The Department of the Interior has announced the designation of five new National Recreation Trails across six states, adding 387 miles to the National Trails System. This announcement coincides with Great Outdoors Month and National Trails Day on June 7. The newly designated trails expand a network that includes more than 1,300 existing National Recreation Trails located in every U.S. state, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
"National Recreation Trails create opportunities for locally managed tourism to boost economies and benefit hikers, bikers, paddlers and other recreationists alike," stated Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. "This investment into conservation and outdoor recreation will benefit the American people for generations to come."
These trails are coordinated by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, along with various federal and nonprofit partners. A trail can receive national recreation status through an application process involving consent from relevant authorities who have jurisdiction over it. Importantly, this designation does not alter ownership or impose federal management duties; local entities continue to manage these trails.
The new designations include:
- **California**: Miner's Ravine Trail is a 6.36-mile path constructed by the City of Roseville on city property for both transportation and recreational use.
- **Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio**: The Ohio River Way spans 308 miles across sections of these states, connecting wilderness areas with urban centers while highlighting significant cultural heritage sites.
- **Ohio**: Cuyahoga River Water Trail covers a 41-mile section beginning at Little Cuyahoga River's confluence with Cuyahoga River main stem up to Lake Erie.
- **Virginia**: Elizabeth River Trail is a 10.5-mile urban waterfront path featuring views of historic landmarks such as Fort Norfolk.
- **Wisconsin**: Great Pinery Heritage Waterway encompasses part of Wisconsin River's historic route through forests and past old mill towns.
Each trail will receive official recognition from Secretary Burgum through certificates, trail markers, and letters acknowledging their new status.
