Pennsylvania 2024 "Trail of the Year" up for nominations

Jim Lockwood, The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
·2 min read

Oct. 25—Happy trails to you.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is accepting nominations from the public until Nov. 10 for the state's "Trail of the Year" for 2024.

Penn's Woods boasts over 12,000 miles of trails, including more than 1,700 miles of rail trails, according to the Pennsylvania Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2020-24.

That's the most miles of trails and miles of rails-to-trails of any of the Eastern United States, said avid hiker and author Jeff Mitchell of Wyoming County.

"Pennsylvania really has an extensive network of trails for backpacking and hiking," Mitchell said. "I've hiked across the country and I've never gotten bored of Pennsylvania. It's a beautiful state. It's underrated" for trails.

The Keystone State's vast web of trails vary greatly in terrain and topography, condition and composition, and scope and scenery. Ranging from easy to difficult, trails throughout the state cut through forest, rural, suburban and urban settings. They traverse old growth forests, meander along rivers, creeks and streams, descend into valleys and climb to mountaintops.

"The commonwealth has some of the best natural resources in the nation and uplifting our trails is important to the future of outdoor recreation," DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said in an Oct. 16 announcement of the contest. "I look forward to the competition and seeing which trail comes out on top."

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 the state's trail network. The 20-member, DCNR-appointed committee implements development of a statewide land and water trail network to facilitate recreation, transportation and healthy lifestyles for all. The committee represents both motorized and non-motorized trail users and advises the commonwealth on use of state and federal trail funding.

Contact the writer: jlockwood@scrantontimes.com; 570-348-9100 x5185