On January 24, the PA Trails Advisory Committee announced the Mid State Trail, stretching from the Maryland to the New York border in the center part of Pennsylvania, was named the 2019 Trail of the Year.

“Showcasing some of our state’s most scenic areas, and offering hikers everything from gentle rail-trail travel to rigorous rocky climbs, the Mid State Trail captures the essence of Pennsylvania’s abundant trail system,” said Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary of DCNR. “Known to so many, the Mid State truly is most deserving of this honor.”

The Mid State Trail is Pennsylvania’s longest trail. Its 327 miles traverse some of Pennsylvania’s most remote and scenic areas, and stretch from Maryland’s border to New York’s.

Its sheer length offers more challenge to hikers than any other trail in the state.

Sometimes difficult hiking takes travelers through isolated forests and past historic sites, vistas, waterfalls, and natural springs.

“The Mid State Trail Association is so thankful to all our dedicated volunteers who have, over the past 50 years, built and maintained the Mid State Trail,” said Mid State Trail Association President Ed Lawrence. “As Pennsylvania’s longest and wildest foot path, and now as the 2019 DCNR Trail of the Year, we celebrate a trail that is at the heart of the hiking experience at its best.”

Pennsylvania is a leader in trail development, providing its citizens and visitors with more than 12,000 miles of trails across the commonwealth, from gentle pathways threading through miles of preserved greenways, to remote, rugged trails scaling the state’s mountains.

Each year, the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee designates a Trail of the Year to help build enthusiasm and support for both large and small trails, and raise public awareness about the value of Pennsylvania’s trail network.

The Mid State Trail was created to foster simple, natural experiences that foster a greater respect for nature and a will to protect for future generations.

Largely on public land, the trail passes through: 8 state parks; 5 state forests; 8 state forest Natural Areas; 4 state forest Wild Areas; 4 state forest picnic areas; 2 Scout camps; and 1 roadside rest.

The Mid State Trail is divided into four distinct regions. Traveling from the south, hikers pass through the Everett Region, State College Region, Woolrich Region, and Tioga Region. The trail’s main route, marked by rectangular, orange blazes, also features several long side trails.

The Mid State Trail Association was formed in 1982 to guide the Mid State Trail’s continued growth and protect its future. The association engages many local volunteers who construct and maintain only foot paths.

For more information, visit the Mid State Trail website.

The PA Trails Advisory Committee is charged with implementing the recommendations of the PA Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan to develop a statewide land and water trail network to facilitate recreation, transportation, and healthy lifestyles.

The 20-member DCNR-appointed committee represents both motorized and non-motorized trail users and advises the Commonwealth on use of state and federal trail funding.

In 2018, DCNR named Forbidden Drive in Philadelphia county as Pennsylvania’s Trail of the Year.

For details on Pennsylvania trails, visit the Explore PA Trails website. More than 600 trails covering almost 12,000 miles in Pennsylvania are featured on the site.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

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