The National Trails System has grown by 525 miles due to the recent designation of 22 National Recreation Trails in 13 states by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. Just in time for the 17th annual National Trails Day this Saturday June 6th, 2009!
"From coast to coast, the National Trails System helps connect American families with the wonders of the outdoors," said Secretary Salazar. "These new National Recreation Trails, built through partnerships with local communities and stakeholders, will create new opportunities for fitness and stewardship, while creating a lasting legacy for our children and grandchildren."
National Recreation Trails (NRTs) were first designated in 1971 and continue to recognize existing trails and trail systems that join people to local resources and improve their quality of life.
Each of the new trails will receive a certificate of designation, a letter of congratulations from Secretary Salazar, and NRT trail markers. The trails will also join a network of more than 1,050 previously designated trails that add up to more than 12,500 miles. Be sure to check out which of the following 22 trails have been designated NRTs in your area:
Alabama: Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
California: San José Trail Network – Three connecting trails – the Guadalupe River Trail, the Highway 237 Bikeway, and the Coyote Creek Trail North
Illinois: Moraine Hills Trail System
Indiana: Rivergreenway
Kansas: Pioneer Nature Trail
Massachusetts: Great Barrington Housatonic River Walk
Nebraska: Niobrara Scenic River, Ft. Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge Section
New Jersey: Hackensack River Greenway through Teaneck
New York: Chenango Canal Towpath Trail; Feeder Canal Towpath Trail; Historic Champlain Canalway Trail
Pennsylvania: Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails; Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway - 6 to 10 Trail; Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway - Juniata River Water Trail; Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway - Lower Trail; Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway - Path of the Flood Trail; Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway - Roaring Run Trail; Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway - West Penn Trail; Susquehanna River Water Trail – North Branch Section
Texas: Cameron Park Trails
Virginia: Occoquan Water Trail
Wisconsin: Kohl Park Hiking Trail
Also look out for events scheduled which include hikes, new trail dedications, workshops, educational exhibits, equestrian and mountain bike rides, rollerblading, and trail maintenance on our nation’s favorite trails. National Trails Day is organized by the American Hiking Society, a national nonprofit trail advocacy group based in Washington, DC.