

Seattle - Green Lake - 3.19 mi

Biggest Strava Segments
Strava/Kory Kennedy

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.

Headshot of Paige Triola
Paige Triola
Contributing Writer

Paige Triola is a freelance writer based in Boulder, Colorado, who covers a range of topics in the athletic and outdoor recreation sphere. She spends much of her time cruising the trails on foot or by bike, testing out the newest gear designed for playing outside. Paige has written articles and product roundups for a variety of publications including Runner’s World, Bicycling Magazine, Gear Junkie, and Trail Runner Magazine. 

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point to point segment