30 Years of Recreation - Something for Everyone

As we reflect on 30 years since the creation of the first National Heritage Area, let's celebrate the recreational opportunities provided to our heritage area communities. NHAs improve access to the cultural and natural resources they were designated to celebrate and protect. Granting access to recreational opportunities is important for public engagement and stewardship, which are essential to the mission of all NHAs. Last year alone the National Heritage Areas distributed over $3 million in grants for recreation projects and developed 1133 new miles of on and off road trails. 

Many recreation projects in NHAs focus on the creation of multi-use hiking and biking trails such as

Lackawanna Heritage Valley National Heritage Area in Pennsylvania developed the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, part of a 70 mile trail.

In Georgia, Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area completed a 30 mile hike-bike trail that connects historic, cultural and natural resources. Interactive maps enable trail visitors to map their route.  Plans are also underway in partnership with a local mountain biking group to investigate opportunities for appropriate low-impact mountain biking.  

Working with over 150 partners, Ohio and Erie Canalway National Heritage Area developed 85 miles of the planned 101 mile Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail. It attracts 2.5 million visitors annually, including those for their annual marathon and much more.

The Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership and the Upper Housatonic NHA have collaborated with multiple stakeholders from Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut to design and develop the Western New England Greenway (WNEG). When complete, it will connect the East Coast Greenway with Quebec's route Verte, providing a contiguous 439-mile bike route between New York City and Montreal. CVNHP and UHNHA are using this project to connect historic and natural sites through their shared interpretive themes. 

Discover fascinating stories and adventure to boot up north at the  Kenai Mountains - Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area in Alaska.

 Trails wind through a variety of natural and urban environments, providing a comprehensive view of a region. Just as trails rely on partnerships within communities, they also serve to create and strengthen connections between communities. In 2013, the Delaware and Lehigh NHA added 13 miles to the Delaware and Lehigh Trail (D&L), constructed three trailheads, and completed an assessment of a larger Lehigh Valley Trail Network. The success of the D&L Trail prompted the Landmark Towns Project, which aims to bring people from the trail to nearby downtown areas. 

Fishing, hiking, biking, boating, rock climbing, hunting, canoeing, camping and enjoy the view in Oil Region National Heritage Area.

Across the country, people enjoy National Heritage Areas as destinations for hiking, biking, paddling, walking and running. NHAs support tours and other events that help small towns, draw visitors, shoppers, and diners. Heritage Areas also offer school tours, camps, and other outdoor adventures that help our younger generation get moving and connect with the great outdoors in their own backyards. 

RUN, WALK, BIKE or PADDLE

Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, LA - Canoe or kayak the Bayou Tech Paddling Trail[HMS1] , a 135-mile-long waterway of great cultural significance to Louisiana and the Atchafalaya NHA

In Atchafalaya NHA, visitors take a boat trip in the Bayou Teche Wildlife Refuge during the 9th Annual Bayou Teche Black Bear Festival to learn about the Louisiana black bear, a threatened species listed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, PA -Take the Get Your Tail on the Trail [HMS2] wellness program challenge by running, walking or biking the 165-mile D&L Trail

Essex National Heritage Area, MA: Experience the sights and sounds of the Essex National Heritage Area during the TRAILS & SAILS: Two Weekends of Walks & Water through walks, guided hikes, sails, and other adventures

Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, NY: Ramble through the Hudson River Valley and learn about the historic, cultural and natural resources.

Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area, UT - Do you like cycling? Love old barns? Join the annual Barn Storming tour of Sanpete and Sevier Counties, Utah hosted by Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area and the Utah Heritage Foundation

Schuylkill River National Heritage Area, PA: Paddle the Schuylkill River on a one, two or seven day Sojourn in 2015.

Wheeling National Heritage Area, WV: Ohio River  Valley residents can "Trek the Trail" in Wheeling National Heritage Area. 

Baltimore National Heritage Area: Stroll along the water in historic neighborhoods on Baltimore's Waterfront Promenade. Take a walking tour on Heritage Walk or any of the Star Spangled Banner Trails.

FIND YOUR HERITAGE & ENGAGE WITH US: 

 

For more information on NHAs visit http://www.nps.gov/heritageareas/