Guercino paintings

Guercino paintings
Henry Peeters paintings

One of Sylvia Allen's favorite hiking routes affords amazing views of the Pacific Ocean as it winds north along rocky cliffs through cypress and pine forests. Also amazing is that Allen never leaves the city, in this case San Francisco, when she takes her trek. "You absolutely do not," she says, "have to be in the country to go hiking."
Urban hikes, whether they lead under the Golden Gate Bridge or simply to a coffee shop two neighborhoods over, provide the ultimate in accessible adventure. The recreation promotes physical, mental and community health, and also wins points for what it doesn't offer: long drives to trailheads, gear-laden packs to schlep, and extended exposure to nasty weather. Here's everything you need to know before hitting the trail, or sidewalk."Bring water, a snack, and good, comfortable shoes," says Allen, whose company, City Hikes, guides expeditions within San Francisco. "And a lot of people have unrealistic notions of what comfortable shoes means