In celebration of Great Outdoors Month and National Trails Day on June 3, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced the designation of nine new national recreation trails in nine states, adding 340 miles to the National Trails System. The newly designated trails join a network of more than 1,300 existing national recreation trails, which can be found in every U.S. state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
“This National Trails Day, I encourage everyone to explore one of the national scenic, historic or recreation trails that make up the National Trails System,” said Secretary Haaland. “These trails offer an abundance of opportunities to experience the breathtaking landscapes of our country, all while supporting outdoor recreation activities and boosting local economies.”
National recreation trails are existing local or regional trails that are designated by either the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture with the consent of the federal, state, Tribal, local, nonprofit, or private managing entity. These trails are jointly coordinated and administered by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, in conjunction with a number of federal and nonprofit partners. Managing agencies or organizations can apply for distinction as a national recreation trail through November 1.
“National recreation trails, including these new designations, are some of our country’s highest caliber trails and provide close-to-home recreation opportunities and the benefits of spending time outdoors,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “They can be used by everyone and provide for the ever-increasing recreation needs of our growing population, especially in urban areas.”
Today’s trail designations are consistent with the principles of the Biden-Harris administration’s America the Beautiful initiative. National recreation trails are managed collaboratively, often with local partners, and contribute to a world where everyone feels welcome and has access to enjoy the great outdoors.
The Razorback Greenway is considered by many as “The Backbone of Northwest Arkansas”, the Razorback Greenway is a 40-mile shared-use trail that connects several communities throughout northwest Arkansas. The trail provides access for users of all types to recreate and connect to local businesses, entertainment districts, and world-class art museums.
There are currently 40 National Recreation Trails in Arkansas the longest being the 223-mile-long Ouachita National Recreation Trail. The shortest is the 0.2-mile boardwalk trail at Louisiana Purchase State Park.
Read about our exploration of the Razorback Greenway from 2015.
Besides the Razorback Greenway, Secretary Haaland has designated the following as national recreation trails. Each will receive a certificate of designation, a set of trail markers, and a letter of recognition.
- ALABAMA – Vernon Bush Garden Trail – The 1-mile Vernon Bush Garden Trail located in Jackson County, AL, provides residents and visitors alike the opportunity to exercise and reconnect with nature. The trail offers scenic lake views, picnic areas, and, most notably, a wide variety of plant species. The strategically landscaped and seasonal changes of the flowers and trees deliver a beautiful, everchanging experience for all.
- GEORGIA – Harris Greenway Trail – Connecting Tribble Mill Park to Harbins Park in Gwinnett County, GA, the Harris Greenway Trail provides over 5 miles of paved multi-use trail for recreation and connections to local parks, local businesses, neighborhoods, and other local trail systems.
- ILLINOIS & WISCONSIN – Fabulous Fox! Water Trail – The Fabulous Fox! Water Trail runs from the border of southeast Wisconsin to northeast Illinois. At 158 miles and with over 70 access points, this water trail offers paddlers the opportunity to recreate, as well as explore vibrant Midwest communities and varying landscapes along the Fox River.
- OREGON – Crown Zellerbach Trail – The Crown Zellerbach Trail, also known as the Crown Z Trail and CZ Trail, is a 22-mile mostly-gravel trail connecting the towns of Scappoose and Vernonia, OR. The trail traverses through the beautiful scenery of Oregon’s Coastal Range and Columbia River wetlands, providing outstanding recreation opportunities for all trail users.
- TENNESSEE – Enterprise South Nature Park – The Enterprise South Nature Park, located just outside Chattanooga, TN, provides 70 miles of walking and cycling paths, ranging from beginner to advanced, through heavily wooded and varying terrain. The network of trails throughout the park offers a place for recreation, enjoyment, and solitude in close proximity to an urban area.
- TEXAS – Wilson Creek Trail – The Wilson Creek Trail is a nearly 10-mile trail system that not only provides recreation opportunities on the trail itself, but also connects residents and visitors of McKinney, TX to various local parks, community resources, and other local open spaces. The trail provides access to other recreational amenities such as playgrounds, a disc golf course, an outdoor fitness court, and more.
- UTAH - Iron Hills Trail System – The Iron Hills Trail System is a 29-mile network of trails located on Bureau of Land Management land in beautiful southwest Utah. The trail system is known for its premier mountain biking opportunities but is also a popular destination for hikers, trail runners, equestrians, and wildlife viewers.
- WISCONSIN - Old Highway 131 Trail – Located in the heart of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, WI, the 4.5-mile Old Highway 131 Trail provides a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, just to name a few. In addition to recreation opportunities, the trail traverses land rich in Indigenous culture and history.
