Top image of Trails at Jakes Rocks by photographer Jeremy Bickling
Pennsylvanians now have the opportunity to nominate their favorite trail for the 2025 Trail of the Year through the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Nominations are due by November 1, 2024.
“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,” PA DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams 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.”
Image: Secretary Dunn speaking at the 2023 PA Trail of the Year dedication ceremony for Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail
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 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.
Past winners:
2024 – Trails at Jakes Rocks
2023 – Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail
2022 – Delaware Canal State Park Towpath
2021 – D&H Rail Trail
2020 – Ghost Town Trail
2019 – Mid State Trail
2018 – Forbidden Drive
2017 – Montour Trail
2016 – Standing Stone Trail
2015 – Heritage Rail Trail York County
2014 – Redbank Valley Trails
Some notable winners have already come from the Pennsylvania Wilds region, such as the Trails at Jakes Rocks, Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail, portions of the Mid State Trail, and the Redbank Valley Trails.
Consider nominating another one of the eligible trails in the PA Wilds, including the following:
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.
For consideration, please submit the form with supporting documents by November 1, 2024:
Visit the Pennsylvania Trail of the Year webpage for more information about where to submit the form and supporting materials. The Trail of the Year will be announced in early 2025.
Established on July 1, 1995, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is charged with maintaining and protecting 121 state parks; managing 2.2 million acres of state forest land; providing information on the state’s ecological and geologic resources; and establishing community conservation partnerships with grants and technical assistance to benefit rivers, trails, greenways, local parks and recreation, regional heritage parks, open space, and natural areas. DCNR’s mission is to conserve and sustain Pennsylvania’s natural resources for present and future generations’ use and enjoyment. Learn more at DCNR.pa.gov.
Author: Guest Contributor
The Pennsylvania Wilds is home to more than 2 million acres of public land, 50 state game lands, 29 state parks, 8 state forests, 2 National Wild & Scenic Rivers, abundant wildlife, hundreds of miles of land and water trails, some of the darkest skies in the country, and the largest elk herd in the northeast.
The PA Wilds team is grateful to share the many stories of this region through the words and images of our talented guest contributors.