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Top USA Walks
2003

By Wendy Bumgardner, About.com

Updated October 22, 2009

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Garden of the Gods - Colorado

Garden of the Gods - Colorado

The clubs of the American Volkssport Association host over 1400 self-guided trails in the USA. The walks go through a wide variety of areas, from National Parks to countryside to quaint towns to neighborhoods and cities. We polled walkers for their favorites from 2003.

Garden of the Gods - Colorado Springs, CO

The Garden of the Gods walk near Colorado Springs, Colorado takes you into a stunning natural area of fantasy rock formations. The start is at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post, 324 Beckers Lane. The 11 kilometer (7 mile) trail is rated moderate on trails and roads and is at an altitude of 6412 ft. Sanction YR0464.
Host Club | More Colorado Walks

Washington DC Monuments Walk

Walk through the monuments - Lincoln Memorial. Washington Monument, Roosevelt Memorial, Capitol, White House, and Vietnam Memorial on an easy 11 kilometer (7 mile) trail. Add in an optional loop of another 6 kilometers to see the Supreme Court, Union Station, and the National Archives. Register for the walk at the reception desk, The Consul, West Lobby, Columbia Plaza Apartments, 2400 Virginia Ave., Washington DC, four blocks from the Foggy Bottom - GWU Metro station. Sanction YR0231.
Walk Review | Walk Details
Counts for: Civil War Walk | National Heritage Walk | Capital Walk

Point Lobos State Reserve - Carmel, California

The stunning Central California coastline is very photogenic as you walk through pine and cypress coves along the rocky coastline. Heed the warning signs in the park - all of the bushes you see are poison oak. Do not touch any foliage. A great walk memorable for the views, sea lions and birds. Ten kilometers (6.2 miles) rated moderate for natural trail. Then enjoy shopping in Carmel and more fun in Monterey. Register at Power Juice Co., Crossroads Shopping Center behind Chevy's Restaurant. Then drive 3 miles to the park to begin the walk. Sanction YR445.
Walk Details
Counts for: California Golden Heritage Walk

Newport Beach - Balboa Island, California

This is a walk around Balboa Island, along the streets and the the beachfront of Newport Beach. It includes a short ferry ride over and back. Sanction YR0251.
Walk Details | Walk Review | More California Walks
Counts for: California Golden Heritage Walk

Kennebunk, Maine

The beautiful town by the sea with the unusual name. The walk passes the shops of Kennebunk Lower Village and Kennebunkport. It visits the grounds of St. Anthony's Monastery and views Walker Point, the summer home of President George H.W. Bush. This walk is open April 15 - Nov. 30. The 11 kilometer (7 mile) trail is rated easy. Register at Village Take-Out, Village Market Place, 169 Port Rd. #3. Sanction YR0344.
Walk Details | Club Site

Cape May, New Jersey

View the grand Victorian-era beachfront homes as you walk on the boardwalk and on paved trails and city streets. The 10 kilometer (6 mile) route is rated easy. Register at Queen's Hotel Bed and Breakfast, 601 Columbia Ave. Sanction YR1107.
Monmouth Shore Walkers Year-Round Walks

Beaufort, SC

Walk through a classic old Southern port city with beautiful homes, quaint downtown and picturesque waterfront. Register at the Greater Beaufort Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, 1106 Carteret St. Sanction YR0327.
Walk Details
Counts for: National Heritage Walk

Volcano, Hawaii

The trail passes through two craters, a lava field, a lava tube and a beautiful rainforest. Part of the trail is rocky with some steep up and down hill climbs. The park is at 4,000 foot elevation. Register at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Art Center, Hawaii. Sanction YR1072.
Walk Details | Walk Review
Counts for: National Heritage Walk

Honorable Mentions
USA East | USA West

How to Walk These Walks

These trails are available by registering at the start point during open hours, taking the map and directions and enjoying the walks at your own pace. Step By Step on an AVA Year-Round Walk

Starting Point: Annual Guide to All AVA Year-Round Walks

This printed yearly guide is the best way to find great walks in every state of the USA. Book Review and Ordering Info

Honorable Mentions
USA East | USA West

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