DCNR Releases New Digital Trail Information Resources For 1,750+ Miles Of Trails Across 119 State Parks

On August 27, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources released the most complete digital trail data resource ever compiled for Pennsylvania state parks, mapping more than 1,750 miles of formal trails across 119 parks.

The new digital trail information-- now publicly available through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resource’s Open Data Portal and the Interactive Map--  is designed to support everything from outdoor recreation and mobile app development to land management, conservation planning, and emergency response.

“This new trail data resource marks a major advancement in our geospatial resources,” said State Parks Director John Hallas. “We’ve gone beyond simply mapping trails — each segment now includes more than 30 detailed attributes that show how trails are used and maintained, and how they fit into larger ecological, recreational, and infrastructure systems. This will be an essential tool for GIS professionals, land managers, researchers, and developers alike.”

To build the trail inventory, DCNR staff physically surveyed every state park trail using GPS equipment and a custom-built mobile data collection app. 

Field teams documented details such as width, surface material, and use designation. 

The information then underwent rigorous review by GIS specialists and park managers to ensure accuracy.

In addition to the open trail data, expanded trail information has been added to each individual state park webpage, giving visitors more detail than ever before on trail difficulty, loop or out-and-back design, and notable features along the route.

The new digital trail resource creates opportunities for:

-- Mobile mapping tool integration

-- Resource planning and land management

-- Environmental and usage research

-- Search and rescue preparedness

-- Accessibility assessments and infrastructure planning

Trail information is now available on:

-- DCNR Open Data

-- PA GeoData

-- Data.pa.gov

-- DCNR Interactive Map

DCNR is also digitizing additional park features-- such as boat launches, scenic overlooks, playgrounds, picnic areas, and restrooms-- to give Pennsylvanians and visitors a complete, data-driven view of the amenities available at each park.

Outdoor Recreation Driving Growth

From day one, Governor Josh Shapiro has made strategic investments to strengthen outdoor recreation as a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s economy and communities.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the outdoor recreation industry contributed $19 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy in 2023--  a 10 percent increase over the previous year. 

The sector supports more than 168,000 jobs and generates $9 billion in wages, making Pennsylvania a national leader in outdoor recreation.

Click Here for the DCNR announcement.

Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.

Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening near you.

  For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website.

Related Articles This Week:

-- Dept. of Drug & Alcohol Programs, DCNR Announces 9 PA State Parks As Recovery In Nature Sites 

-- DCNR Announces Sunday Hunting Plans In State Parks, Forests

-- DCNR Releases New Digital Trail Information Resources For 1,750+ Miles Of Trails Across 119 State Parks  [PaEN]

-- US Forest Service Starts Process To Rescind Roadless Rule Protection In Allegheny National Forest, Other Forests  [PaEN] 

NewsClips:

-- The Center Square: Republican Rep. Ortitay Wants To Expand Natural Gas Drilling On State Land, Raise Other Revenue To Replace School Property Taxes

-- York Daily Record: York County Reaches Milestone Of 50,000 Acres Of Farmland Preserved

-- Republican Herald: 2 Schuylkill Farms Join Ranks Of ‘Forever Farms’

-- TribLive: Eagle Scout Carlton Fogliani To Revitalize Historic Tree Site In Richland Community Park In Allegheny County 

-- Wilkes-Barre Times Leader: North Branch Land Trust’s Annual Red Barn Banquet Returning Sept. 16 

-- Tribune-Democrat: Contractor Approved To Address Great Allegheny Passage Trail Landslide In Somerset County 

-- Inquirer Guest Essay: Philly Parks Are Failing, Let’s Double The Parks Budget, Relying On Volunteers And Nonprofits Is A Temporary Fix

-- WPost: Inside The $7 Million Project To Keep Water Out Of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater Masterpiece In Pennsylvania 

[Posted: August 27, 2025]  PA Environment Digest