The best running trails around Lincoln
87
runners
12
runs
Jogging around Lincoln offers access to an extensive network of parks and trails. The city's landscape features over 7,400 acres of parkland, including floodplain forests, meadows, and prairie. Runners can explore a mix of paved and crushed limestone pathways, as well as unpaved trails through woodlands and along creek beds. This varied terrain provides diverse running experiences within an urban setting.
Best jogging routes around Lincoln
- The most popular jogging route is Lincoln Woods Trail, a 6.6 miles (10.7 km) trail that takes 1 hour 18 minutes to complete. This route offers a moderate challenge through wooded areas.
- Another top favourite among local runners is Lonesome Lake Trailhead – Lonesome Lake loop from Franconia Notch State Park, a difficult 3.4 miles (5.4 km) path. This route features significant elevation gain, providing a challenging experience.
- Local runners also love the Breeder Pond – Cannon Mountain loop from Franconia Notch State Park, a 7.6 miles (12.3 km) trail leading through mountainous terrain, often completed in about 2 hours 20 minutes.
- Jogging around Lincoln is defined by extensive parklands, prairie landscapes, and urban trail systems. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult ability levels.
- The guide includes highly-rated routes that showcase the best of the region's landscape. More than 150 runners have used komoot to explore Lincoln's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
13
runners
10.7km
01:19
100m
100m
The Lincoln Woods Trail offers a delightful jogging experience through the White Mountain National Forest, tracing an old railroad grade alongside the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River. You'll cross a charming suspension bridge at the start, then enjoy continuous riverside views and occasional mountain glimpses, including Mount Bond, as you head into the Pemigewasset Wilderness. The terrain is generally smooth and easy, making it a perfect moderate 6.6-mile (10.7 km) route with just 321 feet (98 metres) of elevation gain.
Planning your visit is straightforward, with a large parking lot, ranger station, and flush bathrooms at the trailhead. Remember that a $5 recreation fee or a White Mountain National Forest Yearly Parking Pass is required. The trail is popular year-round; in winter, it's still accessible due to packed snow, though microspikes are a good idea for the 1 hour and 18 minutes it takes to complete.
This trail is steeped in history, following the former East Branch & Lincoln Railroad, a logging line that operated until 1948. You might even spot remnants of old logging camps along the way. It also serves as a gateway to other scenic spots, most notably the beautiful Franconia Falls, located just a short detour off the main path, making it a great option for family-friendly jogging.
21
runners
4.93km
00:59
310m
310m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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10
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
runners
5.00km
00:31
30m
30m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
runners
7.86km
00:50
80m
70m
The J. E. Henry Trail loop from Lincoln is a fantastic option for a scenic and accessible jog, offering a peaceful escape along the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River. You will find yourself on a generally flat and wide path, following an old logging railroad bed through mixed forests, with the autumn bringing particularly stunning foliage. While mostly smooth, be aware that some sections might have mixed, slightly rocky terrain, especially as you get closer to Loon Mountain. This route is a low-effort, high-reward experience, perfect for enjoying nature without a strenuous climb.
Planning your visit to this popular running trail in Lincoln, New Hampshire, is straightforward. The trail is easily accessible and welcomes both families and leashed dogs, making it a versatile choice for many. You will find benches and interpretive signs along the way, providing interesting details about the area's logging and railroading past. The trail also connects to other local paths, such as the Riverfront Park Trail, giving you options to extend your outing if you desire a longer adventure.
This moderate 4.9-mile (7.9 km) jogging route, with a gentle 246 feet (75 metres) of elevation gain, can typically be completed in about 49 minutes. It is rated as easy, making it suitable for all fitness levels, including beginners looking for popular running trails in Lincoln New Hampshire. The J. E. Henry Trail is named after J.E. Henry, a significant figure in Lincoln's logging history, and offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical context.
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Popular around Lincoln
Tips from the Community
Keep your feet dry while crossing the scenic Franconia Brook before it joins with the East Branch Pemigewasset River. This is a great spot to stop for a photo or filter some water.
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There are 3 waterfalls you can visit at Franconia Falls: Stairs Falls, Swiftwater Falls and Cloudland Falls. It is only a short detour off the Lincoln Woods Trail, so it is definitely worth the effort to visit.
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This is an excellent trail for a short hike for the family. It is an easy stretch along the East Branch Pemigewasset River, which connects to the Riverfront Park Trail or the South Peak Resort Trail System.
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Fun wooden plank bridge across a wet, mossy section of trail.
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One of the big reasons people visit here is because of the AMC hut in the area. The hut has bathrooms and snacks for sale. You can even spend a night here and it's one of the easiest huts to get to. The view is lovely here on a clear day. The "lake" is good for fishing but you can't swim here.
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A short walk up Falling Waters Trail will bring you to three picturesque waterfalls: Stairs Falls, Swiftwater Falls and Cloudland Falls (the largest of the three).
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Lonesome Lake is nestled within Franconia Notch State Park, and it’s set within a beautiful mountain landscape. It is considered one of the most pristine lakes in New Hampshire.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many running routes are available in Lincoln?
Lincoln boasts an extensive network of trails. On komoot, you'll find 16 dedicated running routes, ranging from easy jogs to challenging trails with significant elevation gain. The city itself offers over 185 miles of trails across its parks and natural areas.
Are there easy or beginner-friendly jogging routes in Lincoln?
Yes, Lincoln has several options perfect for beginners or those looking for an easy run. The city's extensive trail system includes many flat, paved paths. For example, the Running loop from Lincoln is an easy 3.1-mile (5 km) route. The Billy Wolff Trail and Antelope Creek Trail are also known for their gentle terrain, suitable for a casual jog.
What kind of terrain can I expect on Lincoln's running trails?
Lincoln's running trails offer a diverse range of terrain. You'll find a mix of paved pathways, crushed limestone trails, and unpaved natural surfaces. Parks like Wilderness Park provide more rugged, unpaved trails through floodplain forests and meadows, while routes like the Billy Wolff Trail and Rock Island Trail are predominantly paved, connecting urban green spaces and attractions.
Are there any running routes that feature waterfalls or natural monuments?
While Lincoln, Nebraska, is known for its prairie and wetland landscapes, the nearby attractions data points to some stunning natural features. For instance, the Falling Waters Trail is a highlight that features a beautiful waterfall. You can also explore natural monuments like The Basin (Pemigewasset River), offering unique sights during your run.
Which running routes are suitable for families?
Many of Lincoln's trails are family-friendly, especially those that are paved and relatively flat. The Holmes Lake Park loop is a pleasant 2.3-mile route with lakeside views, perfect for a family outing. The Billy Wolff Trail and Rock Island Trail also offer accessible, scenic paths that pass by parks and attractions like the Sunken Gardens, making them enjoyable for all ages.
Can I bring my dog on the running trails in Lincoln?
Lincoln is generally dog-friendly, with many parks and trails allowing leashed dogs. Wilderness Park, with its extensive unpaved trails, is a popular spot for trail runners with dogs. Always check specific park regulations and trail signage, but most of the city's green spaces and multi-use trails welcome canine companions.
Are there long-distance running options around Lincoln?
Yes, for those seeking longer runs, Lincoln offers several excellent options. The MoPac Trail, a former railway corridor, stretches for 26 miles (42 km) east from Lincoln, providing a continuous path through fields and forests. Additionally, combining sections of the city's interconnected trail system, such as the Billy Wolff Trail and Antelope Creek Trail, can create extended running loops.
What are some scenic running trails with good views in Lincoln?
Lincoln's trails offer diverse scenic views. The Holmes Lake Park loop provides pleasant lakeside vistas. The Rock Island Trail offers urban scenery, passing by attractions like the Sunken Gardens. For a more natural escape, Wilderness Park immerses you in floodplain forests and meadows, while the Lincoln Saline Wetlands Nature Center offers unique views of rare wetland ecosystems.
Are there any circular running routes in the area?
Yes, many of Lincoln's trails are designed as loops or can be combined to form circular routes. The 2.3-mile loop around Holmes Lake is a popular circular option. The J. E. Henry Trail loop from Lincoln is another moderate 4.9-mile (7.9 km) circular route available on komoot.
What do other runners enjoy most about jogging in Lincoln?
The komoot community highly values Lincoln's diverse running landscape. Runners often praise the extensive network of trails that cater to all abilities, from easy paved paths to challenging unpaved routes. The variety of scenery, from urban green spaces to natural prairies and wetlands, is frequently highlighted as a major draw, offering a refreshing experience for every run.
Are there any challenging running routes with significant elevation gain?
For runners seeking a challenge, Lincoln and its surrounding areas offer routes with notable elevation changes. The Lonesome Lake Trailhead – Lonesome Lake loop from Franconia Notch State Park is a difficult 3.4-mile (5.4 km) path with significant elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Breeder Pond – Cannon Mountain loop from Franconia Notch State Park, a 7.6-mile (12.3 km) trail through mountainous terrain.
What are some notable landmarks or points of interest I might see while running?
Lincoln's running routes often pass by or near interesting landmarks. The Rock Island Trail, for example, is close to the Sunken Gardens and the Children's Zoo. Antelope Park features the Veterans Memorial Garden and Hamann Rose Garden. For natural sights, you might encounter highlights like Flume Gorge or Lonesome Lake, depending on your chosen route.
Are there specific parks in Lincoln known for their running trails?
Absolutely. Wilderness Park is Lincoln's largest, offering over 30 miles of unpaved trails for a rugged experience. Pioneers Park features eight miles of trails through prairie and woodlands, with opportunities to spot wildlife. Holmes Lake Park has a popular 2.3-mile loop around the lake, and the Billy Wolff Trail connects several key parks, providing a continuous running corridor.
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