Latest news with #2025TrailoftheYear
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cambria County trail celebrates being Pennsylvania's 2025 Trail of the Year
CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A 14-mile stretch of trail tracing one of Pennsylvania's most devastating historic events has earned statewide recognition as the 2025 Trail of the Year. The Path of the Flood Trail in Cambria County, which follows the route of the 1889 Johnstown Flood, was honored by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for its unique combination of history, outdoor recreation, and economic impact. Officials celebrated the designation this week in South Fork, where the infamous flood began after the South Fork Dam failed. Drawing roughly 80,000 visitors annually, including international tourists, the trail has become an economic driver for the region, supporting small businesses and hosting events like the Path of the Flood Historic Races, which brings in nearly 1,000 participants each year. The trail's route includes the historic Staple Bend Tunnel, the first railroad tunnel constructed in the United States, and is part of the 9/11 National Memorial Trail network. Designed for multiple outdoor activities including hiking, biking, birdwatching, and winter recreation, the surface is a mix of crushed stone and pavement, making it accessible year-round. Maintained through a partnership between the Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority, the National Park Service, and local volunteers and businesses, the trail exemplifies the benefits of community and interagency collaboration. The recognition comes amid a statewide push to expand and enhance Pennsylvania's trail system. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the outdoor recreation industry contributed $19 billion to the state's economy in 2023, supporting more than 168,000 jobs and generating $9 billion in wages. DCNR continues to work toward its goal of placing a trail within 10 minutes of every Pennsylvanian and has closed four of the state's top 10 priority trail gaps over the last two years. More information about the Path of the Flood Trail and upcoming events can be found on the Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Yahoo
Path of the Flood Trail named Pennsylvania's 2025 Trail of the Year
HARRISBURG, Pa. — A historic trail tracing the path of one of the nation's deadliest disasters is receiving statewide recognition. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has named the Path of the Flood Trail in Cambria County as the 2025 Trail of the Year, celebrating its blend of history, recreation, and economic impact. 'This trail is a destination, inviting visitors from across the nation and the world to experience the history of the 1889 Johnstown Flood while enjoying outdoor activities in a stunning natural setting,' DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. 'We hope this designation will bring even more visitors to explore the trail, supporting local businesses and fostering economic, environmental, and social benefits for the region.' The 14-mile trail follows the path of the catastrophic 1889 Johnstown Flood, which claimed more than 2,200 lives. Featuring crushed stone and pavement, the trail is popular for biking, hiking, running, birdwatching, and winter sports. It also includes significant historical landmarks, such as the Staple Bend Tunnel, the first railroad tunnel in the United States. The Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority (CCCRA), which manages the trail alongside the National Park Service and local volunteers, views the recognition as a testament to community collaboration. 'The Path of the Flood Trail's recognition as Pennsylvania's 2025 Trail of the Year is a testament to the partnership between many individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving this rich, historical trail,' CCCRA Executive Director Cliff Kitner said. 'We are honored and excited to continue sharing this unique journey with all who visit.' The trail attracts about 80,000 visitors annually, including international tourists, and serves as an economic driver for the region. Events like the Path of the Flood Historic Races, which draw nearly 1,000 participants each year, have further boosted tourism and community engagement. CCCRA Assistant Executive Director Caytlin Lusk noted that this is the second time in five years that a Cambria County trail has received the statewide honor. 'Following the Ghost Town Trail's designation in 2020, the Path of the Flood Trail being named Trail of the Year marks the second time in five years that a trail in our county has received this designation,' Lusk said. 'We are grateful to the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee and DCNR for recognizing the exceptional trails that we are proud to offer here in Cambria County.' DCNR selects a Trail of the Year annually to raise awareness of Pennsylvania's extensive trail network. The state has more than 14,000 miles of trails, and the Shapiro administration has prioritized closing key trail gaps to ensure access for all residents. For more information on the Path of the Flood Trail, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
