No doubt you’ve read about the health benefits of walking.  It’s the simplest exercise you can do, and the more steps you take, the better (the recommendation is 10,000 steps per day, but that varies from person to person).  It’s also a great time to let your mind wander and take a mental break from your daily duties.

Now, I hear you complaining already.  Where can I walk at?  I just don’t have the time to go and hike somewhere.  I’m calling bullsh*t on these excuses.  If you sit at your job all day, you really do need to get up and move around a bit, and a few steps is all it takes to start.

Here are a few places you can easily walk in the Four-State area.  Not only will you get some exercise, but you can take in some fresh air and see a little bit of nature as well.  Call it a “two-for-one”. Now, grab a water bottle and get moving.

C&O Canal

Stretching from Cumberland, MD to Washington, D.C., the 184.5-mile canal is a bit of nature and a bit of history all rolled into one.  Washington County holds seventy-eight miles of the historic canal, and the well-kept trail has many jumping on and off points.  The remnants of the locks and dams along the way are also interesting to look at.  My favorite stretch is from Dam #5 to Four Locks.  It’s a beautiful stroll, no matter what the season.

Western Maryland Rail Trail

This twenty-eight-mile paved (yes, paved) trail starts in Big Pool, MD and runs west – all the way to Little Orleans, MD.  Not only can one easily walk on this trail, but it’s also perfect for biking and even inline skating (for you overachievers).

Appalachian Trail

No, you don’t have to hike all 2,190 miles of it, but there are around forty-one miles of the famed trail that runs through the eastern end of Washington County, along the South Mountain ridge line.  This is a more strenuous hike, and in the summer months, you’re likely to encounter through-hikers who are attempting to walk the whole thing, so you’re bound to meet some interesting characters along the way.

Hagerstown Cultural Trail

This trail is smack-dab in the middle of downtown Hagerstown, MD, traversing about a mile of streets and alleyways.  It is filled with playful arts, sculptures, photos, and runs by some of the iconic downtown landmarks, such as City Park (a nice walk on its own) and Meritus Stadium.  There are also plenty of places to stop for a bit of lunch or a drink along the way.

Your Job

You don’t have to travel to a specific destination to do a little walking during your day.  Instead of sitting in the breakroom after you’ve eaten your lunch, take a few laps of the parking lot or around the building at your job.  Get some co-workers involved and you can gab and gossip while you get some steps in.

Your Own Neighborhood

Walk around your subdivision in the evening after dinner.  Walk up and down the alley behind your house.  I do the loop around my small town (in the alleys) twice each morning, which is about a mile each lap.  Sometimes I walk around the elementary school (about four laps there is a mile).  It’s paved, well-lit at night, and quiet, plus it’s only about a hundred yards from my house. Look around where you live for a prime spot.

Contrary to what you may think, there are plenty of places to walk, if you take a moment to look.  Getting some steps in each day (even if it’s only a few) is extremely beneficial for both your physical and mental health.  Start with one or two times a week and keep building on your successes until walking becomes a “good” habit.  Get out there and get moving!