The Best Cycling and Walking Routes for Wildlife Watching on Your Transportation Commute

Whether you’re cycling or walking to work or school, commuting can be a great opportunity for wildlife watching. Many urban areas have parks, wetlands, and other green spaces that are home to a variety of birds, mammals, and other animals. Here are some of the best cycling and walking routes for wildlife watching on your transportation commute.

The Wiggle in San Francisco, California

The Wiggle is a popular bicycle route in San Francisco that takes riders from Market Street to Golden Gate Park. This route is named after the series of turns that allow riders to avoid the steep hills of San Francisco. Along the way, riders can see a variety of birds in the panhandle of Golden Gate Park and around the nearby Lake Merced.

The L.A. River Bike Path in Los Angeles, California

The L.A. River Bike Path is an 8-mile bicycle path that runs along the Los Angeles River. This path takes riders through several parks and wetlands, including the Rio de Los Angeles State Park and the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve. Along the way, riders may see birds such as great blue herons, snowy egrets, and ospreys.

The Burke-Gilman Trail in Seattle, Washington

The Burke-Gilman Trail is a 27-mile bicycle trail that runs from Seattle to the suburbs of Bothell and Woodinville. This trail takes riders through several parks and along the shores of Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish. Along the way, riders may see birds such as kingfishers, cormorants, and bald eagles.

The Greenbelt Trail in New York City, New York

The Greenbelt Trail is a 36-mile bicycle trail that runs through Staten Island. This trail takes riders through several parks, wetlands, and forests, including the Lemon Creek Wetlands and the Staten Island Greenbelt. Along the way, riders may see birds such as woodpeckers, hawks, and owls.

The Swamp Rabbit Trail in Greenville, South Carolina

The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 22-mile bicycle and walking trail that runs from Greenville to Travelers Rest. This trail takes riders and walkers through several parks and along the Reedy River. Along the way, riders and walkers may see mammals such as beavers, otters, and deer.

The Capital Crescent Trail in Washington, D.C.

The Capital Crescent Trail is an 11-mile bicycle and walking trail that runs from Georgetown to Bethesda. This trail takes riders and walkers through several parks and along the shores of the Potomac River. Along the way, riders and walkers may see birds such as wood ducks, great blue herons, and double-crested cormorants.

Tips for Wildlife Watching

When cycling or walking on these trails, it’s important to remember that you are a guest in the animals’ home. Here are some tips for wildlife watching:

  • Respect animal habitats by staying on the trail and not disturbing plants or animals.
  • Keep a safe distance from animals, especially if they have young.
  • Do not feed wildlife, as it can make them sick and reliant on humans for food.
  • Bring binoculars or a camera to better view animals from a distance.
  • Be patient and quiet, as loud noises and sudden movements can frighten animals.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of nature while cycling or walking on these trails. Happy commuting!

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