For the uninitiated, the Burke-Gilman Trail is a nearly 20-mile path leading from Golden Gardens all the way up to Kenmore. Originally constructed as a rail route, the path has been repurposed for use by walkers, runners, and, for our purposes, cyclists. Despite missing a sizable chunk along the Salmon Bay waterfront in Ballard, requiring riders to navigate a somewhat harrowing route along Shilshole Avenue Northwest and Market Street, it remains a great way to get from here to there, or to burn an afternoon or some calories. The trail winds past some of Seattle’s favorite locations, including the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, Redhook Brewery, and the Fremont Sunday Market, making it a favorite ride of Seattle’s bicyclists. seattle.gov
First runner-up: Alki to Lincoln Park
Second runner-up: Sammamish River Trail
Honorable mention: Myrtle Edwards, Interlaken Boulevard
Read about the rest of the Best of Seattle Reader Poll winners here. If you didn’t get a chance to vote this go-round, make sure your voice is heard next year. Email us at bestofseattle@seattleweekly.com and we will let you know when nominations open for BoS 2017.