Oct 22 2009
The clubs of the American Volkssport Association host over 1700 self-guided trails in the USA. The walks go through a wide variety of areas, from National Parks to quaint towns to exciting cities. We polled walkers for their favorites from 2006.
1. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
This stunning walk is open April through October. The 11 kilometers combine the Queens Garden Trail, the Wall Street Trail, and the Peekaboo Loop. It is "all views, all the time" as you hike through the hoodoos and rock formations. Make sure your camera has lots of film/memory space! The walk is rated most difficult due to hills and altitude. It is at 8000 feet altitude, and weather can be extremely hot or extremely cold. Registration for this walk is 90 minutes away in Cedar City, Utah -- or you can register ahead of time with the club. Sanction Y1626Details for 2010 | Photos of Bryce Canyon Trails | Visiting Bryce Canyon
2. Beaufort, South Carolina
Walk through a classic old Southern port city with beautiful homes, quaint downtown and picturesque waterfront. Fabulous historic antebellum homes, hauntingly beautiful moss draped oak trees, plus very well written narrative descriptions in the walk directions. Register at the Greater Beaufort Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, 1106 Carteret St. Sanction YR0327.Walk Details
Counts for: American Revolution Walk | National Heritage Walk | College Campus Walk
3. Zion National Park - Angel's Landing Walk
Hike up the West Rim Trail from the green floor of Zion Valley up to Scout's Lookout and beyond. An optional 2 kilometer climb to Angel's Landing is not for the faint of heart or breath. Spectacular views of the red and white stone of Zion’s mega mountains all along the way. Rated most difficult, altitude 4500-6000 feet with 1500 foot elevation gain. Open April through October. You may either register in advance with the club or register 1 hour away in Cedar City. Sanction Y1610Details for 2010 | Photos of Zion Trails | Visiting Zion National Park
4. Silver Falls State Park, Silverton, Oregon
My personal all-time favorite, enjoy views of many waterfalls and lush forest. This route walks the whole canyon trail from South Falls to North Falls. View nine spectactular waterfalls. Open April 15 - Nov. 15. Sanction YR0171.Silverton Club Walking Routes
5. Chicago, Illinois Lakeshore Walk
Enjoy the best of a great city. The trail takes you to the Chicago Loop, the Northwestern University Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier, Museum of Contemporary Art, and along Michigan Avenue's Magnificent Mile. Truly, I didn't appreciate what tall buildings were until visiting Michigan Avenue. Bring a credit card for world class shopping. Sanction Y783.Event Details for 2009 | Illinois Walks | Chicago for Visitors
6. Santa Fe, New Mexico
View the old town as well as the new adobe buildings downtown. Voters enjoyed art center and the old plaza, with Native American wares being sold. Passes the oldest church in the US and the oldest government building in the US. Sanction YR0155.Walk Details for 2009 | Visiting Santa Fe
7. Woodstock, Vermont
This walk goes on old carriage paths in the Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Historic Park. The carriage paths are through woods to a wonderful panoramic view. Sanction Y1022.Walk Details on Club Site | Visiting Vermont
8. Boston Freedom Trail, MA
Packed with historic and interesting sites, it is a very stimulating walk. Sanction YR0730.Review and Photos | Walk Details
Counts for: National Heritage Walk | 50 States-51 Capitals Program | US Presidents Walk Program | American Revolution Walk
9. Coronado, California
It goes through a beautiful Village, the Hotel del Coronado, a Pacific Ocean top 10 beach, over to the bay by San Diego where there is an optional ferry ride to San Diego, past the senic bay and golf course, past some beautiful ocean front homes, and under the North Island flight path. Sanction YR0352.Walk Details
Counts for: California Golden Heritage Walk
10. Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
No filler on this event trail. Beautiful city walk with spectacular views of the Lake from Tubbs Island. The interesting town has many sculptures. Sanction Y0780Walk Details | Visiting Idaho
