Hiking enthusiasts rejoice! Three long-distance trails have now been elevated to national park status: the Ice Age Trail, the New England National Scenic Trail, and the North Country Scenic Trail. This exciting development brings the total number of national park units in the US to 428.
According to a press release from the National Park Service (NPS), these trails were previously managed under the National Trails System. Their rise to national park status is sure to bolster public awareness and usage of these breathtaking trails, spanning over 5,500 miles and traversing ten states and numerous communities, from bustling cities to peaceful rural towns.
The Ice Age Trail: A Journey Through Time
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail runs for nearly 1,200 miles through the rolling hills and rugged terrain of Wisconsin. It's a poignant reminder of a time when much of North America was covered in ice just 15,000 years ago. "Almighty glaciers," the NPS declared in a press release.
New England's Unfurling Trail
The New England National Scenic Trail stretches for 235 miles across Connecticut and Massachusetts, from the coastal shores of Long Island Sound to the summit of a mountain peak.
The North Country's Epic Trails
The North Country Scenic Trail is still under construction, aiming to become a continuous 4,600-mile-long trail traversing eight states. It will connect diverse landscapes and communities, offering countless opportunities for nature-loving locals and visitors to enjoy the great outdoors.
With this new designation, these trails join the prestigious ranks of other national park units in the US, welcoming travelers to immerse themselves in nature's beauty and engage on an enriching adventure.
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Enrichment Data: The newly designated national hiking trails, alongside the revered Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail, collectively form the 'Triple Crown of Hiking' in the United States. Despite not being national parks themselves, these trails significantly contribute to the hiking experience, visitor numbers, and overall conservation and recreational value of protected areas such as national forests and national parks they traverse. Their presence enhances the appeal of these national park units, thereby boosting the U.S. national park system's offerings and appeal.
