America’s Top 10 Walks With a View

It’s hard to motivate yourself to get off the couch for some exercise when you’re sick and tired of seeing the same 20 houses every day. If the scenery on your walks is wearing you down, break out of your routine and take a walk in a more motivational setting.

Get out of your neighborhood or city or state and experience exercise like never before when you try walking one of these breathtakingly beautiful routes from our list of top 10 walks in the USA.

Cascade Mountain, NY

Nestled in the Adirondacks, Cascade Mountain is named so for the breathtaking waterfalls worked into the mountain’s base. Though scaling a mountain sounds significantly more vigorous than the regular strolls you’re used to, Cascade Mountain is the easiest of the Adirondacks to climb, and the hike is only 4.2 miles in length. Plus, with stunning views of the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain, we doubt you’ll be complaining about the exertion when you reach the top.

Beacon Heights, NC

One of the shortest walks on this list, Beacon Heights will see you moving for less than a mile before you reach a peak accompanied by astounding views of the surrounding countryside. This hike is short and sweet, but if you’re looking for more of a challenge, there are plenty of connections to longer trails, like the Mountains to the Sea trail that will take you to the Atlantic Ocean.

Adams Morgan and Rock Creek Park, DC

Just because you want a change of scenery doesn’t mean you want to go into the wilderness. Plenty of city walks are just as visually stunning, plus you might even learn something along the way.

Everyone knows the National Mall, and if you’re looking for a “walk” rather than a “stand and look” you can’t do better elsewhere in the nation’s capital. This alternate path takes you through the historic neighborhood of Adams Morgan and past some of the lesser-known national monuments, but brings you right back to the Lincoln Memorial when you’re done for the more recognizable features of D.C.

Cape Henry Trail, VA

On this walk, you’ll get a taste of all the different types of terrain along Virginia’s coast. You’ll trek through forests, swamps and salt marshes — but the views are anything but distasteful. Though at six miles long this is one of the longer trails on this list, this walk through Virginia’s wilderness is mostly flat, so it won’t be too strenuous. In fact, you might even want to pick up a pedometer to help you keep track of exactly how far you’ve gone.

The Freedom Trail, MA

To inject some history and education into your walk, try out Boston’s storied Freedom Trail, where you’ll get to see too many of the famous locations where the Founding Fathers shaped America. Some of the places you’ll get to see include:

• Massachusetts State House
• Benjamin Franklin’s Statue
• Old South Meeting House
• Site of the Boston Massacre
• Paul Revere’s House
• Bunker Hill Monument
• And so much more!

Williams Lake Trail, NM

If you’re only a light walker, you might be wary of this intermediate-level hike; however, if you are devoted to getting the best views possible, this one would be a hard walk to miss. The path is only about two miles, but when you reach the summit you’ll be rewarded with extensive views of the valley’s lush forest and clear blue Williams Lake.

Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge, NY

For the most urban of walks, take a stroll around Manhattan’s most impressive skyscrapers and cross the East River on the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. If you’ve never visited the city before, this walk will take you past all the highlights you’ve seen on movies or television; you’ll see the Hudson River, the new 9/11 Memorial as well as the iconic Staten Island Ferry — which if you choose to ride will take you right up close to the Statue of Liberty.

Blue Spring Loop, AL

One of the hillier hikes on this list, you’ll be ascending and descending more frequently than perhaps you’re used to on your neighborhood walks. Still, the scenery makes the exertion well worthwhile. At hill peaks, you’ll be granted views of the surrounding woodlands, while in the valleys you’ll walk alongside streams, swamps and ponds. You’ll be surprised at the extreme diversity in plant and animal present in the same forest!

Torreya Challenge Loop, FL

What seems to be another rather level walk through marshy wilderness is in fact a rare treat to the devoted walker. You’ll navigate ridges and gorges for unparalleled views of Florida’s outback. This trail is open year-round, and if you fancy extending your trek, campgrounds abound to keep you cozy while you recover from a good day’s walk.

Rickenbacker Causeway, FL

Miami is a beautiful city with local flavor bursting at the seams. The Rickenbacker Causeway connects Miami with some of the nearest Florida Keys, so while you’re walking you’ll be able to view miles of crystal blue Caribbean waters as well as boats of all shapes and sizes. Plus, if you’re the type to get lonely on your walks, know that this exercise route can get busy on the weekends so you won’t be wanting for company.