Seattleites often play in the mountain ranges they can see from their city―but sometimes you just need a hike you can do before lunch. That’s what you get with Urban Trails: Seattle . A thriving city of more than seven hundred thousand residents within a metropolitan area of nearly four million, Seattle has become a big city, with rapid growth and an increasing number of new arrivals every year. Thanks to the foresight of early city planners, however, the city's large park system contains a wide array of trails that traverse manicured lawns, nature preserves, old-growth forest groves, historic districts, and vibrant neighborhoods―as well as trails that travel along lakeshores, cascading creeks, and stretches of Puget Sound shoreline. Within this sprawling metropolis you'll also find some of the best long-distance paved trails in the Northwest. They thread together parks and greenbelts that call out for further exploration and adventures. Whether you like to hike, run, or walk, you’ll find countless options among Seattle's urban trails, giving you many reasons to never leave the city when seeking excellent outdoor adventures. Features of this guide include: Easy to reference maps - Trail distance and high point - Indicates trail suitability for walkers, hikers, and runners - Trailhead amenities - Info for families with kids and for dog owners - Sidebars on area history, nature, and sights Next time you need an escape from the city, consider one of the urban trails in Romano’s guide. You might be able to get away from it all -- and barely leave your own back yard. -- Anne Erickson ― King 5 Evening Craig Romano, the leading author of hiking guidebooks in the state, explores local adventures in Urban Trails Seattle, which is great for tourists and native Washingtonians alike. ― South Sound Magazine Romano has uncovered accessible nature trails and outings for just about everyone including families (young and old!), first-time trail users or those needing a quick after-work workout. -- Carolyn Price ― OutdoorsNW [The Urban Trails] guidebooks serve as an awesome tool for finding hidden hiking gems and pockets of greenspace close to home…. The perfect size for throwing in your pack, and full of great information. ― Washington Trails Association Craig Romano is Washington's most experienced guidebook author, with over 20 books to his name. A couple of our favorites: 100 Classic Hikes Washington and the new Urban Trails series. ― Beers at the Bottom Craig Romano is Washington's most prolific author of hiking guidebooks--and he has hiked more than 20,000 miles worth of Washington trails, from Cape Flattery to Puffer Butte. An avid runner as well, Romano has run over 25 marathons and ultra runs including the Boston Marathon and the White River 50 Mile Endurance Run. He has written more than 20 books and writes for numerous publications, tourism agencies, and Hikeoftheweek.com.