HARRISBURG, Pa. — There are more than 12,000 miles of walking, running, hiking and biking trails across Pennsylvania — and state officials want to know which rises above the rest.
That trail will be chosen the commonwealth’s Trail of the Year.
State officials this week called on residents to submit nominations for Pennsylvania’s 2025 Trail of the Year.
Held annually by the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee, the effort aims to engage residents by building enthusiasm and support for trails while, at the same time, raising public awareness about the value the commonwealth’s trail system holds.
"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."Cindy Adams Dunn, secretary of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
“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,” state Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said in a Tuesday news release.
“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.”
The winning trail will be featured on a commemorative poster distributed statewide, and stewards will be awarded a grant for educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection on the trail, according to the release.
Nominations are due Nov. 1. The form, posted online, includes eligibility requirements — the trail must be open to the public— as well as a list of supplemental materials required, such as letters of support.
Trails in the Lehigh Valley
In the past decade, only once has a Valley trail been honored through the program.
In 2022, state officials chose the Delaware Canal State Park Towpath in Easton as Pennsylvania’s Trail of the Year.
The 58.9-mile towpath passes through 18 municipalities in Bucks and Northampton counties. It once was used by mules that would pull boats along the Delaware Canal.
“It is my pleasure to announce that this diverse, historic trail has been selected to be Pennsylvania’s 2022 Trail of the Year,” Dunn said in a news release at the time.
“Today, we celebrate the Delaware Canal State Park Towpath and the multitude of outdoor recreation opportunities it has provided for generations, as it continues to be a destination for so many people.
“With this honor, I am hopeful that even more people seek out this gem of a trail and the larger region to which it connects its users.”
The towpath is part of the D&L Trail, which, when completed, will stretch 165 miles from just outside of Wilkes-Barre to Bristol, Bucks County. However, there still are some 30 miles of gaps to close.
“Our trails offer panoramic views, wildlife observation, waterways, natural areas, and insight to the history of Lehigh County."Lehigh County website
While the D&L is the longest trail to stretch through the region, the Valley is home to many trails.
In the Lehigh County Parks System, there are more than 50 miles of mixed-use trails.
“Our trails offer panoramic views, wildlife observation, waterways, natural areas, and insight to the history of Lehigh County,” according to the county’s website.
“Those looking for a challenge can hike or mountain bike the challenging 8.5-mile Border Trail at Trexler Nature Preserve.
“Those interested [in] less strenuous trails will enjoy the ADA trail at Trexler or Lehigh County's 11 miles of the D&L Trail along the Lehigh River from Cementon to the Lehigh Gap Nature Center.”
There are 22 county-owned parks, trails and conservation lands in Northampton County's Parks, Trails and Open Space system.
