By Katie Rosenbrock
TheActiveTimes.com

Some trail runners prefer the challenge of conquering the most rugged of terrains while others thoroughly enjoy the calming effect of a relaxed run through a soft, tree-lined dirt path.

Some are exhilarated by the demands of a continuous climb and others are more delighted by the rollercoaster effect of undulating hills.

Whatever style of off-road running you love most -- and there are so many different kinds -- you can make a safe bet that somewhere in the U.S. there's a splendidly scenic path that can make all your trail running dreams come true.

To help pinpoint which U.S. running trails are the best of the best, we called on a team of experts comprised of some of the country’s most experienced and well-versed trail runners. From the rugged wilderness of Vermont and sweeping views of California’s coast to the beloved landscape of the Grand Canyon and Alaska’s incredible backcountry terrain, this list is a collection of their top trail running recommendations.

Best U.S. Running Trails

Needles District, Canyonland National Park, Utah

"It's hard to pick one trail or route in this spider web of single-track, but any hike through the red needles and fins of sandstone is worth it," said Meghan M. Hicks, senior editor at iRunFar.com and a contributing editor at Trail Runner magazine.

Needles District, Canyonland National Park, Utah

However, she did recommend that runners make sure to visit the grassy expanse of Chesler Park and the "tight squeeze" of the Joint Trail. And if you’re in search of a lengthier running adventure, she suggests adding in the out-and-back trail to Druid Arch.

White Mountains, New Hampshire

Hobbs highly suggests the trails of the White Mountains because the area offers runners a wide variety of terrain to choose from. "Rocks, creeks, slick footing in spots, trees, roots, vistas, elevation changes. ... It's truly magical," she said. "Some iconic traverses incorporating some of the high points in the Whites can make for a fun, long grind on a summer day."

White Mountains, New Hampshire

Plus, the mountain has overnight huts available to runners covering extra-long distances.

Barr Trail, Colorado

According to Hobbs, Barr trail is the most notable and widely used trail in the Colorado Springs area. At 11.8 miles long and with an ascent of 7,900 feet, the route, which finishes at an altitude of 14,115 feet at Pikes Peak, is challenging and vigorous.

Barr Trail, Colorado

However, she said that other enticing (and less arduous) options in the area include Monument Valley, Stratton Open Space, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Palmer Park, Cheyenne Mountain State Park and Mueller State Park.

South and North Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon, Ariz.

Both Hobbs and Nick Clark, a well-recognized elite mountain runner from Fort Collins, Colo. who blogs about trail running at irunmountains.blogspot.com, love this rim-to-rim route simply because it's classic.

South and North Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon, Ariz.

Hobbs said it includes a variety of terrain, a diverse ecosystem and plenty of elevation changes. "What's not to like about running in one of the most scenic spots in the world?" she said.

Dipsea Trail, California

System and on clear days offers sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay and Mount Tamalpais. It’s also host to a handful of trail races throughout the year.

Dipsea Trail, California

Generally, the trail is open year round but Hobbs suggested that runners take caution during the winter "mud season" when conditions are sometimes unsafe.

Alyeska Mountain Trails, Alaska

In close proximity to the Alyeska Ski Resort, Nancy Hobbs, founder and executive director of the American Trail Running Association, co-author of The Ultimate Guide to Trail Running and chairperson for the Mountain Ultra Trail Council, recommends these trails for easy access to grand views of the Chugach Mountains.

Alyeska Mountain Trails, Alaska

However, just because the routes are easily accessed doesn't mean the terrain isn’t challenging. Hobbs said runners should be prepared for rugged backcountry terrain and wildlife encounters including bears and moose.

Berry Picker Trail, Colorado

At about three miles long, Hobbs recommends this route—a snaky single-track path that connects with many other trails -- for a quick run up Vail Mountain. "The wildflowers in the late summer are incredible and the leaves changing in the fall are spectacular," she said.

Berry Picker Trail, Colorado

Also of note: The Vail Recreation District hosts a series of races here from May to September.

Vermont Long Trail

"Quintessentially New England," is how Clark describes this challenging trail. One of his favorite multi-day options, it spans 270 miles and is the oldest thru-trail in the country.

Vermont Long Trail

Don't show up unprepared, though. Clark says this one will "serve up quite a beating."

Government Canyon State Natural Area, Texas

Part of the Texas Hill Country on San Antonio’s north side, Liza Howard, a competitive ultra-runner and a field instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School, recommends this rugged range of land.