American Trails sponsors the annual Photo Contest for designated National Recreation Trails. In celebration of these great trails we are presenting awards in several categories to highlight the diversity of NRTs, from backcountry trails to urban greenways. Here are our picks from the 275 entries for 2017.
Hiking and Walking — Fisher Towers Trail, Utah
Halloween hikers on the Fisher Towers Trail near Moab managed by Bureau of Land Management. Photo by Ashli Murdock, Moab BLM
Bicycling — Great Miami River Trail and Waterway, Ohio
Bicycling along flood wall murals in Dayton. Photo by Jim Crotty for Miami Conservancy District
Water Trails — Three Rivers Greenway, South Carolina
Boaters viewing the solar eclipse on the West Columbia Riverwalk section of the Three Rivers Greenway in West Columbia, SC. Photo by Kelli Ricard
Winter Trails — Montour Trail, Pennsylvania arrow
The National Tunnel accumulates great mounds of ice in the winter unless the tunnel is closed off. A trail group designed a solution based on the plastic strip curtains used on commercial coolers. At each end of the tunnel, two strip doors about 10’ apart create a temperature buffer that keeps the tunnel interior above freezing. Photo copyright © 2017 by Mary Shaw
Equestrian Trails — Holland Falls Trail, Montana
Riding out of the Bob Marshall Wilderness on the Swan Lake Ranger District; the horse’s name is Lucky and he’s been working for the USFS for over ten years. photo by Fischer Gangemi
Accessible Trails — Chief Ladiga Trail, Jacksonville, Alabama
Inclusive cycling trip on the Chief Ladiga Trail where individuals with and without disabilities can ALL participate and enjoy physical activity. Photo from Lakeshore Foundation/NCHPAD
Youth and Volunteers — Mon River/Caperton Trail, West Virginia
An ad-hoc volunteer work party of passing cyclists cuts up and removes a tree that had fallen, blocking the trail north of Morgantown, WV. Photo copyright © 2017 by Mary Shaw
Trail Work — South Kaibab Trail, Arizona
Conservation crew members from the American Conservation Experience at work on the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon. Photo copyright © Jessica Plance 2017
Training and Education — Chewacla State Park Trail System, Alabama
A school class on a guided hike to the waterfall at Chewacla State Park. photo by Tasha Simon, Alabama State Parks
Trail Sharing —Metolius-Windigo Trail, Oregon
An equestrian and a hiker do a "meet and greet" on the multiuse backcountry trail. Photo by Kim McCarrel
Health and Fitness — Ridgeline Trail, Eugene, Oregon
New stairs on the trail to the top of Spencer Butte have made the summit accessible for more families. Photo by Chris Pietsch
Flora and Fauna — Wacissa River National Recreation Trail, Florida
Purple gallinule, one of the most beautiful birds along our rivers and not often seen; along the paddling trail in the Aucilla Wildlife Management Area. Photo by Doug Alderson, FL Office of Greenways and Trails
Scenery and Natural Features — Medina River Greenway, Texas
Switchbacks on the Medina River Greenway in San Antonio. Photo by Adelyn Alanis, San Antonio Parks & Recreation
Historic Features — Sackets Harbor Battlefield Trail, New York
Ten discovery stations along the trail, staffed by interpreters teach visitors the chance to learn more about War of 1812 soldiers at the NY Historic Site History Trail. Photo by Constance Barone
Rail and Canal Trails — Youghiogheny River Trail, Pennsylvania
A tunnel of trees on the trail running north to northwest of Ohiopyle, PA. Photo by Julie A. Zeyzus
Urban Trails and Greenways — Butler Hike and Bike Trail, Texas
A young angler along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail on Ladybird Lake in downtown Austin. Photo by Chris Sheffield
Arts and Interpretation — Big Dry Creek Trail, Colorado
New mural underway along the greenway in Westminster, CO. Photo by Hans T. Reichgelt, Westminster Parks, Recreation, Libraries, and Open Space
Innovative Facilities — Wabash Trace Nature Trail, Iowa
A real rest stop on the 63-mile rail trail through scenic southwest Iowa. Photo by Jim Schmid
The trail as photographic inspiration — Poudre River Trail, Colorado
The trail bridge over the Cache la Poudre River at Lions Open Space in Laporte, CO. Photo by Hailey Groo, Poudre Heritage Alliance
We're looking for good photos of trail users as well as special facilities, art on the trails, management issues, construction, and volunteers. We also want to see entries that cover the many types and uses of National Recreation Trails throughout America.
1,601 views • posted 02/28/2018
