On November 12, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced that it had awarded nearly $4 million in trail grants for trail projects across the state.

Philadelphia

“Trails are all about connectivity – communities to each other, people to being active outdoors,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “The Wolf Administration is pleased to be able to support these projects to help Philadelphia expand its vast network of regional trails, that also are important as alternative means of transportation, and add to the quality of life features that attract businesses and workers.”

The grants, supported by the Keystone Fund, are:

  • Delaware River Waterfront Corp., $400,000 toward the acquisition of about 2.7 acres for about .35 miles of the Delaware River Trail.
  • Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation, $500,000 for development of the Schuylkill River Trail. Work will include about .4 miles of trail from PECO Christian St. Service Center to South Stanley St., and a bridge.
  • Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation, $90,000 for development of the Trolley Trail. Work to include about 3 miles of trail from the Chamounix Mansion to the existing Trolley Trail near Belmont Valley Creek.
  • Philadelphia Planning Commission, $25,000 for a trail study for about 4 miles of Lower Poquessing Creek Trail from Junod Park to Glen Foerd on the Delaware.

The Delaware River Trail hugs the Philadelphia waterfront providing access to parks and recreational amenities. It’s part of a larger effort called The Circuit, which will link 750 miles of trail throughout greater Philadelphia.

The Schuylkill River Trail is a multi-use trail in Southeastern Pennsylvania with a projected length of almost 130 miles.

The full Trolley Trail network will ultimately be 4.5 miles long, following the old pathway of the scenic trolley that ran through the woods of West Fairmount Park in the early 20th century.

The Lower Poquessing Creek Trail connects neighborhoods, Poquessing Valley Park and Benjamin Rush State Park in northeast Philadelphia.

Clarion County

“Trails provide a close-to-home connection to nature and recreation that is always free or affordable,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “We are happy to provide these grants to increase trail miles and expand the outdoor recreation assets that draw visitors to the Pennsylvania Wilds.”

The grants are:

  • Clarion County, $500,000 from the Keystone Fund for work on the Armstrong Trail in Brady Township. The project will include the rehabilitation of the southern portion of the Brady Tunnel, and construction of approximately two miles of trail.
  • Rail 66 County Trail, $400,000 from the Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program Fund for development of the Knox Kane Rail Trail in Farmington Township. The project will include the creation of approximately 8 miles of trail from the intersection of SR 66 and SR 36 to the Forest County line, and a trailhead.

The 36-mile long Armstrong Trail is located on the former Allegheny Valley Railroad line along the eastern bank of the Allegheny River in Armstrong and Clarion counties.

The Knox Kane Rail Trail is named for the former rail line it follows, the Knox and Kane Railroad, which was used for both freight and passenger service. Trail advocates hope to one day expand this scenic rail-trail to 74 miles.

The investments are among 37 grants, awarded statewide, totaling approximately $11.2 million, for trail projects including planning, construction and rehabilitation. A complete list is on the DCNR website. A complete list (DOC) of the grants is on the DCNR website.

DCNR has a goal of providing a trail within 15 minutes of every Pennsylvanian. Dunn said anyone who wants to visit a trail but is not sure where to go can find more than 11,000 miles and events listed on the website www.explorePAtrails.comOpens In A New Window.  Learn more about trail experiences in Pennsylvania on this short videoOpens In A New Window.

In Pennsylvania, outdoor recreation generates $29.1 billion in consumer spending, $1.9 billion in state and local tax revenue, $8.6 billion in wages and salaries, and sustains 251,000 direct Pennsylvania jobs.

Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties

“Trails connect places, are one of the best guides to nature, and more than 75 percent of Pennsylvanians believe that along with parks they are an essential component of our health care system,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “The Wolf Administration is pleased to be able to assist communities in Northeastern Pennsylvania with their vision for trails to increase opportunities for citizens and visitors to hike, ride and enjoy nature.”

The grants are:

  • Lackawanna County, $1.5 million from the Keystone and Land and Water Conservation funds for development of the North Pocono Trail in Dunmore Borough, and Elmhurst and Roaring Brook townships. The project will include 4 miles of trail between East Drinker St. in Dunmore and Elmhurst Reservoir, a pedestrian bridge, and trailhead.
  • Forty Fort Borough, $500,000 from the Keystone Fund for development of almost a mile of the Forty Fort Bike Trail from Church St. in Kingston to East Turner St. in Forty Fort.

The North Pocono Trail is a planned 10-mile multi-use trail along a former railroad corridor owned by Lackawanna County.

The Forty Fort Bike Trail, for walking and biking, is planned to be about three miles long.