If you haven’t heard, we have something pretty unique here in Wisconsin. And it turns out the National Park Service agrees!
The National Park Service just announced that three national scenic trails have become the country’s newest national parks, and two of them are right here in our own big backyard.
“The new status for the Ice Age, New England, and North Country national scenic trails will increase public awareness and use of these amazing pathways,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “Their combined 5,500-plus miles travel through parts of 10 states and hundreds of communities, from large cities to rural towns, providing countless close-to-home opportunities for people to easily access green space and enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation.”
If you’ve ever spent time on the Ice Age or the North Country national scenic trails, you know they’re lined with natural beauty and history, showcasing the unique resources of Wisconsin.
At nearly 1,200 miles in length, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail winds across most of the state, peppered with lakes, river valleys, gently rolling hills and more to remind users of the fact that much if it existed under a glacier 15,000 years ago.
Expected to stretch a continuous 4,600 miles across Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Wisconsin when complete, the North Country National Scenic Trail showcases a vast array of landscapes and includes historic sites that tell how America grew as a nation. As it clips across northern Wisconsin’s Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland and Iron counties, adventure abounds through 220 beautiful miles. Although Wisconsin has the second shortest trail distance among the eight states it passes through, our state is responsible for providing its name. The original 60-mile Northern Country Trail in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest was responsible for getting the project started when the idea of the multi-state trail was first envisioned.
The designation will not result in any immediate changes to the size or structure of the trails which already have access points, signage, operating budgets, superintendents, staff, and dedicated volunteers. Last year, thousands of volunteers contributed more than 150,000 hours to support trail preservation, maintenance and education projects.
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