WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of the Interior has added six trails spanning 162.5 miles across five states to the National Trails System, a move that expands recreational access and could boost tourism and outdoor recreation activity in communities along the newly designated routes.
The designations include five National Recreation Trails and one National Water Trail, according to the Interior Department. The additions increase the visibility of local and regional trail systems that are eligible for national recognition and promotional support through the federal program.
The largest addition is the 120-mile Schuylkill River Water Trail in Pennsylvania, which runs from the river’s headwaters near Tuscarora to its confluence with the Delaware River. The paddling route passes through five counties and offers a range of experiences from beginner-friendly sections to whitewater segments.
In Colorado, the department designated two trails within Rocky Mountain National Park. The 11-mile East Inlet Trail near Grand Lake provides access to alpine lakes, wilderness campsites and wildlife habitat, while the 5.8-mile Glacier Gorge Loop connects several of the park’s most visited destinations, including Alberta Falls, Dream Lake and Nymph Lake.
Indiana’s Monon South Trail received designation for a 10.5-mile section between Borden and New Pekin. The former rail corridor is being developed as a walking, running and cycling route intended to improve connectivity between rural communities and support local economic activity.
The Bluff River Trail in southeastern Utah also joined the network. The approximately 8-mile trail follows the San Juan River through Bears Ears National Monument and provides public river access in the town of Bluff while linking visitors to cultural and archaeological sites.
In Virginia, the 7-mile Leopold’s Preserve Trail System was added to the network. Located about 35 miles west of Washington, the preserve includes trails through wetlands, forests and meadows within a 380-acre conservation area.
“America’s trails connect people to the outdoors, strengthen local communities and showcase the natural beauty and history that define our nation,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a statement.
The National Recreation Trails program is administered jointly by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service. More than 1,350 National Recreation Trails are currently designated nationwide across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Federal officials said applications for trails seeking designation in 2027 are being accepted through Nov. 1, 2026. Trail managers from federal, state, tribal, local, nonprofit and private organizations may apply for the designation with the consent of the entity that oversees the trail.
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