Enjoy walking but tired of the same ol’ trails or routes every time? Here’s how I’ve found dozens of trails close to home that I never knew about…
I thought I had walked every trail within a walk or short drive from my house but, boy, was I wrong. So, other than looking up “trails near Seattle” repeatedly on Google, I found a new, easier trick.
You’ll need Google Maps on your phone (it’s an app for both Apple and Android) for this. If you don’t feel like downloading the app (which I recommend you do for instances when you’re not at home near a computer), you can go to www.google.com/maps.
Once you have the app or are on the website, all you have to do to find nearby walking trails is type “trail” into the search bar. Look at that! Do you see all those trails that just showed up around you? Amazing, huh?
Note: Make sure your location is “live” so you’re zoomed into the area you want to search. If you want to search nearby, zoom into that area on the map and click “Search this area”.
That’s a screenshot of my phone from the Seattle area. But, when you zoom in even closer to an area near your home, you’ll see more trails pop up—like in the photo below.
If you want more information about any of the trails or parks listed, simply tap the little red pin and more information will pop up. A tip: Look at the user photos to see what the trails look like. If you’re looking for a flat, paved trail, it’s good to check the photos first to make sure you’re not getting a hilly, wooded dirt trail. And vice versa.
And, lastly, once you’re on the trail (or before, to plan out your route), take out your phone, open the Google Maps app, and zoom way into the trail’s location. You’ll see the trail outlined in a green dotted line. You can plan out your route, and find an easy way back to your car/trailhead.
And there you have it! Now, go for a walk! It’ll do ya good, I promise. (I’m headed out for one soon, so I’ll join you.)
Hint: This works for biking and hiking trails, too! Just type in “bike trails” or “hiking trails” instead.
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RVDT2875
How does Emily take care of chickens and still go camping?
They come with me! … Just kidding. 😂 They have big feeders and waterers, so they can be left alone for a few days at a time. Anything longer, and I have a neighbor come by (free eggs for them!). Enjoy your day, mrpavet. 🙂
This is a great tip! Thanks!