Lace-up your favorite pair of tennis shoes, and take a walk on the wild side, even if it's just for an hour or so. (Our minds deserve it, after all.) Here are four great mid-day hikes to trek during your lunch break.

(Courtesy of The Inspired Tourist)

Leona Canyon Trail

There's something about the way damp mulch softens a heavy foot that makes this hike so comforting. Leona Canyon Trail is the perfect place for your tired feet to find some solace. With river views and low-slung flowers in bloom, you'll want nothing more than to walk that extra mile (the whole trail is 2.8 miles there and back). Even your four-legged friend can come along on a leash. // Oakland, alltrails.com/trail/us/california/leona-canyon

(Courtesy of redwoodhikes.com)

Sequoia Bayview Trail

Dotted with pastel wildflowers in the early summer months, the Bayview Trail is worth any oil painter's foreground. You'll be combing through about three miles of pristine, well-manicured foliage as you unwind under incandescent lighting. And yes, your fur child can come along as well. // Oakland, alltrails.com/trail/us/california/sequoia-bayview-trail

(Courtesy of singletracks.com)

Skyline Trail

This mosaic of jungle-like landscapes is one for the books with plenty of ups and downs to get your calves burning. The whole trail is over fourteen miles, so don't attempt it all on a Tuesday afternoon. We recommend parking at Tiden Streams parking lot and going about a mile-or-so out and doubling-back. You'll still be treated to some absolutely breathtaking foliage and latticed rock faces. // Berkeley, http://www.everytrail.com/guide/skyline-trail-midd...

(Courtesy of The Wall Street Journal)

Lake Merritt

You've likely already done this three-mile walk that hugs Oakland's cutest lake, but we recommend adding it to your daily lunch break—more time outside never hurt anyone. This is a paved route, so hiking shoes or not, you'll be able to enjoy a brisk walk. Dogs are more than welcome as long as they are on a leash. And if you can walk from work, all the better! Parking might be tough. // Oakland, alltrails.com/trail/us/california/lake-merritt

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This story was originally published in July 2016