Walking is one of the simplest, yet best exercises you can do, according to the Harvard School of Medicine. It can help you stay trim, improve cholesterol levels, strengthen bones, keep blood pressure in check, lift your mood, and lower your risk for a number of diseases (diabetes and heart disease, for example). A number of studies have shown that walking and other physical activities can even improve memory and resist age-related memory loss.

All you need is a well-fitting and supportive pair of shoes. Start with walking for about 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Over time, you can start to walk farther and faster, until you’re walking for 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week.

• Greater Wilson Rotary Park, 1901 Branch Street NW - .5 mile loop
• Gillette Athletic Complex, 3238 Corbett Avenue - 3.1 mile cross country course & .5 mile walking track between soccer fields.
• Hominy Swamp Greenway, 500 Sunset Road - .10 mile (phase two projected to finish 2022)
• Lake Wilson Reservoir, 4621 Lake Wilson Road N - 2 mile trail
• Lamm Park, 1149 Stantonsburg Circle SE - .33 mile track
• Lane Street Park, 1802 Lane Street SE - .33 mile trail 
• Linear Park, 306 Pender Street E - .25 mile track
• Matthis Park, 1015 Forest Hills Road NW - .25 mile track
• Reid Street Center, 901 Reid Street E - .37 mile track
• Toisnot Park, 1500 Corbett Avenue NE - 1.5 mile trail
• Warren Street Park, 501 Bruton Street W - .25 mile track
• Weaver-Bailey Park, 2506 Adventura Lane E - .10 mile track
• Westwood Park, 2216 Woodcroft Drive W - .25 mile track
• Wiggins Mill, 3010 US 301 S - 1.0 - 1.5 mile trail
• Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro Street S - .25 mile track

Buckhorn Lake has a 1.6-mile horse trail that is open to walkers (please be considerate of any riders you encounter). Entrances are on Johnson Farm and Sullivan roads. GPS: 9140 Johnson Farm Road, Kenly 27542

Wilson Medical Center also has a well-used walking circle. 1705 Tarboro St SW, Wilson, NC 27893

The city has plans for a greenway that would cross from Forest Hills Road to the west to U.S. 301 in the east. .

People looking for a bigger challenge may want to check out North Carolina State Park, Cliffs of the Neuse, Goose Creek, Medoc Mountain, and William B. Umstead State Park.

Want a faster pace? Learn about local running groups.

Walking and Running Paths from City of Wilson, NC on Vimeo.

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