Urban dwellers love the city for its café culture, active nightlife and luxurious shopping. However, living in a city sometimes feels like living in a cage and locals desire to free-range. When in need to stretch your desk legs, trek around these local trails, green spaces and parks to escape the fast life.Seattle, Washington
Seattle hands down has some of the best urban frolicking around. Head to Magnolia to trek around Discovery Park where locals trek down the beach and back atop of the Magnolia hill. It’s the sure spot for escaping the city life. The Elliot Bay Trail leads along the Puget Sound and meanders past the marina, Olympic Sculpture Park and waterfront district. Lake Union is surrounded partway with the Burch Gilman Trail, which is a relatively flat trail that leads from Lake Union to Lake Washington.

Vancouver, British Columbia
The modern and chic Vancouver appreciates nature as much as it values innovative architecture. Stanley Park is the most popular trail, which borders the park and features water, city and mountain views. For an “inner-city” experience, follow the trail that meanders around the peninsula. Hikers and bikers can catch the trail anywhere, but its popular entranceways are near Stanley Park and English Bay.

Portland, Oregon
This Pacific Northwest city has no shortage of urban trails and parks. During the summer months, head to Washington Park to discover endless hiking opportunities and a gentle walk through the International Rose Test Garden. For an easy hike, head ten minutes outside of downtown to trek the three-mile Oak Bottoms trail located in the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge to view one of the many species of birds.

New York City, New York
The Big Apple stays active thanks to world-famous Central Park. This 843-acre urban park homes trails, special events, public art and historic sites. Even during the winter months New Yorkers hike, run, snowshoe and cross country ski the park, which is relatively flat mixed with rolling hills.

San Francisco, California
Similar to Seattle, San Francisco is a city of hills with plenty of urban frolicking. The popular Golden Gate Park contains plenty of trails that swivel through some of San Francisco’s top tourist destinations. For a dead flat hike, head to Crissy Field to walk or run between the marina and Golden Gate Bridge. For something more intense, hike Telegraph Hill to climb stairs and keep the glutes in shape.

Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is the densest city in Hawaii and this island state has no shortage of hiking trails. Diamond Head is a popular, yet relatively easy, trail showcasing the best of a non-fertile environment. For those that walk to Diamond Head from Downtown pass through spectacular sites of ocean views, historic public art and beaches alike.