Burke-Gilman Trail Seattle Washington – USA
A famous recreational attraction in Seattle, the Burke-Gilman Trail is a great place for runners, hikers, skaters, and bikers. Maintained by Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Seattle Department of Transportation, Burke-Gilman reveals some of the best parts of Seattle, including its lush parks, lakes, and waterfront. After venturing around charming street corners and smelling the healthy sea air, stop at a charming neighborhood cafe and try some of the local specialties.
Among the activities you can do in Burke-Gilman, perhaps the most popular is biking. In fact, biking fans come from different parts of the United States just to experience the incredible trail. Even the city of Seattle has its own organized cycling community that maintains Burke-Gilman’s infectiously lively vibe. But the popular trail is useful not only for recreationists and fitness freaks, it has become a major thoroughfare for those commuting to work and studying at the University of Washington. Since its opening, Burke-Gilman has also been an integral landmark for real estate and business.
Commonly called ‘the Burke’ by locals, the Burke-Gilman Trail is a fully paved trail that stretches 43 kilometers or 27 miles. The trail is actually part of the King County Regional Trail System. It specifically follows the former Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way, through the city of Seattle and extending to the Tracy Owen Station in Kenmore. It has been welcoming outdoor enthusiasts since 1978. In 2009, Burke-Gilman connected with another trail that runs through Marymoor Park. If you choose this path, you can cycle for 64 kilometers or 40 miles without interruption.
There are many ways to start the trail, but some riders usually choose to start at Puget Sound, which is right at the entrance to Golden Gardens Park. The Wayne Gold Course is often the chosen end point for the trail. If you want to do more than just bike ‘the Burke’, you can visit Golden Gardens Park and the Sammamish River Trail, which serve as boundaries for the trail.
Other parks you’ll come across while biking this trail include Gasworks Parks, Matthews Beach, and Tracy Owen Station. The Burke-Gilman Playground is another great spot for families facing the trail. But if you want some grown-up fun, why not stop by Redhook Brewery to sample some of the best local beer varieties?
If you are not an experienced cyclist, don’t worry! Burke-Gilman is easily accessible, relatively flat, and not a very demanding trail in terms of fitness. The trail is completely separated from car traffic so you don’t have to worry about getting hit. Additionally, regular route cyclists have been known to follow standard route etiquette for safety.
If you’re visiting Seattle without bringing your own bike, you always have the option of renting one at various locations around the city. There are even companies that rent trailers for accompanying children. The Dutch Bike Company is one of the rental places located just at the beginning of the Burke. It also maintains a charming cafe that welcomes those who want a break from cycling. Right near the University of Washington in the University District is another rental place called Recycled Cycles.