“The competition to be Pennsylvania’s 2027 Trail of the Year has officially begun, and we are hopeful to receive nominations from rural and urban communities alike for this important designation,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Stewards of our trails can visit DCNR’s website and make the case for being the top trail today. We are excited for this year’s competition and look forward to seeing which trail prevails.”
Each year, the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee designates a Trail of the Year to help build enthusiasm and support for trails and raise public awareness about the value of Pennsylvania's trail network.
The 20-member DCNR-appointed committee represents both motorized and non-motorized trail users and advises the Commonwealth on use of state and federal trail funding.
The advisory committee is charged with implementing the development of a statewide land and water trail network to facilitate recreation, transportation, and healthy lifestyles for all.
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 a grant for educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection on the trail.
The Trail of the Year will be announced in early 2027.
Pine Creek Rail Trail is the 2026 Trail of the Year.
The Pine Creek Rail Trail attracts more than 44,000 visitors annually, generating more than $5 million in local economic impact. The historic 62-mile trail connects visitors to a wealth of recreational and cultural experiences from Jersey Shore in Lycoming County to Wellsboro in Tioga County.
Visit the Pennsylvania Trail of the Year webpage for more information about where to submit the form and supporting materials.
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. Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter.
Related Articles This Week:
-- DCNR Now Accepting Nominations For 2027 Pennsylvania Trail Of The Year [PaEN]
-- Outdoor Business Alliance Of PA Hosts July 7 Webinar On Accessing Funding For Your Outdoor Business [PaEN]
-- PA Interfaith Power & Light Now Accepting Applications For Community Tree Project Technical Assistance; Apply For Free Trees [PaEN]
-- PA House Passes Bill To Encourage Pollinator, Native Insect Habitat On State-Owned Property [PaEN]
-- Susquehanna Greenway Partnership Names Alana Jajko Executive Director [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- PennLive Guest Essay: Pennsylvanians Agree On This - Our State Parks Need Funding Now - By Bradley Mallory, PA Parks & Forests Foundation Board Member
-- PennLive: Lancaster Conservancy To Purchase 31 Acres To Add To Robert A. Kinsley Nature Preserve In Hellam Twp., York County
-- WITF - The Spark: PA Author Tory Mather Highlights Hidden Natural Wonders Across The Commonwealth
-- Tribune-Democrat: Celebration Will Mark 50th Anniversary Of Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail: ‘Amazing Asset’
-- Tribune-Democrat: 9/11 Trail Alliance Acquires Portage Property, Eyes ‘Much Better Route’ Through Cambria
-- TribLive: Armstrong County Trail Groups Say Vandalism Diverts Resources From Improvements And Maintenance
-- WVIA: Luzerne County Native Hits Halfway Point In Trek From Georgia To Maine On Appalachian Trail
-- Observer-Reporter: North Strabane Twp. To Assess Land For Recreation Complex In Washington County
-- Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader: Field Notes - Thankful For Pennsylvania Parks
[Posted: June 25, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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