Finding Cooler Routes for Summer Walks

Many of us look forward to summer—to long days of sunshine and warm weather. But while those sunny summer days are great for a day lounging at the pool, it only takes one sunny summer walk to remember that summer weather isn’t necessarily the best time of year for walkers. So, during this hot and sunny time of year, it’s important to hunt down shady trails and cooling water features in your area.

Here are some tips for hunting down the coolest routes for your summer walks:

Seek out the Shade

My usual trail has a mix of sun and shade—and on a hot, sunny day, there’s just nothing better than that moment when I step out of the sun and into an area shaded with leaves. Finding trails that will keep you shaded on sunny summer days might take some research, but with a little bit of scouting, you can find them! Here’s what to look for:

Research Parks:
Look for the parks that are known for their forested trails. If you check out the park’s website—or the online reviews—you may even find information about which trails are the most shaded.

Search for Arboretums and Botanical Gardens:
Arboretums are known for their trees—so you’re sure to find plenty of tree-lines paths for your summer walks. They’re also just a great way to enjoy some beautifully cultivated nature on your walks.

Zoom In:
As you’re researching parks, take a minute to check them out on Google Maps. If you zoom in on the satellite view, you’ll be able to see which areas have the most tree cover.

Check the Apps:
There are some great apps that will help you find the shadiest trails in your area. Try AllTrails or any local apps (in the Columbus, Ohio, area, for instance, we have a Metro Parks app). Check out trail reviews and search for anything that mentions “shady” or “wooded areas” or “tree cover.”

Walk Near Water

I love walking near water. My favorite trail winds along next to a river—and if I keep going, it circles a lake, too. While water adds an extra sparkle—and maybe the calming sound of rushing water—to your walk, it also cools the air around it. So finding trails near water can help to keep you from overheating in the summer.

Rivers and Lakes:
Trails like mine—that follow along rivers and around lakes—are often cooler, thanks to the water. Search your area for riverwalks, lake loops, and canal loops for refreshing—and cool—summer strolls. Moving water often brings a breeze along with it, too, cranking up the cooling factor!

Water Features:
Cooling summer walks aren’t limited to just natural bodies of water. Many cities offer man made water features—from fountains to splash pads. My daughter and I once went for a summer walk that went along the river and past a fountain, where kids were playing and moms were cooling off, too. It made for the perfect way to stay cool and refreshed while walking on a hot summer day.

Nature Preserves:
Nature preserves often provide walking paths through dense vegetation—and sometimes natural bodies of water, too—making them cooler, shadier places to walk on hot days.

Other Places to Explore

Wooded parks and other natural areas are great places to seek out for shady summer walks—but there are other places that can provide some extra shade on hot summer days, too. You might even have a few close to home! Here are other areas to consider:

Historic Neighborhoods:
Older neighborhoods don’t just make for scenic walks; they make for cool, shaded ones, too! These beautiful older homes are often surrounded by mature trees, offering shaded sidewalks to keep you cool while enjoying the view.

College Campuses:
When I was in college, very few of my friends had cars. For us, walking was everything. It was our way to get to classes…or to get to the dining hall for dinner…or to get to know someone away from the noise and busyness of the dorms. We had a beautifully landscaped campus that made our daily walks beautiful and enjoyable. So if you’re looking for a shaded walk with plenty of visual interest added in, check out your local college campus. Most feature miles of tree-lined sidewalks, interesting architecture, and water features, too!

Nature Centers:
Nature centers aren’t just for elementary school field trips! While they’re great places to go and learn about various creatures and their natural habitats, they offer the added bonus of wooded trails to explore—whether they’re paved or dirt or even boardwalks and bridges. You’ll find plenty of shade—and often water, too—making them the perfect places to explore on steamy summer days.

Before You Go

Even when you’re walking on shaded trails near bodies of water, summer walks still require a little extra planning—and some special gear, too. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
When you’re walking outside during the summer, you’ll need to replenish more fluids than you do during the rest of the year. Be sure to drink plenty of water (and, for an extra boost, electrolyte-enhanced beverages) before, during, and after your walks to keep your body hydrated.

Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Even shady trails will take you through some sun. Before you leave the house, be sure to apply some sunscreen. If you’ll be walking for a while, pack some along, too, so you can reapply.

Stick with breathable clothes.
During the steamy summer months, those cute cotton T-shirts will quickly turn sweaty and gross. Instead, dress in breathable fabrics that will wick the sweat away from your body and dry quickly. And don’t forget other summer gear, like sunglasses and/or a sun hat.

Take it easy!
When you’re walking on hot summer days, it’s important to listen to your body. If you feel like you’re overheating—or if you’re dizzy or tired or worn out—take a break. Don’t push yourself too hard—or your daily walk might end up doing more harm than good.

As you plan to head out on a summer full of walking adventures, be sure to do your homework and seek out cooler, shadier trails to explore.

Where are your favorite summer routes?