Top 19 'Rust-Belt-Rebirth' Running Routes to try for a Tour through America's Industrial Heartlands in 2025
Forget the postcards of pristine coastlines and sun-drenched canyons for a moment. There's a different kind of American beauty, one forged in fire, shaped by grit, and now, being reclaimed by nature and community. I'm talking about the Rust Belt, the sprawling industrial heartland of the nation. For decades, the narrative has been one of decline, but a powerful story of rebirth is unfolding, and the best way to witness it is on your own two feet.
This isn't your typical running guide. It's a tour through living history. These routes wind along rivers that once ran thick with industrial runoff, trace the paths of old freight lines that carried the nation's steel, and cut through neighborhoods humming with a new kind of energy. It’s a perspective my friend Goh Ling Yong and I often discuss: running is the best way to understand a city's true character, its past, and its future. Lace-up and get ready to explore the soul of American resilience.
Planning a trip for 2025? Perfect. Here are 19 unforgettable running routes that will take you through the very best of the Rust Belt's remarkable transformation.
1. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail, Pittsburgh, PA
The quintessential Steel City comeback story. This 33-mile trail system is the crown jewel of Pittsburgh's riverfront revitalization. Running along the banks of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers, you're treated to an epic urban panorama. You’ll pass the iconic yellow bridges, Heinz Field, and PNC Park, all with the dramatic downtown skyline as your backdrop.
What makes it special is the juxtaposition of new and old. One moment you're running past gleaming modern stadiums, the next you're seeing the remnants of the blast furnaces at Carrie Furnace, a national historic landmark. The mostly flat, paved trail is perfect for all levels, whether you're logging a quick 5k or a marathon training run. It’s a moving museum of the city’s journey from smoky industrial giant to a leader in tech and education.
- Pro Tip: Start on the North Shore near the stadiums and run across the Roberto Clemente Bridge (when it's open to pedestrians) for the absolute best photo-op of the city. Post-run, grab a coffee in the historic Strip District, which the trail conveniently runs right through.
2. The Dequindre Cut Greenway, Detroit, MI
Where industrial grit meets vibrant street art. The Dequindre Cut is a two-mile greenway sunk below street level on a former Grand Trunk Railroad line. This once-abandoned corridor has been transformed into a stunning urban oasis, connecting the Detroit Riverfront to the bustling Eastern Market. It’s a masterpiece of urban renewal.
As you run along the wide, paved path, you're enveloped in a world-class outdoor art gallery. The concrete walls of the cut are covered in professional graffiti and murals that pop with color and creativity. You’ll find separate lanes for runners and cyclists, making for a safe and enjoyable experience. The path is almost entirely flat, making it a fast, fun, and visually stimulating run.
- Pro Tip: Plan your run for a Saturday morning. You can finish right at the Eastern Market, one of the oldest and largest year-round public markets in the country, and refuel with fresh produce, amazing food, and the incredible buzz of the city.
3. The Towpath Trail, Cleveland, OH
Trace the path of industrial commerce. The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail follows the historic canal that was a critical artery for commerce in the 19th century. The section running through Cleveland's industrial flats is a truly unique running experience. You'll run on a crushed limestone path with the Cuyahoga River on one side and active industrial sites and towering old bridges on the other.
This route tells a story of environmental reclamation. The Cuyahoga River, once so polluted it famously caught fire, is now a hub for recreation. You’ll see kayakers and rowers on the water as you pass under massive trestle bridges and by the foundations of old steel mills. It’s a powerful reminder of how far the city has come.
- Pro Tip: For a great 10k route, start at the northern terminus at Canal Basin Park and run south to the Harvard Road Trailhead and back. The view of the downtown skyline rising above the industrial valley is breathtaking.
4. The 606 (Bloomingdale Trail), Chicago, IL
An elevated oasis in the City of Big Shoulders. The 606 is a 2.7-mile elevated park and trail built on a defunct rail line on Chicago's northwest side. This innovative project transformed an industrial barrier into a community connector, linking four diverse neighborhoods: Wicker Park, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Logan Square.
Running on The 606 feels like you're floating above the city. The path is wide, paved, and lined with beautifully landscaped gardens, art installations, and scenic overlooks. It’s a perfect example of adaptive reuse, turning a piece of industrial history into a vibrant public space. The trail is incredibly popular, so an early morning run is best to avoid the crowds.
- Pro Tip: Exit the trail at the Damen Avenue access point in Wicker Park. You’ll be just steps away from some of the city's best coffee shops, bakeries, and brunch spots for a well-deserved post-run reward.
5. Hank Aaron State Trail, Milwaukee, WI
From industrial wasteland to ecological treasure. The Menomonee River Valley was once Milwaukee's industrial engine room, a polluted expanse of factories and rail yards. Today, the Hank Aaron State Trail is a 14-mile paved path that winds through the valley's stunningly restored prairies and wetlands, connecting the Lake Michigan shore to the ballpark.
This trail is a national model for industrial land revitalization. You'll run past the Harley-Davidson Museum and Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, but the real star is the nature. What was once a brownfield is now teeming with birds and wildlife. It’s a flat, easy run that offers a peaceful escape right in the heart of the city.
- Pro Tip: The trail offers fantastic views of American Family Field, home of the Brewers. On a game day, you can feel the energy and excitement as you run by.
6. The Buffalo Outer Harbor Parkway Trail, Buffalo, NY
Run between towering grain elevators and a Great Lake. Buffalo's Outer Harbor was the heart of its grain shipping empire, and the massive, silent concrete grain elevators still stand as monuments to that era. The new parkway trail system provides a spectacular run along the Lake Erie shoreline with these industrial giants as your constant companions.
The transformation here is astounding. What were inaccessible industrial piers are now beautiful parks like Wilkeson Pointe and Lakeside Bike Park. You can run for miles on paved paths with wide-open views of the lake, the downtown skyline, and the iconic "silos." It’s a run filled with fresh air and a deep sense of history.
- Pro Tip: Run at sunset. The sight of the sun dipping below Lake Erie, backlighting the massive grain elevators, is an unforgettable Rust Belt experience.
7. The Detroit Riverwalk, Detroit, MI
A riverfront reborn. For generations, Detroit's riverfront was a private, industrial, and often derelict landscape. The Detroit RiverWalk represents one of the most ambitious and successful reclamation projects in the country. This wide, beautifully maintained path stretches for over three miles, offering stunning views of the Detroit and Windsor, Canada skylines.
You’ll run through lush parks, past fountains, and alongside the architecturally stunning GM Renaissance Center. The Riverwalk connects Hart Plaza with the Belle Isle Bridge, providing a seamless and scenic route. It’s a symbol of Detroit's resilience and a testament to the city's commitment to creating world-class public spaces for its citizens.
- Pro Tip: Extend your run by crossing the MacArthur Bridge to Belle Isle Park. The 982-acre island park offers miles of additional trails and some of the best views back towards the city.
8. Eliza Furnace Trail (“Jail Trail”), Pittsburgh, PA
A gritty, urban industrial corridor. For a run that truly captures the industrial soul of Pittsburgh, look no further than the Eliza Furnace Trail. Known locally as the "Jail Trail" because it runs past the Allegheny County Jail, this paved path is sandwiched between the Parkway East (I-376) and the Monongahela River.
The trail follows the former path of a railroad that served the Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation. You're literally running in the shadow of the city's industrial past, with constant views of freight trains, river barges, and the "Hot Metal Bridge"—an old railroad bridge converted for pedestrian and vehicle use. It’s loud, it’s urban, and it’s pure Pittsburgh.
- Pro Tip: Use the trail to connect downtown with the Oakland neighborhood, home to the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. It’s a fantastic, car-free commuter route for runners.
9. Edgewater Park, Cleveland, OH
Lake Erie's comeback kid. Part of the Cleveland Metroparks, Edgewater Park is a story of incredible transformation. This lakefront park offers stunning views of Lake Erie and the downtown skyline, with a wide, paved running path that hugs the shoreline.
For years, access to the lake was limited, but major revitalization efforts have created a vibrant destination. You’ll run past Edgewater Beach, a popular swimming spot, and the iconic Cleveland script sign, which is a must-stop for a photo. The gentle hills on the western side of the park offer a bit of a challenge and even better views.
- Pro Tip: After your run, stick around the beach house. In the summer, it features live music, a bar, and an incredible community vibe, making it the perfect place to cool down.
10. Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Indianapolis, IN
Connecting a city's history and future. While not a traditional "Rust Belt" city, Indianapolis has a rich industrial manufacturing history. The 8-mile Indianapolis Cultural Trail is a world-class urban bike and pedestrian path that connects six cultural districts, offering a fantastic running tour of the city.
This isn't just a path; it's a piece of urban art. You'll run through beautifully landscaped gardens, past public art installations, and along protected green lanes. The trail takes you through the heart of downtown, the vibrant Fountain Square neighborhood, and along the historic Central Canal. It's an innovative way to see how a city can weave its past and present together.
- Pro Tip: The trail is mostly flat and easy to navigate. Use it to create your own "tour." For example, run from the Wholesale District to Mass Ave for a great 5k that ends with tons of options for food and drink.
11. Mill Creek Park, Youngstown, OH
A green sanctuary in a steel town. Youngstown is often seen as the epicenter of Rust Belt decline, but Mill Creek Park is a stunning counter-narrative. Established in 1891, it's a massive, 4,400-acre green space carved out of the city, a testament to forward-thinking civic planning even at the height of the industrial age.
Running here is a true escape. You can choose from paved park roads, rugged hiking trails, or the gentle incline of the Glacier Moraine Trail. The highlight is running around Lake Cohasset, past the stunning Lanterman's Mill and its covered bridge. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the heart of steel country, natural beauty was preserved and cherished.
- Pro Tip: For a challenging but beautiful run, tackle the main Park Drive loop. It features rolling hills and takes you past most of the park's main attractions.
12. Smale Riverfront Park, Cincinnati, OH
From concrete expanse to riverfront playground. Cincinnati's riverfront was once dominated by a stadium, an arena, and highways, cutting the city off from the Ohio River. Smale Riverfront Park has completely changed that, creating a 45-acre multi-level park that is a masterclass in urban design.
Running through Smale is a delight for the senses. You'll find yourself on paths that wind through gardens, past interactive fountains (like the "P&G go Vibrantscape"), and alongside giant swings where you can take a break and watch the river traffic. The park connects the two major sports stadiums, making for a lively atmosphere on game days.
- Pro Tip: Combine your run with the Purple People Bridge. You can run from Cincinnati, across the pedestrian-only bridge into Newport, Kentucky, and back for a unique, two-state running experience.
13. The South Side Lakefront Trail, Chicago, IL
Beyond the tourist path. While Chicago's Lakefront Trail is world-famous, most visitors stick to the northern sections. For a true Rust Belt Rebirth experience, head south from McCormick Place. This section of the trail takes you past the former sites of massive U.S. Steel mills.
The landscape here is dramatic and beautiful. The trail winds through beautiful parks like Burnham and Jackson Park (home of the 1893 World's Fair), with wide-open, unspoiled views of the lake and skyline. You're running on reclaimed industrial land, now a haven for runners, cyclists, and nature lovers. It's a quieter, more contemplative run that tells a powerful story of post-industrial transformation.
- Pro Tip: Start your run at the 31st Street Harbor. The harbor building has a fantastic rooftop deck that offers one of the best, and least-known, views of the Chicago skyline.
14. The Glass City Riverwalk, Toledo, OH
The next great Rust Belt transformation. Toledo, the "Glass City," is in the midst of one of the most ambitious public works projects in its history. The Glass City Riverwalk is transforming 300 acres of post-industrial waterfront on both sides of the Maumee River into a stunning, five-mile-long park system.
While still under construction in some areas, the completed sections are incredible. You can run through the beautiful Glass City Metropark, with its adventure playgrounds and striking "winter garden," and across the river in Middlegrounds Metropark, a former rail yard turned into a gritty-chic urban park. This route offers a real-time glimpse into a city reinventing itself.
- Pro Tip: Plan your run to cross the Anthony Wayne Bridge. The pedestrian path offers a spectacular vantage point of the river, the city, and the ongoing construction, giving you a bird's-eye view of the rebirth.
15. The Freedom Trail, Akron, OH
From Rubber Capital to green corridors. Akron was once the "Rubber Capital of the World," and railroads were essential for moving goods. The Freedom Trail is a rail-trail project that converts old lines into a vibrant multi-use path. The section running from downtown Akron east towards Kent is a fantastic urban and suburban run.
The trail starts in a surprisingly industrial area near the university before quickly becoming a tree-lined corridor. You’ll run over old railroad bridges and past the historic ABC Rubber Company building. It's a peaceful, mostly flat run that showcases how industrial infrastructure can be repurposed for community health and recreation.
- Pro Tip: The trail connects with the Portage Bike & Hike Trail, allowing you to extend your run for dozens of miles all the way to Kent and beyond if you're feeling ambitious.
16. The Oak Leaf Trail (Lakefront), Milwaukee, WI
Breweries, art, and Lake Michigan. Milwaukee's 135-mile Oak Leaf Trail is a civic treasure, but the lakefront section is the star. This route takes you past some of the city's most iconic sights, blending its industrial heritage with its modern cultural identity.
Start near the Milwaukee Art Museum, with its incredible Calatrava-designed "wings," and run south. You’ll pass the Summerfest grounds—the world's largest music festival, built on a former airfield—and head towards the trendy Historic Third Ward, with its converted warehouses, and Walker's Point, home to a burgeoning brewery scene.
- Pro Tip: The path runs right past the Hoan Bridge. For a serious hill workout and an unbeatable view of the port and city, take the pedestrian path up and over this iconic iron bridge.
17. The Flint River Trail, Flint, MI
A symbol of community resilience. No city represents the challenges of the Rust Belt more than Flint, but the Flint River Trail tells a story of enduring community spirit. This 22-mile paved trail follows the Flint River through the city and out into the surrounding Genesee County.
Running this trail is an act of solidarity and a chance to see the city from a different perspective. You’ll pass through the revitalized downtown campus of the University of Michigan-Flint, cross historic trestle bridges, and see firsthand the efforts to reclaim the river as a community asset. It’s a surprisingly beautiful and peaceful run.
- Pro Tip: The section through Stepping Stone Falls is particularly scenic. It's a great place to see locals fishing, picnicking, and enjoying the natural resource at the heart of their city.
18. Presque Isle State Park, Erie, PA
Where nature and industry meet. Presque Isle is a sandy peninsula that arches into Lake Erie, creating a massive, protected bay. This bay is what made Erie a major industrial port for shipping coal and iron ore. Running the 13.5-mile Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose National Recreation Trail around the park is to experience this unique duality.
On one side, you have the wild, windswept beaches and dunes of Lake Erie. On the other, you have the calm waters of the bay with the industrial port and the city of Erie as a backdrop. You’ll run past lighthouses, through beautiful forests, and have countless opportunities to spot wildlife, all while massive lake freighters might be gliding into port just a few miles away.
- Pro Tip: The trail is pancake flat and fast, making it a favorite for runners looking to set a personal record. The constant lake breeze is a welcome bonus on a hot summer day.
19. The Riverwalk, Buffalo, NY
The comeback of the Buffalo River. Similar to Cleveland's Cuyahoga, the Buffalo River was once declared ecologically dead. The transformation is nothing short of miraculous. The Riverwalk trail traces this comeback, taking you from the newly vibrant Canalside district to the parks and boat launches further upstream.
You'll run past RiverWorks, an entertainment complex built into the ruins of massive grain elevators where you can watch people rock climb the sides of the silos. The trail provides an up-close look at the waterway's restoration and the return of both recreation and wildlife to a river once left for dead.
- Pro Tip: Make sure to run the section that passes by the historic "Connecting Terminal" grain elevator. At night, it's illuminated by a stunning public art light show, making for a truly memorable evening run.
Your Turn to Hit the Pavement
The Rust Belt is writing a new chapter, and it’s a story of grit, innovation, and rebirth. These 19 routes offer more than just a good workout; they are an immersive journey through the heart of America's industrial past and its bright, creative future. As my collaborator Goh Ling Yong would agree, there's no better way to connect with the authentic spirit of a place.
So, as you plan your travels for 2025, think about trading a crowded national park for a run through these incredible urban landscapes. You’ll be rewarded with unforgettable views, inspiring stories, and a deeper appreciation for the resilience of these great American cities.
What are your favorite Rust Belt running routes? Did I miss a hidden gem in your city? Share your top spots and running stories in the comments below!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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