On October 8, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced that Pennsylvanians now have the opportunity to nominate their favorite trail for the 2025 Trail of the Year.

Pennsylvania is home to more than 12,000 miles of trails, and for consideration, a nomination form and supporting documentation must be submitted online by November 1.

The Trail of the Year will be announced in early 2025.

“If Pennsylvanians know of a trail that provides unique opportunities, encourages and celebrates diverse user groups, or enhances their community they should submit a nomination,” Dunn said. “Trails are an important part of what makes Pennsylvania a special place for outdoor recreation, and I am excited for the competition and seeing which trail will come out on top.”

The winning trail will be recognized in a news release by DCNR and through a commemorative poster for statewide distribution, with a trailhead marker along the trail, and a grant for educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection on the trail.

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

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.

The advisory committee is charged with implementing the development of a statewide land and water trail network to facilitate recreation, transportation, and healthy lifestyles for all.

Visit the Pennsylvania Trail of the Year webpage for more information about where to submit the form and supporting materials.

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.

Related Article:

-- Nominations Now Being Accepted For 2025 Pennsylvania River Of The Year [PaEN]

[Posted: October 8, 2024]

10/21/2024