ALTRA RUNNING CELEBRATES NATIONAL WALKING DAY 

We’re slowing it down to a nice stroll for National Walking Day. Join us in discovering some of our favorite walks across the US.

04-04-2021

Zach Bitter

Dreamy Draw in the Pheonix Mountain Preserve is one of my favorite places to walk. It’s right next to where my wife and I live and offers up a beautiful, paved path that cuts right through one of the main preserves in Phoenix. One aspect I really like about this path is it has a variety of different trail options if you decide to deviate from the main path.

Zach’s favorite Altra shoe for walking (and running): Escalante 2.5 

Dustin Feltman

Percy Warner Park is one of my favorite places to go for a walk with friends and family in the Nashville area. The park offers paved trails, nature trails, and horse trails, as well as large open spaces and pavilions to spend time outdoors. With loops of various distances, it’s a great place to go whether you want to do a couple of miles or just enjoy the outdoor space with friends.

Dustin digs the versatility of Lone Peak 5. 

Jennifer Sunahara

The Los Angeles State Historic Park offers 32 acres of open space directly next to Chinatown. This park has amazing views of Downtown LA and plenty of walking paths to wander around and enjoy. It’s spacious enough for all kinds of activities, plus it gives you a history lesson along the way. All around the park are informational plaques about the land, the city, and the art pieces inside.

Jennifer loves slight springiness of the Torin 4.5 Plush for walking. 

Kyle Northrup

The Ragged Mountain Reservoir in Charlottesville, VA is a 5ish mile loop that makes me forget about the small little city I live in. It’s a hilly course but that makes it a great place to walk. A couple of weeks ago, I walked here on a foggy day and had the entire place to myself. I love to escape into nature and here is where I can do that. 

Kyle’s says the cushion of the Olympus 4 is “the best!” (His words, not ours.)

Steven Kellett

Downtown Tavares is a great place to walk or go for a run. It’s got great views of the water and a nice trail. Plus, it’s easy to stop by any of the bars and restaurants if you want something to eat or drink. And of course, there are plenty of public restrooms for emergencies.

The Rivera is Steven’s shoe of choice. 

Michelle Reid

The Approach Trail (AT) starts in Amicalola Falls State Park and runs through the national forest to Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Though not technically part of the AT, many thru hikers begin their adventure here. The first mile of the trail takes you up 604 stairs to the top of the 729-foot falls, the highest in the state. From there you can continue to The Hike Inn, an eco-friendly lodge accessible only by foot. You can also take a longer backpacking trip to Springer Mountain or take the East Ridge trail back to the visitor’s center for some of the best views in the park. The options are endless!

Michelle’s go-to is the grippy, cushy Olympus 4.

Nicholas Budzyn

The Confluence Trail in Auburn, CA is always a blast as it’s the perfect blend of peaceful and stimulating. The trailhead is beneath the Foresthill Bridge, the highest in California. The trail provides easy access to the American River and has beautiful views of the valley, the historic mine, and rock formations from across the river. The area connects with a vast trail system that offers access to Auburn Lakes Trail, Lake Clementine Dam, and the Western States trail. I love them all. 

Nicholas picks the Lone Peak for comfort and protection. 

Dominic Romano

The Kansas River Trail in Lawrence, KS is a great trail to experience some nature right on the verge of town. Walking here offers a great view of the Kansas River with tall trees towering above you. The dirt trail starts along the river before going deep into the forest, the further you walk. This 8-mile trail is a fairly flat loop with many opportunities to turn around early if you don’t want to walk the entire trail.

Dominic sports the Superior 4.5. 

Tim Straffen

Mount Falcon in Morrison, CO is one of my favorite places to walk for so many reasons. First, the West Trailhead is only 15 minutes from my door and since I begin at the West side of the mountain, there is no climbing involved. Second, the mountain views are vast and it’s always so peaceful. And finally, there is a large shelter with breathtaking views and at times, I like to sit there and read or have a snack while I take it all in. 

Tim’s top choice for walking is the Lone Peak 5.

Julie Wiemerslage

Living in Gurnee, IL, I normally spend a lot of time on the trails of the Lake County Forest Preserves, particularly on the Des Plaines River Trail. But lately, there has been a ton of snow here, so I have been enjoying the ease of stepping out the front door and walking my dog, Kuma, in our neighborhood! We do a 1.6-mile route most days of the week and Kuma is very particular about that!

Julie’s been living in the Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mids this winter. 

Danny DeGirolomo

The neighborhood of St. Johns is by far my favorite place to walk around in Portland, OR. I lived in this area for over a year, and I have spent a lot of my time exploring all that this hidden gem of Portland has to offer. St. Johns features a straight half-mile or so of small businesses and restaurants, all unique in their offerings. And it’s just a short walk away from beautiful green spaces like Cathedral Park. St. Johns is also very accessible to a large trail system. Just cross the historic bridge and you’ll be immediately welcomed into the massive 5,200-acre Forest Park. St. Johns really does have a little bit of everything!

Danny does his exploring in the Lone Peak.

Colby Gould

The Academy trails in Exeter, NH are my favorite place in my hometown. I grew up walking, running, and biking these routes and cultivated an appreciation for nature that I still carry with me today. Being a certified New Hampshire Tree Farm, the trails are wonderful in any season and are even groomed for cross-country skiing during the winter months. The Red Trail, a 3-mile loop that runs along the Exeter River, is my personal recommendation. It meanders through tranquil forest terrain and offers a glimpse into largely undisturbed NH woodland habitats. Whenever I need to destress with a walk alone in nature, the Academy trails are my go-to spot. 

Colby’s winter walking shoe of choice is the Olympus 4.

Ryan Whitcomb

Lake Benson Park in Garner, NC is my favorite place to walk regardless of the season. There are options for paved or natural trails, as well as large open fields and playgrounds for children. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking to get in a couple of miles on a variety of terrain. There are tons of play options for kids as well which is great to have this year as a way to get out of the house.