Nevada Among States Getting New National Recreation Trails

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In advance of National Trails Day this Saturday, June 6, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis designated 10 local and state trails as national recreation trails, adding more than 150 miles to the National Trails System.

“By designating these exceptional trails as part of the National Trails System, we recognize the efforts of local communities to provide outdoor recreational opportunities that can be enjoyed by everyone,” said Jewell. “Our world-class network of national trails provides easily accessible places to get exercise and connect with nature in both urban and rural areas while also boosting tourism and supporting economic opportunities in local communities across the country.”

On Saturday, June 6, hundreds of organized activities are planned as part of National Trails Day, including hikes, educational programs, bike rides, trail rehabilitation projects, festivals, paddle trips, and trail dedications. A listing of activities is available on the American Hiking Society's website.

“Our National Trails System of 16,000 miles continues to grow and offer new opportunities for Americans to explore the great outdoors,” said Jarvis. “With summer here, I hope everyone will take advantage of a trail nearby to hike or bike. It’s a great family outing and an opportunity to fill your lungs with fresh air and enjoy the beauty of the world around us.”

National recreation trail designation recognizes existing trails and trail systems that link communities to recreational opportunities on public lands and in local parks across the nation. Each of the new national recreation trails will receive a certificate of designation, a letter of congratulations from Secretary Jewell, and a set of trail markers.

Both the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture have the authority to approve designations in response to an application from the trail's managing agency or organization.

The national recreation trails program is jointly administered by the National Park Service and the Forest Service, in conjunction with a number of federal and not-for-profit partners, notably American Trails, which hosts the national recreation trails website.

Nevada's Trail:
Historic Railroad Trail
This 3.5-mile, multi-use trail connects the National Park Service’s Alan Bible Visitor Center within Lake Mead National Recreation Area with the Bureau of Reclamation’s Hoover Dam. The trail, constructed on an old railroad grade that goes through five tunnels used during dam construction, offers outstanding views of Lake Mead, Boulder Basin, Fortification Hill, massive crystalline rock formations, and the rugged Mohave Desert. Panels along the trail provide educational information.

See the rest of the countries trails here: http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/secretary-jewell-and-national-park-service-director-jarvis-announce-10-new-national-recreation-trails.cfm