Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Ellen Ferretti is inviting all Pennsylvanians to discover, celebrate and learn about trails throughout the state on National Trails Day, June 7.

“From Philadelphia to Erie and all points in-between, Pennsylvania has thousands of miles of trails available to connect citizens with the wonders of the outdoors," said Ferretti. “These trails, built through partnerships with local communities and stakeholders, offer opportunities for fitness and stewardship, and they connect natural resources to community revitalization.”

Since 1993, the first Saturday of every June is known as National Trails Day, inspiring the public and trail enthusiasts nationwide to celebrate, discover and learn about America's trail system.

For the first time this year, Pennsylvania named a Trail of the Year. For 2014 this distinction was awarded to Redbank Valley Trails in Armstrong, Clarion and Jefferson counties.

This new designation is coordinated by DCNR’s Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee to elevate public awareness of the thousands of miles of trails available for public enjoyment in Pennsylvania.

To honor the Trail of the Year, a commemorative poster has been created. It can be viewed and ordered online.

Pennsylvania has a website to help people search, view, map and share information about trails at www.ExplorePAtrails.com. Listed on the site’s calendar are events and activities that will recognize National Trails Day.

The site offers a changing “featured” trail, a search option for finding trails, and a calendar of trail-related events. You can find information about hiking, biking, rail-trails, and canoeing, as well as trails for cross country skiing, equestrian riding, snowmobiling, ATVs and more.

More than 10,900 miles of Pennsylvania trails have been mapped and made available on the website.

6/9/2014