In celebration of Great Outdoors Month and National Trails Day on June 1, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced the designation of four new national recreation trails in four states, adding 33.5 miles to the National Trails System. These newly designated trails join a network of more than 1,300 existing national recreation trails found across every U.S. state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

“Increased access to green spaces nurtures our mind and bodies, and helps to build stronger communities. Every American deserves to have a safe and nearby place to experience nature," said Secretary Haaland. “The National Trails System improves access to the outdoors while providing significant impacts to local economies. The additions we are making today are part of our commitment to ensure that we leave a better, healthier planet for generations to come.”

“These four new national trails will build connections in communities, ensuring bikers, hikers and all who love our public lands have increased access to outdoor recreation opportunities close to home,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “This National Trails Day and Great Outdoors Month, I encourage everyone to visit these trails and enjoy the view.”

National recreation trails are jointly coordinated and administered by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, along with various federal and nonprofit partners. A national recreation trail can be designated by either the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture on an existing local or regional trail with consent from relevant authorities such as federal, state, Tribal, local entities or private organizations that manage the trail. The managing agency must apply for this distinction; applications are open until November 1, 2024.

Today’s designations align with principles from the Biden-Harris administration’s America the Beautiful initiative—a nationwide effort aimed at conserving, connecting, and restoring lands, waters, and wildlife.

Secretary Haaland has designated the following as national recreation trails:

**Oregon: Banks-Vernonia State Trail**

The Banks-Vernonia State Trail is a 21-mile paved rail-to-trail route connecting Banks and Vernonia through Oregon’s coastal mountain range foothills. It accommodates hikers, bicyclists, equestrians and people of all ages with its gentle grade.

**Texas: Comal River Water Trail**

Flowing through New Braunfels for 1.5 miles, this trail is known for tubing activities in Texas's clear spring-fed waters from Edwards Aquifer. It offers recreational opportunities like kayaking, fishing and scuba diving year-round.

**Utah: Hell’s Revenge Trail**

Located near Moab within BLM Sand Flats Recreation Area is this popular off-highway vehicle trail stretching 9.7 miles over slickrock terrain with views including Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

**West Virginia: Sweet Spring Turnpike Trail**

A multiuse scenic trail just over one mile long transitioning from pastures to dense forest while offering views of Sweet Springs Valley along an intact section of a historic stage road associated with Old Sweet Springs Historic District.