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June 3, 2005
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Secretary of the Interior Gale A. Norton announced the
designation of 37 new National Recreation Trails in 23 states, as part of
the National Trails System, in celebration of National Trails Day on
Saturday, June 4th.
The Interior Department plays a vital role in the public land recreation
network, managing one-fifth of the land in the nation, Norton said.
National trails are a significant part of that outdoor network, providing
an excellent opportunity for visitors to reconnect with nature and stay
active and healthy in the process.
Today’s announcement of 37 National Recreation Trails in 23 states totals
about 580 miles. Since becoming Interior Secretary in 2001, Norton has
designated 128 National Recreation Trails at a total of approximately 3,400
miles.
Along with inclusion in the National Recreation Trails System, each of the
37 trails announced today will receive a certificate of designation and
National Recreation Trail markers. There are now more than 900 National
Recreation Trails that have been designated throughout the United States,
totaling more than 10,000 miles.
Since its inception in 1993, National Trails Day has continued to showcase
the health benefits of outdoor recreation on trails--whether it’s walking,
jogging or bicycling, said Norton. National Trails Day has become an
important event each year for promoting trails nationwide, especially
National Recreation Trails and other components of the National Trails
System.
This year, National Trails Day is expected to bring one million trail
enthusiasts out to events happening nationwide. Planned activities include
guided hikes, bike rides, volunteer trail clean up projects and other trail
celebrations. This year’s theme Take the Path to a Healthier You, continues
to target the health benefits of outdoor recreation. Together with American
Hiking Society (AHS), the National Park Service (NPS) and other agency
partners, businesses, organizations, and individuals are putting on events
aimed at highlighting the health benefits of enjoying the country’s trails.
National Trails Day offers a variety of activities for all ages and
encourages families to get ready for summer by hitting the trails together.
National Recreation Trail designation is an honor given out to those
existing trails that have been nominated and meet the requirements for
connecting people to local resources and improving their quality of life.
The national trail designation is part of a continuing campaign to promote
community partnerships and to foster innovative ways to encourage physical
fitness. The National Trails System Act of 1968 encourages the Secretary of
the Interior to recognize existing community trails that qualify as
additions to the National Trails System. The Act promotes enjoyment and
appreciation of trails and greater public access.
The Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program of the National Park
Service and the USDA Forest Service administer the program in conjunction
with a number of other federal and nonprofit partners, notably American
Trails, which hosts the National Recreation Trail Web site:
www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails .
The Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program, also known as the
Rivers & Trails Program or RTCA, is a community resource of the National
Park Service. RTCA staff provide technical assistance to community groups
and local, State, and federal government agencies so they can conserve
rivers, preserve open space, and develop trails and greenways. More
information is available online at
www.nps.gov/rtca.
Norton designated the 37 National Recreation Trails listed below as part of
the National Trails System:
ALASKA
The Perseverance Trail - Located in Juneau, this 3-mile backcountry trail
started out as the first road in Alaska, linking the Gastineau Channel with
various mines and mills in the Silverbow Basin. Today, it is considered one
of Alaska’s most historic and recreationally significant trails. Trail
users enjoy relics of the gold mining era intermixed with a diversity of
vegetation, waterfalls, snow slide gulches, and majestic views of the
rugged mountains. In addition to its scenic and historic features, the
trail serves as a link to area trails and allows for recreational
opportunities including hiking, biking, and rock climbing.
ARIZONA
The Arivaca Cienega Trail - Located on the eastern edge of Arivaca, this
wheelchair accessible, backcountry trail extends over a mile in the Buenos
Aires National Wildlife Refuge. Cienegas, Spanish for a hundred waters, are
spring fed marshes particularly rare in the deserts of Arizona, attracting
a variety of birds and other wildlife. In addition to its scenic features,
this trail allows visitors the opportunity to observe a wealth of unusual
subtropical species, including tropical kingbirds, green kingfishers, and
the yellow-billed cuckoo.
The Arivaca Creek Trail - Located in Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge,
this backcountry trail is a naturalist’s paradise, meandering one mile
through lush vegetation and giant cottonwoods. The trail allows visitors
the opportunity to observe owls, coatimundi, and over 320 species of birds
in their natural habitat. Given the opportunities for hiking and wildlife
observation, it is easy to see why this scenic trail is a valued local
treasure.
The Painted Desert Trail - This backcountry trail extends over a mile
through Imperial National Wildlife Refuge. The unique name comes from the
pink, orange, and brown mounds of ash flow created by volcanoes thousands
of years ago. Home to unique desert plants and animals, the trail is a
naturalist’s paradise. Visitors enjoy the opportunity to observe beavertail
cactus, desert bighorn sheep, and lizards amidst unusual rock formations.
Given the opportunities for natural history interpretation and wildlife
observation, it is easy to see why this scenic trail is a valued local
treasure.
COLORADO
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR Interior Trail System - This trail system
covers over 4 miles and offers nearby residents a natural haven in the
midst of the rapidly developing Denver metro area. The Rocky Mountain
Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is an urban refuge of more than
16,000 acres of open space and provides a window for fascinating wildlife
observation. In addition to its scenic features, trail users can enjoy
recreational activities such as hiking and fishing.
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR Wetlands Loop Trail - Located in the midst
of the rapidly developing Denver metro area, this interpretive trail spans
almost two miles amidst prairie wetlands in the Rocky Mountain Arsenal
National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). This refuge is comprised of more than
16,000 acres of open space and acts as a natural haven for area residents.
The trail offers a diversity of visitors the opportunity to observe a
variety of wildlife (such as prairie dogs and eagles) in their natural
habitat.
The Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Trail - Located near downtown
Denver, this 1.5-mile trail serves an urban population yet provides
visitors an opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife amidst wetlands
and prairies. The Two Ponds NWR, extending over 72 acres, is a natural
treasure for area residents, hosting beavers, herons, and over 113 bird
species. In addition to its scenic features, this trail is heavily used for
environmental education programs, which draw school children from
throughout the area.
FLORIDA
The Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail - Located along the Gulf Coast of
Florida, this 105-mile water trail embraces one of the longest and wildest
publicly owned coastal wetlands in the United States. There seems to be
something for all trail users to enjoy - from abundant wildlife to
historical sites to beaches. In addition to its scenic and historic
features, this trail offers a variety of recreational opportunities,
including kayaking, hiking, and swimming. Through its array of partners and
connections to coastal towns and other state trails, this trail is
connecting Florida in a distinctive way.
IDAHO
The Cress Creek Nature Trail - Located over a mile along the scenic South
Fork of the Snake River, this interpretive trail enhances the opportunity
for visitors to explore eastern Idaho at its finest. By following each of
the 18 self-guided interpretive signs, visitors can learn about the unique
cottonwood forests, stream and desert habitats, geological features, and
local wildlife (deer, moose, eagles) and vegetation. In addition to
attracting hikers and naturalists, it is easy to see why this trail draws
both elementary school and college students from throughout the area.
Fabulous views of the Snake River can be seen along the entire trail and
the surrounding mountains and rolling farmlands leave visitors in a state
of awe.
ILLINOIS
The Tunnel Hill State Trail - Extending from downtown Harrisburg to Karnak,
this 45-mile rail-trail connects numerous communities and provides a link
to a larger trail network, including the Trail of Tears National Historic
Trail and Harrisburg’s bike trail. This trail not only offers a variety of
recreational opportunities (such as hiking, biking, and fishing), but trail
users can also observe the wildlife habitat of the Cache River State
Natural Area. Through its array of partners and community connections, this
trail is connecting southern Illinois in a truly unique way.
MARYLAND
The Green Ridge State Forest Trail System - Located in the largest
contiguous block of forest in Maryland, this 28-mile backcountry trail
offers a variety of recreational opportunities amidst the backdrop of the
Allegheny Mountains. With a link to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National
Historical Park that forms a 45-mile loop for backpacking, the trail system
provides additional access to key educational and interpretive themes of
the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail corridor. In addition to its
scenic and historic features, this trail system offers a wealth of outdoor
activities (including mountain biking and cross country snow-skiing) within
2 ½ hours of Washington, D.C.
MINNESOTA
The Rydell Refuge Trails - This backcountry trail system extends over 7
miles throughout the Rydell National Wildlife Refuge, showcasing a Sundew
Bog and wildlife habitats that developed from the fire shadow effects of
Maple Lake. This ecosystem represents a unique transitional zone between
Prairie Parkland of the Red River Valley and the Eastern Broadleaf Forests.
This handicapped accessible trail system allows for year-round outdoor
activities, including hiking, biking, and cross country skiing.
MISSISSIPPI
The Kitty Dill Memorial Parkway - Located in the City of West Point, this
urban rail-trail and bikeway forms nearly a 4-mile loop, providing
residents with easy, safe access from local neighborhoods to businesses,
schools, churches, and other amenities. Adults and children alike enjoy
walking, jogging, biking, or skating along the trail. With its trees,
gazebos, benches, and picnic tables, the parkway is valued as an
accessible, community resource. The seasonal beauty of this natural asset
and the benefits it provides to area residents, combine to make the parkway
a great source of pride for the city.
The Magnolia Trail - Located just south of Natchez in St. Catherine Creek
National Wildlife Refuge, this 3-mile nature trail is enjoyed by outdoor
enthusiasts of all ages. This scenic trail allows visitors to access
various wildlife habitats and topographic features, including loess bluffs
which offer views of the Mississippi and Homochitto Rivers. The refuge
hosts a variety of wildlife, including migratory songbirds, waterfowl, and
alligators. The trail serves a broad population in the southeastern
Louisiana-southwestern Mississippi area, including many school groups who
utilize the interpretive signs for environmental education.
MISSOURI
The Memory Lane Trail - Located in Wappapello, this 1-mile trail takes
visitors down memory lane as they walk through the old town of Greenville,
one of the sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors have the opportunity to tour the sidewalks of Old Greenville on a
self guided historic walk. In addition to its historic resources, this
trail allows for biking, roller skating, and other recreational activities.
The Table Rock Lakeshore Trail - Located just south of the Table Rock Lake
Dam in Branson, this nature trail extends over 2 miles along the beautiful
shores of Table Rock Lake. This accessible trail allows everyone to enjoy
the area’s wildlife habitat, rock outcroppings, and four local attractions.
The trail begins at the Dewey Short Visitor Center, passes by the Showboat
Branson Belle, runs through Table Rock State Park, and ends at the State
Park Marina. Area residents, as well as visitors from around the Nation,
enjoy the wealth of outdoor activities this trail has to offer, including
wildlife observation, hiking, biking, and rollerblading.
MONTANA
The Lee Metcalf NWR Wildlife Viewing Trail - This wildlife viewing trail
extends over 2 miles in Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), one of
the largest publicly owned riparian properties in the Bitterroot Valley.
The refuge hosts approximately 150,000 people each year; and the trail is
an integral part of the visitor experience. Trail users enjoy a variety of
outdoor activities, including wildlife observation, snowshoeing, and
fishing. This scenic trail will eventually serve as a trailhead for the
Bitterroot Birding and Nature Trail, the first trail of its kind in
Montana.
The Prairie-Marsh Boardwalk - This boardwalk trail offers a unique nature
walk that transitions from shortgrass native prairie to a
nationally-significant wetland ecosystem. The Benton Lake National Wildlife
Refuge is home to an array of wildlife; and the boardwalk provides an
excellent opportunity to observe the wealth of plant communities,
shorebirds, and mammals. Although just a small piece (less than a ½-mile
long) of the Refuge itself, the boardwalk is a key part of the visitor
experience.
The Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT), Glacier National Park Segment - This
nearly 65-mile trail is a piece of a continuous 1,200-mile trail route that
links the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (NST) and Pacific Crest
NST with the Pacific Ocean. This section of the trail is significant,
because it provides access to the park’s diverse flora and fauna and takes
users through a variety of natural settings - from high mountain alpine
meadows and glaciers to forests. The entire PNT trail passes through a
variety of significant ecosystems and provides stunning views as it travels
through the Olympic, Cascade, and Rocky Mountain Ranges. In addition to its
many scenic features, the trail also provides a number of recreational
opportunities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and certain types
of motorized vehicle use.
NEBRASKA
The Meadowlark Trail - Located in Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge,
this 6-mile rural loop trail system accesses a variety of natural settings,
including woodland, restored native prairie, and riparian habitats. The
trail currently serves the residents of the Greater Omaha/Council Bluffs
Metropolitan area and may eventually link to the nearby community of Ft.
Calhoun. In addition to its scenic features, trail users can enjoy
recreational activities such as biking, wildlife observation, and cross
country skiing.
NORTH CAROLINA
The Dark Mountain Trail - With the help of the International Mountain
Bicycling Association and dedicated volunteers, this 7-mile multi-use trail
system officially opened last year. Since then, the trail system has become
a popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers, and naturalists. The
goal is to expand the trail to provide a connection to the Yadkin River
Greenway and the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. Plans for
the trail also include connecting with facilities at W. Kerr Scott
Reservoir, Wilkes Community College, and the towns of Wilkesboro and North
Wilkesboro. Once fully completed, this trail system will be a tremendous
recreational resource in Western North Carolina.
The Mountains-to-Sea Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway Segment - This backcountry
trail extends nearly 193 miles and is the longest section of the
Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The scenic foot trail ascends and descends with the
contours of the Parkway, crossing expansive forests, wildflower gardens,
major rivers, and historic sites. The entire trail stretches nearly 935
miles from Clingman’s Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to
Jockey’s Ridge State Park on the Outer Banks. When completed, this trail
will connect 37 counties, including numerous cities, state parks, and U.S.
Forest Service lands. Given the numerous partners and landowners involved,
this trail system should be commended for what has been achieved through a
diverse partnership. With almost half of the trail now open to the public,
this amazing trail is connecting North Carolina in a truly unique way.
The Scuppernong River Interpretive Boardwalk - Located in Pocosin Lakes
National Wildlife Refuge, this ¾-mile loop trail meanders along the
Scuppernong River through a cypress swamp and leads into downtown Columbia.
The boardwalk introduces visitors to the beauty of the coastal sounds of
eastern North Carolina. Local users, who enjoy the Charles Kuralt auto
trail, or one of the area’s canoe trails, regard this boardwalk as a
treasure. In addition to its scenic features, the trail allows for a
variety of recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and wildlife
observation.
NORTH DAKOTA
The Cross Ranch Trails - This backcountry, interpretive trail system
extends nearly 15 miles along the Missouri River at the heart of the Lewis
and Clark National Historic Trail. History buffs have the chance to see the
Missouri River and its cottonwood river bottoms much as Lewis and Clark saw
them. The trail system forms a series of interconnected loops,
transitioning from almost 1,500 acres of floodplain woodland to scenic high
bluffs overlooking the river. This area has been designated as a State
Nature Preserve and is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles
and the threatened piping plover. In addition to its natural and cultural
resources, trail users enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cross
country skiing, and fishing.
The Munch’s Coulee Hiking Trail - Located along the Des Lacs National
Wildlife Refuge State Scenic Byway, this 1-mile loop trail provides
spectacular vistas of the Refuge’s wildflowers, Lower Des Lacs Lake, and
nearby wetlands. The trail’s native flora and fauna draw school groups from
throughout the area. In addition to its scenic features, this trail offers
ample opportunities for bird watching.
OREGON
The Row River Trail - This scenic rail-trail extends almost 16 miles and
connects the City of Cottage Grove with Dorena Lake, Culp Creek, and the
nearby Umpqua National Forest. The trail traverses the Row River, three
historic covered bridges, and a variety of landscapes that include: urban
areas, farmland, forests, and the Dorena Lake shoreline. In addition to
opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, and horseback riding, this
trail attracts tourist dollars and provides economic benefits for local
communities. Given the recreational and economic benefits generated, and
the numerous partners involved, this trail should be commended for what has
been achieved through a diverse partnership.
The Woodpecker Loop Trail - This backcountry trail runs a little over a
mile in the William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge and takes visitors
through a variety of natural settings. Beginning in an oak woodland
habitat, the trail climbs slightly to an overlook that affords exceptional
views of the Willamette Valley and Cascade Range, and then continues down
into forests of Douglas fir and mature maples. With interpretive signage as
a guide, this scenic trail is a prime location for wildlife observation and
offers users a chance to see five species of woodpeckers.
PENNSYLVANIA
Oil Creek State Park Multi-Use Trail - Located within a 2-hour drive of
Pittsburgh, this multi-use trail extends more than 9 miles through the
heart of Pennsylvania’s Oil Heritage Region and links to the oldest
producing oil well in the world. Interpretive signage tells the story of
years of drilling and fires in Oil Creek Valley; but the park also tells
the story of environmental recovery. The goal is to eventually connect to
the Samuel Justus NRT and provide a 40-mile accessible trail network. In
addition to its scenic features, trail users enjoy outdoor activities such
as biking, fishing, and cross country skiing. With the efforts of a diverse
partnership, this area is now considered an emerald jewel of the state’s
park system.
RHODE ISLAND
The Blackstone River Bikeway - This 48-mile bikeway will eventually connect
Providence, Rhode Island, to Worcester, Massachusetts. This
recreational/alternative transportation facility links 15 Preserve America
municipalities along the Blackstone River, an American Heritage river, and
is in the center of the National Park Service’s John H. Chafee Blackstone
River Valley National Heritage Corridor. With 9 miles of the trail already
completed, this diverse partnership is making significant progress towards
revitalizing the riverfront and connecting different communities. In
addition to its scenic features, trail users can enjoy recreational
activities such as biking, horseback riding, and boating.
SOUTH CAROLINA
The Mullet Hall Equestrian Trail System - Located in Charleston, this
19-mile equestrian trail consists of an intricate system of loops that
provide a variety of experiences unique to each loop. The loops include a
range of natural settings, from meadows to swamps. The trail system takes
users throughout the historic fields of the former Mullet Hall Plantation
and hosts a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, wild turkeys, and
alligators.
The North Augusta Greeneway - Named after former Mayor Thomas W. Greene,
this rail-trail/greenway extends more than 6 miles throughout the
neighborhoods, natural terrain, and riverfront of North Augusta. An
interesting feature on the trail is a railroad car wheel-truck, which
serves as a reminder of the area’s heritage as the terminal point of the
Charleston to Hamburg Railroad over 150 years ago. The trail serves as an
important community connector, providing area residents with access to
local parks. Trail users enjoy a number of recreational activities
including biking, jogging, and inline skating.
SOUTH DAKOTA
The Prairie Winds Trail - Located in Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge,
this ¾-mile walking/hiking trail passes through a variety of habitats,
including prairie grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands. The trail holds
historical significance as well, preserving the site of South Dakota’s
first Catholic mass in 1845. With interpretive signage as a guide, this
scenic trail is a prime location for wildlife observation and offers
visitors the opportunity to observe white-tailed deer, waterfowl, and
songbirds.
TEXAS
The Doeskin Ranch Trail System - Located near Austin in Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, this backcountry, interpretive trail
system extends more than 3 miles. Visitors can explore an array of habitats
and learn about the resource management practices and historical aspects of
the refuge. The trail system offers a wealth of scenic vistas and
opportunities to observe wildlife, such as the endangered Golden-cheek
Warbler and Black-capped Vireo.
VIRGINIA
The DeHart Mountain Trail - Located on the north side of DeHart Mountain,
this backcountry hiking trail extends over 5 miles, connecting ancient
footpaths, waterfalls, caves, and an isolated pioneer homesite. Hosting
more than 400 plant species, this pristine setting is ideal for hiking and
wildlife observation. In addition to its scenic and cultural features, the
trail is used for environmental education tours, which draw school children
from throughout the area.
WASHINGTON
The Icicle Creek Nature Trail - This 1-mile interpretive nature trail winds
along a beautiful historic channel located on the site of the Leavenworth
National Fish Hatchery. This unique handicapped accessible trail meanders
through a spectacularly scenic meadow and leads to quiet areas with
wildlife viewing blinds and views of salmon habitat. In addition to its
scenic features, trail users enjoy outdoor activities such as biking and
cross country skiing. It is easy to see why this trail is considered one of
the most popular walking trails in the entire Wenatchee Valley.
The Oaks to Wetlands Trail - Located in the Ridgefield National Wildlife
Refuge, this 6-mile nature trail offers a natural haven for residents of
the nearby Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area. A major highlight of the
trail is the nationally recognized archaeological site of the village of Cathlapotle, part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Other
trail features include wetlands, native flora, and a host of waterfowl. In
addition to its natural and cultural resources, trail users enjoy outdoor
activities such as hiking and fishing. This trail offers a place for area
residents to keep in touch with their wild neighbors and appreciate the
beauty of the type of natural areas that once were common along the lower
Columbia River.
WISCONSIN
The Seven Bridges Trail - This 2-mile nature trail is a focal point of
Grant Park, one of the oldest parks in Milwaukee County. This unique trail
contains a series of bridges and walkways routed through a set of ravines
that bisect the park, exemplifying the grand vision of the early 20th
century Milwaukee County Park Commission to provide a well designed natural
oasis amid the expansion of the city. The trail draws thousands of visitors
from the Milwaukee area and beyond, including school groups who visit the
trail to study nature. The park hosts a wide variety of native flora, such
as Yellow Birch trees and Trout Lilies, as well as many migratory birds. In
addition to its natural resources, the trail offers access to Lake Michigan
and allows for recreational activities such as hiking, wildlife
observation, and photography.
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