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Scenic Tracks near you

A scenic track makes the laps go faster — and lap running needs all the help it can get. These are the ovals with a view: waterfront tracks, ones set against mountains or hills, or tracks tucked into a genuinely nice park. The setting won't change your split times, but it changes whether you actually show up and how a monotonous set of 400s feels while you're grinding through it. For runners who find the track mentally tough — the same loop, over and over — a scenic backdrop is a real motivator. If you're choosing between two nearby tracks, the prettier one is an easy tiebreaker, and it makes a good spot to bring someone along. The 33 tracks below match this feature — use the map to find the closest one, or browse by state.

Feature labels come from each track's own listing and runners' reviews; surfaces, lighting, and hours change, so confirm with the venue.

Top-rated tracks with a scenic setting

Ranked by local reputation — rating weighted by review count.

Jackson Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 7,622 reviews

6401 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL

Open to public Grass rarely crowdedgood for the whole family

540-plus-acre city park featuring a beach, gardens & indoor/outdoor fitness facilities.

John V. Lindsay East River Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 4,326 reviews

FDR Dr, New York, NY

Open to public Grass good for the whole familyscenic setting

46-acre riverside park with bike paths, an amphitheater & playgrounds, plus sports courts & fields.

Cornerstone Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,020 reviews

1600 Wigwam Pkwy, Henderson, NV

Open to public Lit at night Grass rarely crowdedgood for the whole family

This scenic area features a 31-acre lake & public amenities such as paths & lighted sport courts.

Nomahegan Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,433 reviews

995 Springfield Ave, Cranford, NJ

Open to public Grass rarely crowdedgood for the whole family

Besides Rahway River & Nomahegan Lake, this park offers scenic trails, sports fields & a playground.

Downtown Doral Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,400 reviews

8395 NW 53rd St, Doral, FL

good for the whole familyscenic setting

Downtown 3-acre park open since 2012 with lawns, a shaded playground, oval footpath & picnic tables.

Bloomingdale Trail Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,211 reviews

1802 W Bloomingdale Ave, Chicago, IL

Open to public Rubber good for the whole familyscenic setting

This 2.7-mile elevated former rail track is open to both cyclists & walkers.

Rhodes Ferry Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,171 reviews

100 Market St NW, Decatur, AL

Open to public Lit at night Rubber rarely crowdedgood for the whole family

Landscaped riverfront park with scenic bridge views, a gazebo & picnic pavilions, plus a playground.

Oak Ridge Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,127 reviews

136 Oak Ridge Rd, Clark, NJ

Open to public Grass rarely crowdedgood for the whole family

Serene scenic park offering bicycle & fitness trails plus a public archery range with lessons.

Astoria Park Running Track

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,119 reviews

Astoria South &, 18th St, Astoria, NY

Open to public Rubber great for intervalsrarely crowded

Local destination for joggers and soccer enthusiasts, featuring an updated track by the river.

Back Bay Fens

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,061 reviews

100 Park Dr, Boston, MA

Open to public rarely crowdedscenic setting

This large greenspace has multiple gardens, playgrounds, ball fields & memorials, plus picnic areas.

John V. Lindsay East River Park Track

4.6 ★★★★★ 969 reviews

1234 E 6th St, New York, NY

Open to public Grass great for intervalsrarely crowded

Astroturf field encircled by a quarter mile running track, with soccer areas & views of Brooklyn.

River Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 889 reviews

5100 N Francisco Ave, Chicago, IL

Open to public Grass good for the whole familyscenic setting

Park with a water playground, pool & sports facilities plus fishing, wildlife & a canoe launch.

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