Footsteps to Fitness

Surround yourself with nature for a great workout.|Sara Askew Jones

Hit the trail now for a refreshing change of pace. Whether you go for an afternoon stroll or an all-day hike, let the rich blue skies, awesome foliage, and sweet fall air energize you.

Keep on Trekking
Footpaths come in all sizes, types, and levels of difficulty--some lead to great vistas while others follow meandering streams. Whether tucked in an urban setting or deep within a national forest, these trails can power up your fitness routine in a number of ways.

• Scenic walkways provide an ever-changing setting to stave off workout boredom.
• Wearing a backpack on longer excursions burns extra calories.
• Hiking or walking on hills helps build stamina and muscles, both good for your heart.
• Urban paths inspire people to get moving in a comfortable setting without concern for traffic.
• Looking at beautiful scenery can take your mind off the physical exertion.

Above all, walking on trails offers more than a pathway to fitness. It opens up a world of sensory pleasure and an appreciation for the environment.

Tips To Remember

• Stay on the trail for safety’s sake.
• Bring water for longer hikes. All-day backpackers need at least 2 to 3 quarts.
• Check the forecast, and dress in layers for fickle fall weather.
• Stretch gently before and after hiking.

 

Wish I Was Here
Here are a few of our staff members’ favorite trails.

Alabama

• Ruffner Mountain Nature Center: Birmingham; www.ruffnermountain.org

Arkansas

• Sugar Loaf Mountain National Recreational Trail: Greers Ferry Lake; www.greersferrylake.org

Florida

• Flatwoods Wilderness Park: near Tampa Bay; (813) 987-6211

Georgia

• Black Rock Mountain: near Clayton; www.gastateparks.org/info/blackrock
• Chattahoochee River Trails: near Atlanta; www.nps.gov/chat

Kentucky

• Cherokee Park: Louisville; www.olmstedparks.org
• Red River Gorge: near Lexington; www.redrivergorge.com

Maryland

• Billy Goat Trail: near Potomac; (301) 767-3714

Missouri

• Katy Trail State Park: near Columbia; 1-800-334-6946

North Carolina

• Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest: near Robbinsville; www.main.nc.us/graham/hiking/joycekil.html
• Pisgah National Forest: near Asheville; (828) 257-4200

South Carolina

• Anne Springs Close Greenway: near Rock Hill; (803) 548-7252
• I’On Village Walk: near Charleston; www.ioncommunity.com

Tennessee

• Chattanooga River Walk: (423) 643-6888
• Radnor Lake Trails: near Nashville; www.radnorlake.org

Texas

• Cedar Ridge Preserve: Dallas; www.audubondallas.org
• Town Lake: Austin; www.texasoutside.com/townlake

Virginia

• Wintergreen Trail System: near Charlottesville; www.wintergreenresort.com

Washington, D.C.

• Rock Creek Park: www.nps.gov/rocr

Healthy Benefits

• Accessible trails help build healthy communities by providing cost-effective places where anyone can exercise and enjoy the outdoors.
• Walking and other gentle forms of physical activity reduce arthritis pain and disability.

 

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