Winter’s loosening its grip on us here on the east coast and our west coast brothers and sisters always have outdoors on their minds… so we’ve been gabbing of late about all the cool places for getting out and active in our various cities that even some of the most hard-bitten locals among us didn’t know about.
So we decided to round up a few of our favorites and share. Sort of like the old staff picks list at the video store, but for your body/mind instead of the VHS. Hope you try a few. And if you’ve got some hidden gems of your own share on Instagram @mypowersupply or ping us on Facebook.
In and Around Washington, DC
Biking at Burke Lake Park
I'm not as active as I used to be, what with the kiddos and pets underfoot, but I used to love to bike around Burke Lake. You definitely need a bike for the trails around this lake, but even on a hot day it was a nice ride, almost 5 miles, with lots of shade. There's lots of things to do at the lake like fishing, biking, walking, hiking, camping and golfing. It has a little something for everyone. Just thinking about it brings back good memories and makes me want to get my tires fixed to start biking again.
Tammy Lander - Customer Helpline Expert
Night Walking the National Arboretum
I am a big fan of the Full Moon Hikes at the National Arboretum here in DC. They have all sorts of events you can do each month, but the full moon hikes are super cool. You get to walk and explore the grounds at night under the lunar light. I’m already signed up for May.
Amanda Smith - DC Community Builder
Frisbee Golf at Bluemont Park (Hon. Mentions to Old Rag and Great Falls)
I like to pop out to BlueMont park for their Frisbee golf course. It’s quick, close, and it keeps my daughter active without thinking about it so they have no idea they’re doing some good walking. These are better known but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention two additional outdoor faves. On the more rigorous end is hiking Old Rag, something everyone should do at least once. And closer to home, especially for dog owners, taking a trip out to Great Falls is a nice little getaway that has hiking and wildlife watching.
Steve Seeger - DMV Ops
Trail Running Potomac Overlook Park
I recently did an awesome trail run at Potomac Overlook Park. You park, walk to the end of the pavement, hang a left onto a trail that goes down into a little valley & under the George Washington Parkway, crossing a stream a few times. It runs into a trail that runs along the length of the Virginia side of the Potomac. I ran a couple of miles, with some good scrambles up & down boulders. It makes you feel very close to the power of the river.
Kayaking Mason Neck Regional Park
I also love paddling, and one of my favorite paddles is at Mason Neck Regional Park. Park at the boat ramp, making sure it’s high tide or you’ll be wading through some serious mud. Hang a right and paddle back up Kane’s Creek. It’s right next to a wildlife reserve and has an amazing abundance of wildlife – especially birds. I’ve seen a flock of swans and seven bald eagles on one paddle. I’ve also seen a red-tailed hawk and a heron rookery.
Patrick Smith - Catalyst in Chief, Founder
Hand (or Feet) Walking the Exorcist Stairs!
For more urban fitness/parkour feel, reverse quadrupedal movement (walking up the stairs backwards on your hands) on the Exorcist Stairs in DC is really intense. Named from its appearance in the movie “The Exorcist,” it’s a staple at the DC Beast Coast Jam, a parkour meetup, every year – at least the years I went.
Chris Salvato - Online Happiness and Friction Evaluator
Clarendon Metro to Lincoln Memorial Run-Bike Loop
One of my all-time fav thing to do in DC is run from the Clarendon Metro to the Capital Bike Share station on 10th street (near Constitution) and bike home. If time allows, I like to run the stairs five to ten times on the Lincoln side of the Memorial Bridge, stopping at the Lincoln to do a couple tabata’s on the back side, facing Arlington Cemetery, biking home after finishing up the run to the Capital City Bike Share.
Scot Peterson - Geo Relationship Builder
Jogging/House Admiring on Embassy Row
Start at the intersection of 21st St. NW and Massachusetts Ave and head toward the beautiful Embassies (away from Dupont Circle) It’s a beautiful continuum of unique architecture and history. I usually keep jogging all the way to the National Cathedral then head back. Also incredibly beautiful and quiet after it’s just snowed. Oh and whether it's a jog or stroll, I’d recommend it during off-peak traffic hours, much more peaceful.
Erin Ryan - Content and Social Media Muse
All Kinds of Moving (and drums!) at Meridian Hill Park
A spot in DC, really a gem in the city, is Meridian Hill Park. Not only is it an oasis in the middle of the city, with its greenery and the cascading waters of the fountain, but it’s also a great place to work out!
As its name mentions it’s on top of a hill, and I often see runners stretching on the stone benches before they go up and down the stairs leading to the top. On warmer days, Sunday afternoons are when the park fills with hula-hoopers, acro-yoga enthusiasts, Frisbee throwers, soccer players and slack-liners and all sorts of fun activities. Bring your Power Supply meal and a blanket and you’re all set for a nice picnic.
If you visit, don’t forget about the drum circle! You’ll love the upbeat and energetic atmosphere that inspires rhythm-less and dancing enthusiasts alike to move and groove until the sun sets! I should mention that the design of the park has a bit of a Parisian feel to it (my home country), and it reminds me of the steps of the Sacré Coeur! Great for the days I’m feeling homesick.
Audrey Pichy - Geo Expansion Support
Plane Watching, Bike Rest at Gravelly Point
My favorite, favorite spot in DC is Gravelly Point. Right off the bike/run path on the VA side of the Potomac near National Airport, it's usually not too crowded. I always stop my bike or run to watch the planes land and take off overhead.
Danielle Schaub - Culinary Manager, DC
Parkour Anywhere
It may be a bit random, but I have to share my favorite resource for starting parkour, the getting started guide from APK right here in DC. Parkour's got a reputation for being intense, but the best way to think of it is “I’m an adult, and the world is a playground, so how can I have fun moving around?" Plus, you can do it anywhere.
Paul Mederos - Online Experience Whisperer
Paddleboarding at Key Bridge Boat House
The Key Bridge boathouse is easy as pie to get to, ideal for playing a little hooky on a workday afternoon (pre-work AM outings are also great and even more tranquil/surreal). So cool to be smack dab in the middle of the Nation’s Capital but feel like you’re also in your own world out there on the Potomac. Plus about 15 minutes up on the west bank there’s a little cut in the trees, you pull in your board, hop off, scrabble over a few rocks and voila… there's a cool waterfall to climb up (same one you can get to if you walk the river trail.... just not as secret feeling). Honorable mentions... Huntley Meadows, not too work-outy but super cool 1500 acre park/marsh in Alexandria. And further out Mary's Rock Hike - a little out of town off Skyline Dr. but worth the travel.
Robert Morton - Storyteller, Co-founder
California, SOCAL
Hiking and Sunset Watching at Torrey Pines
A go-to down here when you need to collect your thoughts is Torrey Pines in La Jolla. It's a hike right along the water, with a few staircases. There’s usually some dolphin sightings, and it has probably some of the best sunsets of all time.
Leah Roberts - Community Developer SD
Stairs and LA Vistas at Baldwin Hills
The Baldwin Hills Scenic Outlook, also known as the Culver City Stairs or Nature's Stairmaster, is a hidden gem located southwest of downtown Culver City. This is a great place if you’re wanting a bit of a challenge and enjoy that post-workout muscle burn the next day. This outdoor staircase is built into the trails and consists of almost 300 uneven, steep, and irregular steps made from recycled concrete found in the park – lunges anyone?
Most people start out strong, but once they hit step 50 are good with the one foot in front of the other technique – the praying usually doesn't start until they get past step 100. The reward is getting to the 500 foot peak at the top of the stairs that opens up to an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean, all of West LA, downtown LA, the Hollywood Sign, and the surrounding mountain ranges which, during the winter months, have white snowy peaks. That view makes it all worthwhile.
If you are not feeling the stairs, there are also some trails that zig-zag all the way up to the beautiful city overlook where you will also find some open space to stretch, do some yoga, or play around on the monkey bars. Have fun, enjoy the view, and come prepared with lots of water and sunscreen!
Josh Kriger - Culinary Architect, Co-founder
Roller Skating The Strand
The entire coast of SoCal, known as “The Strand,” is great for walking, running, cycling and especially roller skating! The best part of skating the strand is that you aren’t holding a giant bike at your side when stopping at the multiple scenic areas. Get some good concrete rated wheels and you’re good to go!
Alia Dong-Stewart - Community Developer LA
Paddleboarding (& great eats) Off the Malibu Pier
Great mix of move and munch with this one. Park at Malibu pier, scoot across the street and rent a paddle board, and jump in the Pacific for a quick paddle on the big ocean. Once we jumped over the waves at the shore, the water was this big, slowly rolling sheet that was mesmerizing to paddle on. Shoot around the pier and it's fun to watch the surfers to your north, even a few paddlers riding waves. For some great Apres Paddle, check out Malibu Farms restaurant right on the pier. Incredibly yum nibbles, outdoor seating and of course views to remember.
Robert Morton - Storyteller, Co-founder
San Francisco
Trail Adventures In The Presidio
The Presidio is a hidden treasure in San Francisco. I love doing different hikes and trails that help me discover different places of the city. I don't have a favorite trail because it really depends on my mood and how long of an adventure I want to commit to that day. But I find myself recommending the Presidio often.
Kristina Milova - Community Builder SF
Hikes and Views at Blackie’s Pasture
Blackie’s Pasture in Tiburon is my favorite. It sits across from the city, and on a clear day, the view is breathtaking. I like to walk along the water’s edge with my family, breathe in the fresh air, smile at the view, and just be stoked to be alive.
Steph Sharp - Community Builder SF
Running the Trails and Stairs at Dipsea Run
Dipsea Run is said to be one of the most beautiful courses in the world. It’s 7.4 miles of stairs and steep trails which make it a grueling and treacherous race. People come from all over the world to run it.
Tao Tao - Ops Manager SF
Sunset Viewing at Carona Heights
Catch an amazing sunrise at Corona Heights. It’ a short hike but mainly a spot to do yoga/stretch/bring the dog. You can also climb some pretty cool rocks.
Josh Kriger - Culinary Architect, Co-founder
Thanks for checking out our favorite backyard gems. If you have any lesser known spots that you think we should check out, tag us on FB or Instagram with description and pics @mypowersupply.
Happy trails,
Power Supply Crew
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