Whenever I think of the Cup of Joe community, three things come to mind: our love for good books, the phrase “baby’s baby,” and an invigorating walk. so! In celebration of the spring walking season, we asked readers to share photos of their favorite trails. Here are some…
Above: “I live in northern Germany, very close to the Danish border. My favorite walk is on the coast of the North Sea. The smell of salt in the air, the wind in my hair, the sparkling ocean.” – Kristin, Suderberg, Germany
“After my mother’s funeral, I’m walking Kew Gardens saved my life. Listening to an audiobook, watching the autumn trees change colors, and then looking out at a snow-covered park helped me focus on the beauty of the world, and less on the sadness inside me. — Afromatoronto
“Every Christmas, my mom gets our family a subscription to North Carolina Zoo -The world’s largest natural habitat zoo. My kids would stop our walks to see giraffes and climb big rocks. The best part is that at the end of the long walk, we can ride the tram back to the entrance. Feeling the wind through your hair after walking 10K steps is absolutely heavenly!” – Erin, Asheboro, North Carolina
“These magical dunes of Death Valley look barren and dreary but they are full of life – think: beetles leaving patterns in the sand, and kit foxes running around in the dark. They are my happy place.” -Hillary, Moraga, California
“Our friend has a café four blocks from our house. It’s the perfect place for the warmth of neighbors and a casual meal — and safe enough that my kids can walk freely there.” -Emily O., Pittsburgh
“Recently, while visiting my father in Vancouver, I had the chance to accompany him on one of his great walks. At 84, he power walks for two hours every day. Seeing a cathedral of pine trees always calms me.” – Emily, Boston
“Over the past 10 years, my beloved sheepherder, Olive, and I drove hundreds of miles on this trail in Dallas. I made big life decisions, said ‘hi-bye’ to friends, used kestrel Trained to identify local birds, and to walk the Camino in Spain. When Olive passed away in 2024, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to come back. But after a six-month hiatus, the trail welcomed me back, holding space for my tears. Now, a few years later, I walk around in it with my wonderful boyfriend. This scar has been witness to many versions of me. – Erica, Dallas
“My son, Davey, was born a few weeks ago, and when he came home from the NICU, we started taking walks in Central Park. He learned how to see the colors when the trees change, and he still giggles whenever a bird flies overhead. The best part: This winter, he wore a full bear suit from head to toe, which was reason enough for me to have a baby. Those early weeks were scary. But he loved it as a baby. Seeing someone blossom, fill his stroller, smile, and flirt with strangers is miraculous.” -Julia, New York City.
“I love walking through the paddy fields near my parents’ home in a village in Indonesia, where the volcanic Mount Merapi can be seen looming.” – Raras, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
“During my breast cancer treatment, walking this wooded path near my house became a sacred routine. Even when I had no hair and no energy from chemo, I would still put on my shoes and go outside. I would tell my family, ‘I’m going to church!'” – alisonAix-en-Provence, France
“Rain or shine or wind (so much wind), walking along this lake path every day of my maternity leave kept me healthy and my son asleep. The Ontario government closed it down for a controversial redevelopment project and I’m now on my second leave – I miss it so much. There are urban green spaces here – may we continue to find ways to protect them!” -Jessica, Toronto
“Prospect Park is my favorite place to visit in New York City. The display of the seasons is amazing.” – Shruti, Brooklyn
“When my kids were little, our favorite place to visit was the Cimetière de Montmartre. The cemetery was five minutes from our apartment, where there were no cars, lots of cats and funny statues. The kids rode their scooters without any worries. Once, when my daughter was three years old, she told a family friend that she was actually stuck in death and cats. I had to go there immediately to explain!” – Michel, Paris
Where is your favorite place to visit? We would love to hear…
PS Some fun facts about walking, Joanna’s favorite sneakers for long walks, and more great reader comments.
