Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvanians now have the chance to put their favorite trail in the spotlight, as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) opens nominations for the Commonwealth’s 2026 Trail of the Year. With more than 14,000 miles of trails, the honor celebrates the best of Pennsylvania’s world-class outdoor recreation network and the communities that support it.
“Trails are an important part of what makes Pennsylvania a special place for outdoor recreation, and we are excited to open up nominations for this prestigious honor," said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “The Commonwealth has some of the best natural resources in the nation, and uplifting our trails is essential to the future of our outdoor recreation industry. I look forward to the competition and seeing which trail comes out on top.”
To be considered, a nomination form and supporting documentation must be submitted online by October 31. The winning trail will be recognized in a news release; through a commemorative poster for statewide distribution; with a trailhead marker along the trail; and with a grant for educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection.
Each year, the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee designates a Trail of the Year to highlight the value of Pennsylvania’s trail network, build public support, and raise awareness of the economic, environmental, and health benefits trails bring to communities. The 20-member DCNR-appointed committee represents both motorized and non-motorized trail users and guides the Commonwealth’s strategy for developing a statewide land and water trail network.
The 2025 Trail of the Year was the Path of the Flood Trail in Cambria County, a 14-mile corridor that traces the historic route of the 1889 Johnstown Flood. Blending natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and historical significance, the trail features landmarks such as the Staple Bend Tunnel, the first railroad tunnel built in the United States.
DCNR Adds New Priority Trail Gaps
Trails are a critical part of Pennsylvania’s $19 billion outdoor recreation economy, connecting communities to natural spaces and supporting healthy lifestyles. In the past two years, the Shapiro Administration has closed four of the Commonwealth’s Top 10 priority trail gaps. DCNR prioritizes its Top 10 Trail Gaps based on the following criteria:
- Would connect existing trail sections
- Requires construction or rehabilitation of major infrastructure
- Has a large funding need, generally over $1 million
- Requires interagency coordination
DCNR has now added two new gaps to its Top 10 list:
- Three Rivers Heritage Trail between Etna and Millvale boroughs
- Armstrong Trail in Allegheny Township.
Both projects are part of the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail, an emerging 270-plus mile network of trails for hiking, biking, and paddling that connects unique landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities across the region.
“Identifying these gaps and funding connections helps ensure we are supporting the wonderful opportunities trails provide across the Commonwealth,” said DCNR Deputy Secretary Claire Jantz. “There is a magic to trails that is transformative to communities, and we want every community to experience the benefits they bring.”
Statewide Trail Investments
Recent investments to close major trail gaps and support projects across Pennsylvania include more than $10 million for 36 trail projects through DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants announced last fall — part of a $79 million investment in 307 local projects statewide. Since 1995, DCNR has invested $1.2 billion in 8,800 outdoor-related projects to expand access to high-quality outdoor recreation.
For more information on how to submit a nomination for the 2026 Trail of the Year, visit the Pennsylvania Trail of the Year webpage. The winner will be announced in early 2026.
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