In celebration of Great Outdoors Month and National Trails Day on June 6, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum designated five new National Recreation Trails and one National Water Trail, adding 162.5 miles of hiking, paddling and outdoor recreation opportunities across five states.
The newly designated trails join a nationwide network of more than 1,350 National Recreation Trails found in every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico as part of the National Trails System.
"America's trails connect people to the outdoors, strengthen local communities and showcase the natural beauty and history that define our nation," said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. "These new designations expand opportunities for recreation, stewardship and exploration while helping ensure future generations can experience the landscapes and waterways that make America extraordinary."
The national recreation trails program is jointly administered by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, in conjunction with a number of federal and nonprofit partners. A national recreation trail can be designated by either the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture on an existing local or regional trail with the consent of the federal, state, tribal, local, nonprofit or private entity that has jurisdiction over the trail. The trail's managing agency or organization must apply for the distinction. The application period for new national recreational trails, to be designated in 2027, is currently open until Nov. 1, 2026.
East Inlet Trail in Colorado
Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the East Inlet Trail extends approximately 11 miles from near Grand Lake into a scenic subalpine and alpine lake basin. Following East Inlet Creek, the trail passes Adams Falls before winding through forests, wetlands, meadows and glacially carved terrain to a chain of backcountry lakes, including Lone Pine, Lake Verna, Spirit, Third and Fourth Lakes. The trail provides access to eight designated wilderness campsites and offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing, including moose and elk.
Glacier Gorge Loop Trail in Colorado
The 5.8-mile Glacier Gorge Loop in Rocky Mountain National Park showcases some of the park's most iconic alpine scenery. Beginning at either the Glacier Gorge or Bear Lake trailhead, the route passes Alberta Falls, Lake Haiyaha, Dream Lake and Nymph Lake. A primitive segment between Glacier Gorge Junction and Lake Haiyaha offers a more rugged backcountry experience while protecting sensitive alpine ecosystems. The trail is popular year-round for hiking, snowshoeing and wildlife viewing.
Monon South Trail in Indiana
The Monon South Trail is a developing Rails-to-Trails corridor in southern Indiana. The designation applies to a 10.5-mile section between Borden and New Pekin that follows a former railroad route through scenic rural landscapes. Designed for walking, running and cycling, the trail provides a safe, automobile-free recreation corridor while supporting community connections, healthy lifestyles and local economic development.
Schuylkill River Water Trail in Pennsylvania
The Schuylkill River Water Trail is a 120-mile paddling route within the Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area, stretching from the river's headwaters near Tuscarora to its confluence with the Delaware River. Flowing through five counties, the trail offers experiences ranging from whitewater paddling to calm stretches suited for beginners. Decades of environmental restoration have transformed the river into a thriving recreational resource that supports a diverse fishery and abundant wildlife.
Bluff River Trail in Utah
The Bluff River Trail is an approximately 8-mile non-motorized trail that follows the San Juan River through southeastern Utah and provides the only public river access in the town of Bluff. Beginning at the ADA-accessible Sand Island Recreation Area in Bears Ears National Monument, the trail passes through cottonwood groves, floodplains and riparian habitat. Interpretive exhibits along the route highlight significant petroglyph panels and connect visitors to thousands of years of cultural history.
Leopold's Preserve Trail System in Virginia
Leopold's Preserve Trail System is a free, 7-mile network of trails within a 380-acre preserve about 35 miles west of Washington, D.C. The trails traverse wetlands, meadows, forests and historic landscapes and feature relatively flat terrain accessible to a wide range of visitors. More than 30 interpretive signs highlight local ecology and history, making the preserve both a recreational destination and an important refuge for wildlife in a rapidly developing region.
