Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Looking for a new hiking spot? 340 miles have been added to the National Trails System

If you're an avid hiker in one of these states, it's time to lace up your boots!

By
A hiking trail through pine woods.
Paul Pastourmatzis/Unsplash / Unsplash

To celebrate Great Outdoors Month and National Trails Day (June 3), Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland has designated nine new national recreation trails across the United States, adding 340 miles to the National Trails System. These hiking trails, located in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Wisconsin, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah, offer diverse landscapes and recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Young man hiking through the mountains.
Angelito de Jesus / Shutterstock

Here are the 9 newest trails to the National Trails System

If you already frequent one of these trails, you will likely see more trail markers, signs, and maintenance staff. Whether you’re a hiker, biker, or runner, these newly added trails provide a gateway to explore the breathtaking beauty of the great outdoors. Check them out!

Recommended Videos

Vernon Bush Garden Trail in Alabama

Nestled in Jackson County, Alabama, the 1-mile Vernon Bush Garden Trail presents an opportunity for residents and visitors to reconnect with nature. With scenic lake views, picnic areas, and a rich variety of plant species, this trail offers a tranquil and ever-changing experience throughout the seasons. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing walk or an immersive encounter with nature, the Vernon Bush Garden Trail is a must-visit destination.

Razorback Greenway in Arkansas

As the “Backbone of Northwest Arkansas,” the Razorback Greenway stretches for 40 miles, connecting multiple communities. This shared-use trail offers access to local businesses, entertainment districts, world-class art museums, and the stunning beauty of the Ozark Mountains. 

Harris Greenway Trail in Georgia

The Harris Greenway Trail, spanning over five miles, is a paved multi-use trail that connects Tribble Mill Park to Harbins Park in Gwinnett County, Georgia. Perfect for recreation and exploring local parks, neighborhoods, and other trail systems, this trail offers a scenic and convenient path for outdoor activities. No matter what recreation you enjoy, the Harris Greenway Trail is a fantastic addition to the National Trails System.

Fabulous Fox! Water Trail in Illinois & Wisconsin

Spanning 158 miles and crossing the borders of southeast Wisconsin and northeast Illinois, the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail is a paradise for paddlers. With over 70 access points, this water trail allows visitors to explore the Fox River. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced paddler, the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail promises an unforgettable adventure.

Crown Zellerbach Trail in Oregon

The Crown Zellerbach Trail, spanning 22 miles between Scappoose and Vernonia, Oregon, meanders through the stunning landscapes of the Coastal Range. This mostly gravel trail caters to hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts, providing exceptional recreational opportunities to enjoy Oregon’s scenic wonders.

Enterprise South Nature Park in Tennessee

Located near Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Enterprise South Nature Park encompasses 70 miles of walking and cycling paths that cater to all skill levels. With diverse terrains and lush woodlands, this park offers solitude and tranquility within close proximity to urban areas. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or an intense mountain biking experience, the trails at Enterprise South Nature Park deliver unforgettable outdoor adventures.

Wilson Creek Trail in Texas

The Wilson Creek Trail in McKinney, TX, is a versatile trail system spanning nearly 10 miles. Along the trail, you’ll discover amenities such as playgrounds, a disc golf course, an outdoor fitness court, and more. It’s the perfect place to enjoy nature while staying active.

Iron Hills Trail System in Utah

Situated in the captivating landscape of southwest Utah, the Iron Hills Trail System spans an impressive 29 miles on Bureau of Land Management land. Renowned for its exceptional mountain biking opportunities, this trail system also caters to hikers, trail runners, equestrians, and wildlife enthusiasts. 

Old Highway 131 Trail in Wisconsin

Nestled in the heart of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, WI, the 4.5-mile Old Highway 131 Trail is a treasure trove of outdoor recreation opportunities. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, this trail has it all. As you explore, you’ll also encounter rich Indigenous culture and history.

The addition of these hiking trails to the National Trails System represents a significant milestone in promoting outdoor recreation, conservation, and the appreciation of nature’s wonders. We’re so excited to explore them!

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Sarah Joseph
Sarah Joseph
Contributor
Sarah is a lover of all things outdoors. With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, she is always…
This is the gross new thing anyone climbing Mount Everest will have to do
Climbing Mount Everest? Don't forget the poop bags
Prayer flags in front of Mount Everest.

If you're thinking about taking the weeks long trek up Mount Everest, be prepared for the mountain's newest rule: manage your own excrement. The authorities overseeing Mount Everest are now mandating that climbers doggy-bag their own poop and bring it all back with them to base camps for proper disposal. While carrying poop is definitely gross, it's a step in the right direction to preserving the natural beauty of these mountains and maintaining a positive experience for everyone.

Mount Everest is starting to stink
Thus far, hikers climbing Mount Everest have been relieving themselves on the trail with little regard to hygiene and safety, digging holes or, more horrifically, leaving their excrement out in the open. Hikers have reported spotting human stools on rocks along the trail, which is a huge problem because excrement does not fully degrade there due to the extreme temperatures. The trail is starting to reek like a port-a-potty, and many climbers are falling ill. The Municipal Chairman of the Everest region, Mingma Sherpa, has finally taken action.

Read more
There’s a new (old) fishing spot in Oregon as a river flows again for the first time in a century
Klamath river opens again, fishing returns
Man fishing in a river

For the first time in 100 years, the Klamath River is free to flow due to the removal of four dams. This environmental milestone, which is the largest dam removal project in the U.S., has reopened over 400 miles of habitat for many fish species. Consequently, fishing enthusiasts in Oregon and Northern California can't wait to get their feet wet.

Benefits of freeing the Klamath River
This development promises several benefits. Firstly, the increase in salmon and steelhead populations can make the Klamath River a more fruitful fishing ground. These species, especially salmon, are highly sought after for their sporting qualities and are considered a prized catch due to their size, strength, and fighting ability.

Read more
Explore these scenic hiking trails this winter
Explore these amazing US winter hiking trails
solo hiker taking in the view along trail in winter

Don't equate wintertime with hiking? You don't know what you're missing. Don't let the cold temperatures and the lure of burrowing into your couch with a blanket to hibernate keep you from hiking. If hiking is your passion or if you've wanted to give it a go, don't wait until spring. Winter is actually a perfect time to go hiking. Trails are just as stunning in the wintertime, and you'll love that the trails are less congested. Winter hiking is also an amazing workout, and it helps beat those winter doldrums. If you need some more incentive, the United States boasts spectacular winter hiking trails for all levels of hikers. Here are ten you should put on your must-hike list this winter.

Winter hiking trails
When winter rolls in, activities like hiking often fall to the wayside because of the temperatures. Winter can be just as much fun outdoors as in. A winter hike brings challenges, beauty, spectacular views, and peacefulness. The United States is home to a multitude of awe-inspiring hiking trails. Not all of them close during the winter, either. Winter can actually be the perfect time to hike since you won't be battling crowds. Popular trails can get overrun during prime hiking seasons like fall and spring. If you're looking to plan a winter hike, set your sights on these trails.
Donut Falls, Utah
For hikers new to winter hiking, this trail is a perfect pick. It's a relatively easy hike, but it does get a bit challenging at the end, where you climb up to a cave. The climb is worth it, though, to see the icicles glistening in all their glory. Usually, the hike is a mile and a half, but in winter, the length is more like three and a half miles from start to finish.
Coopers Rock Loop, West Virginia
For a longer hike chock full of beautiful scenery, head to Coopers Rock State Forest near Morgantown, West Virginia. Coopers Rock Loop is considered a mildly challenging hike. The trail is 6.8 miles in length and takes almost three hours to complete. A perk of this trail besides the views is that it is dog friendly. Just keep your pooch on a leash.
Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
This park is an extremely popular spot. Winter is definitely its downtime, though, making it the ideal place for hiking. The Trail of 10 Falls takes you past all of Silver Falls State Park's waterfalls. It's nine miles long, and you'll need about five hours to complete it. So, get an early start. As with any winter hike, dress properly. Be prepared for muddy and ice spots along the trail.
Tallulah Gorge, Georgia
For a Southern winter trail, check out Tallulah Gorge. This Georgia state park houses a two-mile-long gorge that is 1,000 feet deep. Trails of varying degrees of difficulty wind the gorge's rim. Permits are required to access the gorge's floor but depend on weather and water flow conditions. The Stoneplace Trail is the longest, with a 10-mile roundtrip hike. It is considered a challenging hike with a moderate to difficult rating. For an easy trail, try the three-mile Bill and Dustie MacKay. The South Rim Trail includes five overlooks and is a short but moderately challenging hike.
High Point State Park, New Jersey
The Garden State may be known for its Jersey Shore, but it also has quite a few hiking trails that are worth the trip. High Point State Park offers 50 trails ranging in distance from one to 4.4 miles. A hike through the park also includes 18 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Scenery includes a cedar swamp, forests, mountain ridges, fields, and wetlands.
Whiteface Mountain, New York
Experience winter hikers looking for a challenge may want to hike Whiteface Mountain. Whiteface is known for its skiing, with nearby Lake Placid serving as a winter wonderland. A winter hike on Whiteface Mountain will include snow and severe temps. Gear and extras such as snowshoes and microspikes are a must. Winter hikes typically begin from the Atmospheric Science and Research Center and are over six miles round trip.
Battle Creek Regional Park, Minnesota
Native Minnesotans embrace the winter months, meaning there is quite a bit of year-round hiking. Battle Creek Regional Park has 92 miles of trails. Most of the trails are rated as steep. Trails vary between packed and paved. During the winter, it also offers a winter recreation area that is popular with sledders. This area is free for hikers and snowshoers.
Yosemite Valley Loop, California
National Parks are popular destinations in the summer but not so much in the winter. Winter is a beautiful time to explore California's stunning Yosemite National Park. Some of the more difficult Yosemite hiking trails are closed during the winter, but the Yosemite Valley Loop offers a scenic hiking opportunity. The Valley Loop is almost six miles long and meanders along the valley's floor, giving hikers a different perspective on the iconic national park. Even though the look is rated as an easy hike, poles are recommended since the trail is typically icy in winter.
Great Smokey Mountain National Park, Tennessee, and North Carolina
This is another national park that gets a lot of visitors during prime times like summer, spring, and fall. Great Smokey Mountain National Park also offers a multitude of hiking trails. Trails vary in difficulty and length. In winter, hikers are treated to frozen falls, stunning mountain views, and more. Hiking in Great Smokey Mountain National Park does offer some challenges. Weather can change dramatically and quickly during the day. So, hikers need to be prepared.
Ozark Highlands Trail, Arkansas
Fans of the Netflix series Ozark may want to head down to Arkansas to explore the Ozark Highlands Trail. Since it's located in the mid-South, the Ozark Highland Trails is a popular destination for hikers beginning in fall and stretching through spring. The trail features over 250 miles of hiking through the Boston Mountains and Buffalo River. Hiking trails are over rough terrain and feature fantastic scenery. This trail is recommended for experienced hikers.

Read more