Getting out on adventures this time of year has many obstacles. Wintry road conditions or frigid temperature can dissuade even the hardiest people from heading to the mountains.

Fortunately, many neighborhoods in Bend and other Central Oregon communities have paths, trails and parks not far from almost any front door. Rather than not get out at all, consider the merits of walking, running, biking and skiing closer to home. A short breath of fresh air or a microdose of nature can boost your mood.

This season of the year, if the grand plan gets derailed, or you can’t get out for long due to other circumstances, these trails offer low-commitment options. Some miles are better than none.

Larkspur Trail

Almost 4 miles of trail with compacted gravel or pavement connects the Larkspur Community Center, 1600 SE Reed Market Road, to Pilot Butte State Park. Either of these locations offer plenty of parking to access the trail if you can’t get there from your house. There are many access points in various eastside neighborhoods as well. The trail meanders between houses and small forested area and is mostly tucked away from roads. Find more information on this and other trails at bendparksandrec.org/parks-trails/trail-locator.

Pilot Butte State Park

The road to the top of Pilot Butte is closed to autos in the winter. Walking, running, biking or skiing to the top either on the road or trail makes for a great mini adventure, just 2 miles round trip. You get the heart rate way up on the hills and a thrill on the way down. The main access to the park is off of Greenwood Avenue. A paved path connects the park to Neff Road on the northside, which allows anyone in the Midtown or Hollingshead neighborhoods to get there from home without driving.

North Unit Canal Trail

An irrigation canal runs east to west just north of Butler Market Road. A maintenance and access road parallels the canal, which can be used for walking, running, biking or skiing. Canal Row Park or Pine Nursery Park provide parking or good points of reference for where to get on the trail, mostly made up of dirt or crushed gravel surfaces. It runs all the way to Hamehook Road on the north side of the newly constructed Petrosa neighborhood.

This time of the year, the water is not running in the canal. Do not go into the ditch and be sure to read and obey all signs. The roads and trails along the canals are primarily for the operation and maintenance of the irrigation district.

Connect them all to the Deschutes River

The Central Oregon Historic Canal Trail connects the Larkspur Trail to the Deschutes River Trail system. For a long trip all in town, go from Pine Nursery Park, along the canal, connect to Pilot Butte through some roads in the Hollinshead neighborhood, get some hills on Pilot Butte, continue south on the Larkspur Trail, connect to the Historic Canal Trail, head west to the river. There are lots of options from there or turn and go back to where you started.

All of these trails are close to homes. Be respectful of those who live nearby by keeping noise to a minimum and staying on the trail. Let’s keep these trails beautiful for everyone by picking up after your pets and not littering.

This includes “natural” items like banana peels and nut shells, evidence of human presence that looks a lot like trash on the ground — because they are not part of the natural environment. This time of year, peels just freeze to the ground, and in summer, because it is so dry in Central Oregon, it can take a long time for them to break down and remain visible long after they’ve been dropped.

Many of these areas also provide respite for wildlife and make great spots to watch birds any season of the year. After a fresh snowfall, keep an eye out for animal tracks. These areas woven into neighborhoods provide exposure to nature without having to get in the car or travel far. Help keep them beautiful for everyone.