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DCNR Celebrates Mount Jewett To Kinzua Bridge Trail As Pennsylvania’s 2023 Trail Of The Year

On August 30, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn visited Kinzua Bridge State Park in McKean County to celebrate the Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge (MJ2KB) Trail as Pennsylvania’s 2023 Trail of the Year.

“Congratulations to the Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail Club for elevating this phenomenal trail and supporting the many recreational opportunities it provides,” Dunn said. “Trails connect people to nature, recreational opportunities, communities, history, businesses, and so much more. September is Trails Month in Pennsylvania and this celebration is a perfect way to lead us into our celebration of the important role of trails across the Commonwealth.”

The MJ2KB Trail is a 7.8-mile-long section of the larger Knox & Kane Rail Trail in McKean County. The former rail line now provides a level trail for walking, jogging, biking, and horseback riding. In winter months, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are also popular.

The trail offers amenities, such as pavilions, focused artwork, railroad trestles and dining options within close proximity of the rail trail.

The MJ2KB trail is also important to the community, which has used the trail for events like senior citizen rides, special hikes, bike races and marathons.

"We are very grateful to receive this prestigious award, which is an honor and a tribute to how well our trail club members work as a team,” said Carolyn Stroup, MJ2KB Trail Club president. “This has been a great opportunity to educate the public about the trail and region as a whole. We aim to continue increasing community involvement on the Knox and Kane Rail Trail and promoting trails in the PA Wilds."

Visit the MJ2KB Trail Club website for more information on the club. The trail is located in the Pennsylvania Wilds Conservation Landscape, one of the best outdoor recreation destinations in North America.

The MJ2KB Trail Club works in partnership with the Knox & Kane Rail Trail and Kinzua Bridge State Park. The state park uses MJ2KB’s section of trail for nature walks and naturalist events throughout the year.

The trail highlights the environmental and historical aspects of the area in a series of interpretive signs placed along the 7.8 miles.

Gov. Josh Shapiro and his administration are focused on protecting clean air, water, and healthy lands for all Pennsylvanians.

The Commonwealth’s 2023-24 budget provides $112 million to maintain and improve infrastructure in parks and forests, which is the single largest investment in decades.

Additionally, the budget proposes $2.8 million to support operating needs for the management and safety of our public lands, and the creation of a new Office of Outdoor Recreation.

September is Pennsylvania Trails Month and DCNR encourages residents to get outside and spend time on a trail to help improve health and wellness.

ExplorePaTrails offers details on more than 650 trails covering more than 12,000 miles in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee is charged with implementing the recommendations of the Pennsylvania Trails Strategic Plan to develop a statewide land and water trail network to facilitate recreation, transportation, and healthy lifestyles for all.

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.

Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.

Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening near you.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, 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.

NewsClips:

-- TribLive: Gov. Shapiro Touts Connellsville, Fayette County As An Example Of Success Investing In Outdoor Recreation

-- Post-Gazette - Mary Ann Thomas: Gov. Shapiro Visits Fayette County To Promote Spending On Parks And Outdoor Recreation

-- Observer-Reporter: Shapiro: Connellsville ‘A Great Example’ Of How Outdoor Recreation Leads To Revitalization

-- TribLive: Ride The Natural Water Slides At Ohiopyle State Park - Video

-- PA Capital-Star: PA Launches Office Of Outdoor Recreation

-- Erie Times - Brian Whipkey: New PA Office Aims To Grow Outdoors Recreation Economy, Jobs

-- Williamsport Sun Editorial: Economic Impact Of Outdoor Recreation Cannot Be Overstated

-- Warren Times: DCNR Highlights Trail Of The Year In McKean County

-- Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh Ranks Among 10 Best Small Cities For Outdoor Enthusiasts

-- WHYY/BillyPenn: Jerome Shabazz’s Grand Vision To Turn Vacant Lots Into New Park System In Philadelphia [Chair of DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council ]

-- Williamsport Sun: Susquehanna River Offers Close-To-Home Outlet For Those Who Want To Enjoy Morning Boat Trip, Exercise