Wasn't expecting this to be breathtaking but it was! It was breathtaking taking as in there are a number inclines at 8% or more the we encountered and the view was beautiful. We thought we would do a simple 2.5 miles in and out but ended up doing 5.5 in and out. The trail is paved 100% of the way. Makes it good for everyone from bikers, walkers, baby strollers, those differently abled and little kids. Lots of fun and plenty of energy food along the way (blackberry's) Enjoy this hike. read more

Cushman Powerline Trail - Vista - Parks Near Me - Gig Harbor, Washington

I got an electric scooter recently and have gone on a run or two on it on some bike trails. My first run was on the Scott Pierson trail in Tacoma which ends at the Narrows Bridge. There isn't a trail that resumes right after at the bridge on the Gig Harbor side but the Cushman Trail isn't far from the bridge at all. You just cross the viaduct that goes over the toll area for the bridge , get on the road that heads west and before long you will come across a sign indicating that you are at the Cushman Trail. So arguably it's a continuation trail but probably not technically. This is a great trail as it is well maintained and is wide and has lanes for bike, walking and scooter traffic. As you head into Gig Harbor you will see a sign that you are entering the city limits of Gig Harbor. A couple of times the trail becomes part of a road or a sidewalk but the signage is great and as long as you pay attention to the signs you won't lose the trail. I was here just after the trees hit their peak with Autumn color but the Cushman Trail is great to take in in that regard. After hitting the city limits there were signs for each crossing that indicated that motorized vehicles were not allowed. So yeah. my scooter sort of fits under that. Nobody seemed to mind that though and the trail was busy. I even saw other electric scooters as well. I didn't get to ride my scooter as much as one would think because there are several pretty steep hill grades on this trail especially towards the middle to end but it was ok...I was enjoying the scenery. My scooter doesn't do hills well let alone steep ones so that's why so much walking happened for me. For the walker or the bicyclist those hill grades would be great for exercise. Cushman Trail is a very nice trail to explore much how it is with visiting the town in general. read more

See all

This 6 mile long paved trail offers spectacular and challenging inclines, views of Gig Harbor, and extends nearly from "uptown" Gig Harbor to the Narrows Bridge. Unfortunately, because we are on the other side of a very long bridge, and every time you cross that bridge going east you get your picture taken by the toll booth cameras, and because there is a lot of wealthy and friendliness here, many Gig Harbor residents live under the delusion that this is a completely safe place, where nothing bad can happen. Several weeks ago, a 70-year-old jogger was accosted, overtaken, and nearly raped in broad daylight on a well-traveled section of the trail, no more than a mile from the police station. I knew it would only be a matter of time before our community's complacency would be its undoing. No place on earth is truly safe, because humans think of ingenious and devious ways to hurt each other and take advantage of weakness all the time. And the sad irony is that it's the very reputation a community has for being a safe-haven, that makes it a ripe target for criminals. After the trail incident, the police promised a vigorous response, patrols, etc. The only change I've noticed is that for a little while there was a still-camera strapped to a post near where the incident occurred, and then it was gone. I have never seen or heard tell of any police patrols on the trail, day or night. I don't mean to be Chicken Little, but it is important to note that this--and any other--trail's wild and beautiful character are precisely why people need to enjoy life, the lovely fall colors, and yes, even in the midday sun with people around, and yet still keep their guard up at all times. Better yet, don't go out on it alone unless you have to. I don't advocate paranoia or hypervigilance, but an once of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as grandma always used to say. Be safe out there, folks. And if you see anything weird, report it to the cops right away, because as close by as they are, they aren't there on the trail, and we all need to watch out for each other. And side note: the trail ends a quarter-mile from the bridge, forcing a walk on a rural, very dangerous stretch of road with poor visibility for drivers, and narrow shoulders to walk on. I don't know why the powers that be decided to end the trail in such a precipitous location, but they did. Be careful. read more

I thought it was a good walking trail, well worth the drive from Tacoma. Car was unmolested everytime I've gone here. Perhaps it was because I didn't leave valuables out in plain sight. read more

The Cushman Trail is a paved public multiuse (non-motorized) path through Gig Harbor, currently about 5 miles in length from near the Narrows Bridge to Burnham Drive. This is a wonderful replacement for the old gravel powerline road that previously existed here. Phase 1, from 14th Ave. to Kimball Dr. P&R, is a fairly gentle roller coaster of ups and downs without any really big hills. The new Phase 2, from Grandview to Burham Dr., is another beast altogether-- long sections of 8-10% grade so beware! The whole trail is wide and clean, taking the user through a variety of scenery and mostly set safely away from vehicular traffic. The only real gripes I have about this trail, and the reason it gets 4 stars instead of 5, are the disconnects between the Narrows Bridge and Phase 1, between Phase 1 and Phase 2, and the poor signage at both. Following the Scott Pierson Trail in Tacoma across the Narrows Bridge will lead you to an overpass 0.7 mi from the Cushman trailhead-- but without any safe path or indication of how to get there (its not too bad though-- there is a paved shoulder to ride on and not a ton of traffic). From the Kimball P&R there is a sign indicating 'Cushman Trail (left arrow)', but no actual path to follow. Turns out that the trail is either along the main street (Kimball) or you can cross Kimball and the alternate route goes past a small shopping center (mmm.... Gateway to India...) makes a left and then through a small forest park before returning to a street where you must ride on the road or sidewalk for a few blocks before reaching the Phase 2 trailhead near Stinson & Grandview. All that said, though, after you've made the connections once its easy to remember for the next time, so really not a big deal. I'm looking forward to Phase 3! read more

The Cushman Trail is a wonderful resource for exercise enthusiasts in the Gig Harbor area. I can't believe it took me nearly seven years to discover this beautiful paved track suitable for bikers, walkers and runners. For those who like to know distances, there is a map which breaks down the mileage for the various stages of the trail. The personal route I follow, however, deviates from the standard way. The route I take is 10.7 miles in length and has a cumulative altitude gain of around 1000 feet. My route begins at the Gig Harbor Post Office, proceeds up Harbor View-Sound View to the Cushman Trailhead just north of Olympic Shopping Center. I then stay on the trail all the way to Burnham and back. This route gives one the greatest elevation gain. There certainly is confusion with regard to route finding where the Cushman Trail enters business and residential areas, but if one follows the direction signs carefully one can work out the difficulties. There are at least three sites I have found for restrooms and water: They are: the park-and-ride station on Hunt, Grandview Park near City Hall, and the Grandview Trailhead west of Stinson. Once you leave the trail head on Grandview west of Stinson, however, there is no water all the way to Burnham. Another welcome feature to be found along the trail route is the plethora of benches for resting when encountering the hill climb areas; it is certainly comforting for those people who have endurance issues. An engineer at the City told me construction of Phase 3 on the Cushman is to begin soon. The trail will be pushed from 96th (near Burnham) to Borgen, and it should be completed this year. Future phases should extend the trail ultimately to Purdy. Everyone interested in the outdoors and physical activity should avail themselves of this wonderful Gig Harbor resource. Enjoy! read more

This is great thing to have in town. I'm embarrassed to say that I could never find the start of the trail so I would park right near John L. Scott to walk a bit of the trail. I kept reading that the entrance was Reid & 14th, and I took that to mean it was at the corner of where Reid meets 14th...not so. It's a little bit further down, almost to the dead end. I was so excited once I found it! It's a pretty level paved trail which is great for jogging, easy walks, and biking. It is wide and separated by a line down much of the center to keep people to the right side which everyone seems to adhere to. Sometimes you run into some kids skippin' class or just hanging out on the trail, though everyone I have met is always friendly. It is dog friendly but please pick up. There are not any great views to speak of, but a great place to get some exercises in the Gig. read more

A great trail thats completely paved! It runs about 5 miles & is really a pretty area. read more

Cushman Powerline Trail - Parks Near Me - Gig Harbor, Washington

See all

Would rather give it zero stars. The stars reflect more on the town of Gig Harbor and less on the trail, because I love running/walking trails. My car has been broken into multiple times at different parking spots along this trail. DO NOT USE THIS TRAIL if you want your car to remain in tact. IT IS NOT WORTH IT!!!!!! STAY AWAY FROM CUSHMAN TRAIL. read more

It's 2.5 miles of paved walking/jogging/biking/skateboarding trail! There is a small parking lot at Reid & 14th, which is a good place to start from. People also park along Hollycroft (The medical building there has some designated spots for people using the trail). Perfect for an evening stroll! read more

Decent trail but as others have mentioned the signage (for cyclists) is sorely lacking when it comes to the various breaks in the trail. I came over the Narrows Bridge and rode a 20 mile loop altogether but the ride took me on a few detours as I tried to find the trail. I enjoyed the northern part of the trail, and the hills, the most. If the signage was adequate I'd rate this 5 stars. read more

5 miles of glorious bikeable paved path. Though it's cut through by some roads about a mile into the trail, it'd always clear of obstacles and a jog to walk, run, and especially bike through. read more

Great spot for longboarding, running, biking, walking, etc. The trail is wide, smooth and clean. A great resource for exercise for anyone in the area. read more

Still being finished in places but overall this a a great place to walk, run, bike, etc. You can jump off and the alternate route through the woods. Or you can ride down to the Marina. Or just enjoy the view from the trail. read more

If this trail was continuous, I would have given it 5 stars. But in several places, the trail ends and you have to find your way on the city streets! There are signs, but I found it confusing! That being said, the trail itself is beautifully paved, and has bathrooms and water fountains every few miles. It is pretty hilly too. read more

This is such a great trail for walking your doggies, kids, joggers, or just for a stroll. Very well maintained and paved. Mile markers listed on the ground and goes all the way down into Gig Harbour waterfront. My only complaint not enough thrash cans for picking up after your dogs. read more