The National Trails System marked its 40th anniversary this month. If you haven’t hiked in a while, now is a great time to take that walk, with – depending on where you live – beautiful foliage, comfortable temperatures and more trails than ever to choose from (9,000 miles of trails have been added around the U.S. just since 2000).

Here’s a list of trails that pass near Captivate cities:

Atlanta
Appalachian National Scenic Trail – The nation’s first, it’s also said to be the most used, with 4 million people stomping somewhere along its 2,175-mile-long path each year. It was conceived in 1921 as a “retreat from urban life.” Precisely what I’m talkin’ about. Pick it up NW of town, at Springer Mountain in the Chattahoochee Forest.

Austin
El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail – One of the newer additions to the system, this trail can be picked up just outside town.

Boston
Appalachian National Scenic Trail – Just head west, and pick it up anywhere in the Berkshires, or north, and enjoy New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

Los Angeles
Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail – 1,200 miles stretch from Nogales, Arizona, to San Francisco in salute to the Spanish explorer. Start at the Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument.
The Old Spanish National Historic Trail – This relatively new trail, which goes east all the way to Santa Fe, can be picked up at the plaza in L.A.

New York
Appalachian National Scenic Trail – Head way out past White Plains, past Nyack, until you get to Harriman State Park, which the trail bisects.

Philadelphia
Appalachian National Scenic Trail – Pick it up west of town, at Port Clinton.

San Francisco
California National Historic Trail – Feel like you need some Independence? Well get going on this 2,000 mile trail, which runs all the way to the neatly named Missouri city. Pick it up in Sacramento.
Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail – Pick it up at the Presidio.

Washington, D.C.
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail – This mishmash of smaller trails can be picked up a variety of places. Try starting at the Georgetown Visitors Center.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail – Pick it up at Harpers Ferry.

If you’ve hit any trails recently, let us know by posting a comment below.