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New National Recreation Trails Designated for 2001

Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton announced on National Trails Day, June 2, 2001 the designation of 15 new trails in 13 states and Puerto Rico as National Recreation Trails (NRT). The NRT is a component of the National Trails System that recognizes trails for their exceptional conservation efforts. The designation affords each trail the unique distinction as part of the National Trails System.

"I commend all of the citizens that have labored to make these trails exceptional and worthy of this prestigious designation," said Norton. "This designation is an indication of the community's commitment to conservation and ensuring public access to outdoor recreational opportunities close to home."

• Bluff Trail - Located in Walterboro, South Carolina, this trail combines forest, wildlife and watershed management to provide recreational and educational opportunities.
• Buffalo Creek Nature Area - This area of Virginia and its trails provide a unique setting in which to educate visitors about native plant species.
• Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail (3 sections) - This trail has received distinction as the Nation's longest rail to trail conversion, and Nebraska's first State Recreation Trail.
• Grand Trunk Trail - This rail-trail serves as a link between two towns and various trails in southern New England. It is the result of a collaborative effort between local, nonprofit, state and federal agencies.
• The Great Allegheny Passage - The main line of a trail system running from the C&O Canal Towpath at Cumberland, MD, to the Forks of the Ohio River at Pittsburgh, the trail will ultimately link Pittsburgh with Washington, D.C. on a near-level rail-trail through the Allegheny Mountains.
•  Keel Spring Nature Trail - This unique Tennessee trail is an example of multiple-use forest management, serving as an outdoor classroom, low-impact recreational corridor, and wildlife corridor.
• Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway - This multi-county greenway makes up part of the Florida National Scenic Trail. A wide variety of natural habitats can be found in this state recreation area.
• Mary Ingles Trail System - This network is comprised of six loop trails that offer scenic views of Kentucky's Yatesville Lake. The trail has received widespread multi-agency support and is recognized for its historic and natural resources.
• Metacomet-Monadnock Trail (2 sections) - Primarily a backcountry footpath for over 150 years, this multi-county trail in Massachusetts is surrounded by historic/cultural and natural resources.
• Muddy Mountain Interpretive Nature Trail - Located near Casper, Wyoming, this trail's surface and gentle grade allow a variety of users to enjoy recreational opportunities close-to-home.
• Paseo del Morro - This trail dates back to the 1630's and provides spectacular views of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico and the Atlantic Ocean.
• Pigeon Creek Trail System - A backcountry trail in Norfolk Lake, Arkansas, it is known for scenic areas and mountain biking opportunities.
• Prescott Peavine Trail - This scenic rail-trail is Prescott, Arizona's first multi-use, non-motorized trail for all ages and has already been accepted into the Arizona State Trails System.
• Princeville Heritage Trail - A project of Save America's Treasures, the dike is the first phase of a continuous trail system in Princeville, North Carolina.
• Weston & Gauley Bridge Turnpike - Listed on the Register of Historic Places, this trail precedes the Civil War and serves thousands of visitors to Burnsville Lake in West Virginia each year.

Be sure to watch for the announcement of newly designated NRTs on National Trails Day in June!

Once designated by the Secretary of the Interior, all National Recreation Trails will be included on the NRT web site being developed by American Trails and the National Park Service. We are also developing an on-line database of all NRTs plus program information, trail descriptions, maps, and pictures.

Once designated by the Secretary of the Interior, all of the National Recreation Trails will be included on the NRT web site being developed. American Trails and the National Park Service are finalizing an agreement to add NRT program information to the American Trails web site. The web site will describe each trail and provide maps and pictures for trail users: www.AmericanTrails.org/NationalRecreationTrails.

In addition to being added to the American Trails web site, NRTs enjoy an array of other benefits:

• access to technical assistance and funding opportunities from National Park Service programs and the other NRT Program partners
• an NRT newsletter with program updates, newsworthy activities, technical information, trends and innovative solutions to trail issues from around the country -- download the Fall 2001 issue in pdf format
• networking and training opportunities
• assistance with recognition and special events highlighting the trail.

Applications for NRT designation are available at the Application Guidelines Page.

National Recreation Trail applications are processed by both departments on an annual cycle. Applications must be submitted by November 1 to the appropriate NRT Program contact for the designation to be announced during the following National Trails Day celebration. It is recommended that interested trail managers begin the application process by September 1 to insure they meet the November 1 deadline.

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The Bureau of Land Management is a supporter and partner in the National Trails Training Partnership: working to make training more available. The BLM Trail Management Process course is a comprehensive model for trails education.