Article written by PA DCNR posted 2 September 2026 to LinkedIn
The Trails at Jakes Rocks – 2024 Pennsylvania Trail of the Year
To kick off September and Trails Month in Pennsylvania, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is now accepting letters of interest and resumes for four voluntary positions that will be opening on the 2027 Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee (PTAC).
DCNR is seeking interested parties to voluntarily represent each of the following user groups:
- (1) Persons with Disabilities,
- (1) Snowmobiling,
- and (2) Members at Large.
DCNR-appointed Trails Advisory Committee helps guide the implementation of the Pennsylvania Land and Water Trail Network Strategic Plan — a plan to develop a statewide land and water trail network to facilitate recreation, transportation, and healthy lifestyles for all. The 2025-2029 Trail Plan was released in September 2025 in conjunction with Trails Month and includes goals and action steps to help achieve the goal of every Pennsylvanian living within 10 minutes of a trail.
Selected candidates will serve a three-year term starting January 1, 2027.
Letters of interest and resumes are due by October 31
and must be submitted via email to RA-explorepatrails@pa.gov.
More information can be found on the Trails Advisory Committee website.
The 20-member committee represents both motorized and non-motorized trail users and advises the Commonwealth on the use of state and federal trail funding.
Each year, the Trail Advisory Committee selects a Trail of the Year to help build enthusiasm and support for both large and small trails and raise public awareness about the value of Pennsylvania’s trail network. The Pine Creek Rail Trail in Lycoming and Tioga counties is Pennsylvania’s 2026 Trail of the Year. A celebration for the trail will take place September 24-26 during Trails Month.
DCNR is committed to building a culture of diversity and inclusion and strives to provide representation from geographic areas across the state. To increase representation from the northern portions of the state, individuals from those areas are strongly encouraged to apply. Through DCNR’s Mosaic initiative to strengthen community connections and ensure all people are represented and welcomed on Pennsylvania’s public lands.
Trails Power Pennsylvania’s $20.4 Billion Outdoor Recreation Economy
Pennsylvania’s 14,000 miles of trails are a tremendous asset and serve as the backbone of the Commonwealth’s $20.4 billion outdoor recreation economy. Under the Shapiro Administration’s leadership, the industry has added $3.5 billion and approximately 12,000 new jobs to the Commonwealth’s economy. New data shows the industry grew by $1.5 billion in 2024 — reaching $20.4 billion, outpacing the national growth rate, adding 9,000 jobs to support approximately 177,000 jobs total, and generating $9.5 billion in wages across the Commonwealth.
Recent investments to close major trail gaps and supporting trail projects across Pennsylvania was supported by more than $8.2 million in investments for 29 trail projects through the Community Conservation Partnership Program announced last fall — part of $82 million for 295 local projects — reinforcing a statewide strategy to expand access to safe, high-quality outdoor recreation. As part of that funding package design funding was awarded to two projects currently identified as Pennsylvania’s Top 10 Trail Gaps: Buffalo Valley Rail Trail crossing of US 15 in Union County and the Armstrong Trail’s bridge over an active railroad in Westmoreland County.
Since 1995, DCNR has invested nearly $1.5 billion into 10,000 outdoor-related projects across Pennsylvania. Check out success stories on the North Pocono Trails in Lackawanna County, and the Hoodlebug Trail Bridge in Indiana County, powered by DCNR grants.
Think you have what it takes to help shape the future of trails in Pennsylvania? Apply today!
Letters of interest and resumes are due by October 31
and must be submitted via email to RA-explorepatrails@pa.gov.
