Five New National Recreation Trails Designated Across Six States

A trial below the rim of the Grand Canyon.
A trial below the rim of the Grand Canyon.

In a nod to Great Outdoors Month and National Trails Day on June 7, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced the addition of five new National Recreation Trails, spanning 387 miles across six states, to the National Trails System. The designations, revealed today, expand a network of over 1,300 trails across every U.S. state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, offering new opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and local communities.

“National Recreation Trails create opportunities for locally managed tourism to boost economies and benefit hikers, bikers, paddlers, and other recreationists alike,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “This investment into conservation and outdoor recreation will benefit the American people for generations to come.”

Ad
Buy tools

The newly designated trails, managed by state, local, or private entities, were selected through a joint effort by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, alongside federal and nonprofit partners. Designation as a National Recreation Trail does not shift ownership or impose federal oversight, preserving local control while recognizing the trails’ significance. Each trail will receive a certificate of designation, trail markers, and a letter of recognition from Secretary Burgum. Applications for new designations are open until November 1, 2025.

The new trails offer diverse experiences, from urban waterfronts to historic waterways. They include:

  • California: Miner’s Ravine Trail
    This 6.36-mile trail in Roseville provides a local haven for hiking, biking, running, dog-walking, and leisurely strolls, connecting residents with nature and community.
  • Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio: Ohio River Way
    Stretching 308 miles, this water trail links Appalachian wilderness, small river towns, and urban centers, rich with cultural history from Lewis and Clark’s expedition to the Underground Railroad.
  • Ohio: Cuyahoga River Water Trail
    Covering 41 miles from the Little Cuyahoga River to Lake Erie, this trail offers paddlers diverse scenery, from pristine parklands to Cleveland’s industrial and urban landscapes.
  • Virginia: Elizabeth River Trail
    A 10.5-mile urban waterfront trail in Norfolk, this multi-modal path features views of the Elizabeth River, historic sites like the USS Wisconsin, and unique amenities like the glow-in-the-dark Glowline.
  • Wisconsin: Great Pinery Heritage Waterway
    This 20.8-mile section of the 108-mile Wisconsin River trail winds through old-growth forests, historic mill towns, and urban areas, showcasing the river’s legacy as the “Hardest Working River in the World.”

The National Trails System, encompassing scenic, historic, recreation, and water trails, promotes exploration of America’s landscapes and history.

These new designations invite adventurers to discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of these regions while supporting local economies through tourism.

For more information on the National Trails System or to apply for trail designation, visit the National Park Service or U.S. Forest Service websites.

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *