[{"Title":"Sweet Springs Turnpike Trail","Agency":"Private","TrailType":"Backcountry Trail","States":"West Virginia","Counties":"Monroe","Allowed Uses":"Bicycling, Bicycling, hand powered, recumbents, tricycles, Dogs, on leash, Electric micro-mobility devices, Hiking/Walking, Snow, cross-country skiing, Trail running, Other","Length":1.3,"Loop Trail?":true,"Elevation High":2475,"Elevation Low":2063,"Elevation Cumulative":412,"Tread Width Average":48,"Tread Width Minimum":36,"Tread Width Running Length":2640,"Trail Grade Average":5,"Trail Grade Maximum":6,"Trail Grade Running Length":100,"Trail Cross-slope Average":3,"Trail Cross-slope Maximum":5,"Trail Cross-slope Running Length":100,"Surfaces":"Grass or Vegetation","Longitude":-80.24037,"Latitude":37.62754,"Short Description":"Sweet Springs Turnpike Trail is a user-friendly, multipurpose, progressive and scenic nature trail. From open pastures to dense forest, it is mostly double track with a couple of single-track portions. It’s just over a mile long one way, boasting magnificent views of Sweet Springs Valley and the Andrew S. Rowan Memorial Farm, and beautiful seasonal foliage with a wide variety of tree species, raptors and wildlife.  It is a beginner grade hiking and biking trail and is also open to electric mountain bikes and adaptive mountain bikes.","Long Description":"The Sweet Springs Turnpike Trail runs along a remarkably intact section of the historic 19th century stage road known as The Price's Mountain-Sweet Springs Turnpike (aka The Fincastle-Sweet Springs Turnpike) and is associated with The Historic National Landmark - Sweet Springs Resort Park formally \"Old Sweet\".  \n\nNote: Recorded in Deed book 28 page 378 - Botetourt County Circuit Court - sent to Sweet Springs Park by L. Caldwell, Genealogy Researcher of Botetourt County Circuit Court....... \" Whereas the General Assembly of VA, did in the month of Feb 1830 (possibly 1836 - hard to tell with handwriting of the day) pass a law authorizing the construction of a Road to be called THE PRICE MOUNTAIN AND SWEET SPRINGS TURNPIKE ....\"   Many famous people visited the Sweet Springs Park including:    8 of the first 10 Presidents; James & Dolly Madison; Millard Fillmore; Martin Van Buren; Franklin Pierce; Patrick Henry; Robert E. Lee; The Marquis de Lafayette; Jerome Bonaparte (Napoleon’s Brother); and more, some of which traveled here via the Sweet Springs Turnpike.  \n\nThe section of the Turnpike to be designated as the SSTT starts at the Sweet Springs Resort Park on the former Andrew S. Rowan Memorial Farm and ends on top of the western slope of Peters Mountain. It has been cleared and groomed for use as a free public hiking trail and was officially opened on October 15, 2023. It has a number of spectacular views to the southwest and northwest.\nDoug Woods of the WV Scenic Trails Association walked the trail with us and noted that its location has the potential to link it into and expand the existing Allegheny and Appalachian Trail system. Down the line, we also envision continuing the trail on the eastern side of Peters Mountain and on to Potts Mtn, etc., following the historic Turnpike Road in Virginia.\n\nA UNIQUE and one-of-a-kind feature The Sweet Springs Turnpike Trail will offer will be a specialized ADA Trailhead Recreational area.  This will be developed to allow those who can't hike the opportunity to enjoy recreational fun as well.","Log #":null,"Date Certified":"2024-05-31","Manager URL":{"urlSuffix":null,"target":null,"title":null,"class":null,"id":null,"rel":null,"ariaLabel":null,"download":false},"NRT URL":"https://www.nationalrecreationtrails.com/trails/sweet-springs-turnpike-trail"},{"Title":"Hells Revenge","Agency":"Bureau of Land Management","TrailType":"Frontcountry Trail","States":"Utah","Counties":"Grand","Allowed Uses":"Bicycling, Bicycling, electric, Bicycling, hand powered, recumbents, tricycles, Dogs, on leash, Hiking/Walking, Motorized vehicles, – ATV/ORV, Motorized vehicles, – four-wheel drive, Motorized vehicles, motorcycling, Trail running","Length":9.7,"Loop Trail?":true,"Elevation High":4763,"Elevation Low":4455,"Elevation Cumulative":1700,"Tread Width Average":120,"Tread Width Minimum":120,"Tread Width Running Length":51200,"Trail Grade Average":null,"Trail Grade Maximum":33.6,"Trail Grade Running Length":null,"Trail Cross-slope Average":0,"Trail Cross-slope Maximum":0,"Trail Cross-slope Running Length":0,"Surfaces":"Rock, smooth","Longitude":-109.522583,"Latitude":38.575317,"Short Description":"Moab's premier slickrock OHV trail consists of long stretches of slickrock with outstanding views throughout. The most difficult obstacles are out of the stock-vehicle class, but those can be bypassed. In addition to full-size vehicles, the trail is popular with smaller vehicles such as UTVs and motorcycles. Trail is not suitable for ATVs due to safety issues.  There are steep climbs and descents and some edges that are not for the faint of heart. The steep slopes, however, are not technically difficult because of the excellent traction on sandstone. In a few places, the trail crosses the now-famous \"Slickrock Bike Trail,\" a designated National Recreation Tail used by motorcycles and mountain-bikes.","Long Description":"Moab Utah is a world-renowned destination for OHV activities, including \"jeeping\", UTV and motorcycle riding. Trail is not suitable for ATVs due to safety issues. The most popular OHV trail near Moab is Hells Revenge, located just outside of town and within The Sand Flats Recreation area. This area is Bureau of Land Management (BLM), land but day-to-day management is under the auspices of Grand County, Utah, as part of a long-standing agreement with BLM. The trail totals 9.7 miles, including optional bypasses at challenging obstacles and several optional short-cuts for those who wish a less lengthy outing.. Except for a short distance at the beginning, the trail is two-way. The complete look accesses the Sand Flats Road about one mile below the official start. Due to deteriorating road conditions, less appealing scenery, the potential for futures access issues across private land and safety issues, this segment receives little use, with most users exiting at the same point they began. For this reason, this spur is not included in the NRT nomination. The trail is almost entirely on Navajo Sandstone, a geologic formation popularly known as \"slickrock\". This surface forms rolling dome and ridge features resembling petrified sand dunes. This surface, besides producing exceptional scenery, provides outstanding traction for motorized passage even on the steepest slopes. In addition to private users, the trail is very popular with tour operators and OHV rental businesses, primarily due to the very easy access from town. The trail is a features part of the annual Easter Jeep Safari event, which has been held for over fifty years. The trail's challenges begin right at the start with a steep climb on a narrow sandstone fin, providing a taste of the many challenges to come. The trail consist of numerous slickrock fins and domes, some of which have significant drop-offs which can be intimidating to those with fears of exposure. At several points along the trail, there are short alternates which provide even more challenging terrain. These features (Tip-over challenge, the Escalator and Hells Gate) are well-known to OHV enthusiasts, and are featured in numerous guidebooks and web postings. The driving challenges inherent in the trail attract many enthusiasts but perhaps its main attraction is the all-encompassing views of the landscape which has made the Moab area a world-class destination. The views never cease, and include Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, the Colorado Rover Gorge, several Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs) surrounding Moab, and the outstanding landscape of the Sand Flats Recreation Area.","Log #":null,"Date Certified":"2024-05-31","Manager URL":{"urlSuffix":null,"target":null,"title":null,"class":null,"id":null,"rel":null,"ariaLabel":null,"download":false},"NRT URL":"https://www.nationalrecreationtrails.com/trails/hells-revenge"},{"Title":"Comal River Water Trail","Agency":"City, Town, or County","TrailType":"National Water Trail, Water Trail (other)","States":"Texas","Counties":"Comal","Allowed Uses":"Bicycling, Bicycling, electric, Swimming, Dogs, on leash, Hiking/Walking, Trail running","Length":1.5,"Loop Trail?":false,"Elevation High":596,"Elevation Low":584,"Elevation Cumulative":null,"Tread Width Average":null,"Tread Width Minimum":null,"Tread Width Running Length":null,"Trail Grade Average":null,"Trail Grade Maximum":null,"Trail Grade Running Length":null,"Trail Cross-slope Average":null,"Trail Cross-slope Maximum":null,"Trail Cross-slope Running Length":null,"Surfaces":"Water, slow moving","Longitude":-98.126245,"Latitude":29.707833,"Short Description":"Flowing through the heart of New Braunfels, the Comal River Water Trail is 1.5 miles is recognized for being one of the best tubing rivers in Texas. The cool and clear spring-fed waters hail from the Edwards Aquifer and are home to multiple endangered species. You can find locals and visitors at the river trail year-round, taking advantage of the wide range of recreational opportunities. From tubing, to kayaking, to fishing and scuba diving, the Comal River Water Trail is a special place and leaves a lasting impression on everyone that visits.","Long Description":"For the safety of guests, the City of New Braunfels closes their river access points when the Comal River is between 500-600 cfs. Check the current Comal River water data.The Comal River has an extensive rich history in Texas as the center and soul of communities for centuries. The Comal springs and surrounding land were once inhabited by the Tonkawa people and varying indigenous tribes. Later the river was explored and received its present-day name by Spanish explorers, and in 1845, the German Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels, established the historic town of New Braunfels. The town was able to develop and grow industrially by utilizing the abundant flow of the Comal for powering waterwheels and later for hydroelectricity to generate gristmills, flour mills and textile mills. Today the river is primarily used for recreation and as a haven for four endangered species. Locals enjoy the river year-round, and every summer roughly 300,000 - 400,000 visitors come to experience the beautiful Comal River. The Comal River Water Trail offers 1.5-miles of scenic water excursion through the heart of New Braunfels. With multiple rapids and the famous City Tube Chute, visitors are guaranteed to have a memorable time. The trail is known throughout Texas as one of the best rivers to float, and with the water staying a crisp 70-72 degrees year-round, the trail is a popular destination in the hot summer months. In addition to tubes, the trail also welcomes kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards. Visitors may also fish, snorkel and scuba dive on the trail. It may be the shortest navigable river in Texas, but it offers a fun, unique tubing experience and is suitable for all levels of experience to enjoy.","Log #":null,"Date Certified":"2024-05-31","Manager URL":{"urlSuffix":null,"target":null,"title":null,"class":null,"id":null,"rel":null,"ariaLabel":null,"download":false},"NRT URL":"https://www.nationalrecreationtrails.com/trails/comal-river-water-trail"},{"Title":"Banks - Vernonia State Trail","Agency":"State","TrailType":"Backcountry Trail, Rail Trail","States":"Oregon","Counties":"Washington, Columbia","Allowed Uses":"Bicycling, Bicycling, electric, Bicycling, hand powered, recumbents, tricycles, Dogs, on leash, Electric micro-mobility devices, Equestrian, Hiking/Walking, Snow, cross-country skiing, Snow, snowshoeing, Trail running, Other","Length":21,"Loop Trail?":false,"Elevation High":1200,"Elevation Low":200,"Elevation Cumulative":1000,"Tread Width Average":12,"Tread Width Minimum":8,"Tread Width Running Length":110880,"Trail Grade Average":2.5,"Trail Grade Maximum":11,"Trail Grade Running Length":4000,"Trail Cross-slope Average":0,"Trail Cross-slope Maximum":0,"Trail Cross-slope Running Length":110880,"Surfaces":"Paved","Longitude":-123.163444,"Latitude":45.665113,"Short Description":"The Banks - Vernonia State Trail is a 21-mile paved rail-to-trail rout connecting the towns of Banks and Vernonia, Oregon through the foothills of Oregon’s lush coastal mountain range.","Long Description":"The Banks - Vernonia State Trail is the first “Rails-to-Trails” park in Oregon. The trail follows an old railroad right-of-way that stretches 21 miles between the cities of Banks and Vernonia, located in the northwest part of the state. The railway line was in operation during the 1920’s, when it was used for transporting logs, lumber, freight, and passengers. Owners included the Spokane, Portland, and Seattle Railway and Burlington Northern, until the line was abandoned, and rails salvaged in 1973. The right-of-way was purchased by the State of Oregon in 1974 and transferred to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department in 1990.\nToday the trail consists of a paved 8-foot-wide hiking and biking trail alongside a 4-foot-wide gravel trail that also accommodates horses. The gentle grade allows hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, and people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the scenic mountains, fields and forests of Washington and Columbia Counties. Trail highlights include 13 bridges and expansive views from the 733-foot long, 80-foot-high Buxton Trestle, which is open only to hikers and bicyclists. A ground-level equestrian bypass crosses Mendenhall Creek nearby. The south end of the trail begins in Banks, a town of 1,900 surrounded by agricultural operations. Heading north, the trail passes through agricultural fields and riparian areas before reaching the thickly-forested foothills of the Coast Range. The trail ends in Vernonia, a town of 2,200 surrounded by small farms and private timberland.","Log #":null,"Date Certified":"2024-05-31","Manager URL":{"urlSuffix":null,"target":null,"title":null,"class":null,"id":null,"rel":null,"ariaLabel":null,"download":false},"NRT URL":"https://www.nationalrecreationtrails.com/trails/banks-vernonia-state-trail"},{"Title":"Mann Gulch Trail #258","Agency":"USDA Forest Service","TrailType":"","States":"Montana","Counties":"","Allowed Uses":"Hiking/Walking","Length":3.4,"Loop Trail?":false,"Elevation High":5153,"Elevation Low":3660,"Elevation Cumulative":null,"Tread Width Average":null,"Tread Width Minimum":null,"Tread Width Running Length":null,"Trail Grade Average":null,"Trail Grade Maximum":null,"Trail Grade Running Length":null,"Trail Cross-slope Average":null,"Trail Cross-slope Maximum":null,"Trail Cross-slope Running Length":null,"Surfaces":"","Longitude":-111.913533,"Latitude":46.878311,"Short Description":"The Mann Gulch Trail is a hiker/pedestrian trail from Meriwether to the top and around the rim. It is not open to wheeled vehicles, motorized vehicles or snow mobiles. The Mann Gulch Trail is open year-round, but winter access is a challenge since the river freezes in places and alternate access points from the north are closed.","Long Description":"The Mann Gulch Trail has existed since at least 1942. However, the trail was not officially recognized in Forest Service records until 1964, around the same time it became part of the newly designated Gates of the Mountains Wilderness Area.\n\nThe Mann Gulch Trail was utilized by James Harrison in 1949 to respond to the Mann Gulch fire. This fire started the night of August 4th due to a lightning strike. The first official report came from the Colorado Mountain lookout. However, James Harrison, the Meriwether guard, found the fire in the late morning and attempted to contact the Canyon Ferry ranger station but radio issues delayed the report. Harrison then went to begin fighting the fire himself. At 1:30, a plane with smokejumpers was deployed from Missoula to fight the fire. They arrived around 3:00 and jumped onto a site at the head of Mann Gulch. The gear was scattered during the jump. The men gathered the gear and ate dinner. Dodge heard voices and went to find James Harrison leaving his second in command to start the men toward the river.\n\nWhen Dodge and Harrison rejoined the men, they continued hiking on the North side of the gulch. Within a few minutes however, Dodge realized the fire had jumped onto the side they were on and ordered the men to turn and retreat. As they broke out of the trees into grass, the fire began to blow up. 300 yards after turning around, the men were ordered to drop their tools hoping to make the ridgetop. Only another 200 yards later, the foreman Dodge, realizing they were never making the ridge, started what today is known as an escape fire. Not knowing the technique, the rest of the crew thought he was crazy for starting another fire and kept running. Dodge survived in his fire ring. The\ntwo youngest smokejumpers using the escape fire on their flank went straight up to the ridge and over the other side to a patch of rocky ground. Here they took refuge until the fire had passed. The rest of the crew ran scattered across the hillside and were felled by the flames or by smoke inhalation afterwards. 13 of the 16 men perished.\n\nJames Harrison's story was unique. He had to hike the 1500-foot Mann Gulch Trail two times on this hot August day. Harrison's first trip up the trail was ordered by Ranger Jansson to check for smoke from the previous days' thunderstorm. He did see a fire was burning on top of the ridge between Meriwether and Man Gulch. This was around 10:45 am. He walked back down the trail to radio both Missoula and Canyon Ferry.\nUnsuccessful in his attempts to make contact, he left a note saying \"gone to fight the fire, Jim\" then he hiked back up the trail. He arrived on the fire at approximately 1:00 with tools in hand and created a fire line trying to protect the Meriwether side of the gulch. He remained working until Dodge contacted him at around 5:15 where he became part of the ill-fated Mann Gulch crew. James Harrison became a guard at the behest of his mother who felt smoke jumping was simply too dangerous. Harrison was not to survive his final race with fire that day.\n\nThe Mann Gulch fire changed many ways firefighting was approached. Based on Dodge's escape fire where he burnt out an area and laid face down to survive, the idea for a safety zone was born. These safety zones are pre-burned areas, larger than a football field, where crews could retreat if a fire started burning too hot. In addition, crews are given an individual fire shelter where a firefighter could be protected from radiant heat and smoke. Firefighters now live and train together and know the ins and outs of fire behavior in multiple terrains. The location for hiking to attack the fire would have been the rim top from the beginning and lookouts are established to know changes in fire behavior during any procedure performed to fight a fire. All crews have better radio communications, which was an issue throughout the day in reporting this fire and because the Mann Gulch radio broke in the initial drop. The crews now are trained to follow orders and stay together even if they are badly framed. In addition, fire is studied extensively at locations such as the Missoula Intermountain Research Station.\n\nThe Mann Gulch Trail continues to connect future generations to the events of August 5, 1949. There have been meet-ups held on August 5th in remembrance of the event. There is a tour of the Gate of the Mountains via boat, and it stops at the campground and picnic area where the trail begins as well as at the base of Mann Gulch to describe the events of the day. When you get off the tour boat at the picnic area, you will see a memorial to the fallen firefighters as well as a cabin where a Mann Gulch firefighter lived and worked in 1949. The trail is the same trail that James Harrison used to fight the fire, a direct connection to the events of that day. It makes one realize the rugged nature of the terrain. At the top of the trail there is a sign with a map of events of the day. Those include where all 13 men bravely fell and the location of the attempt at an escape fire by the foreman in 1949. From this view, you can see straight across to Mann Gulch and are standing near where the fire began from a lightning strike. Future generations could read books to connect them to the trail including Young Men and Fire and A Great Day to Fight Fire. Our work will help connect future generations because the trail will be designated as a National Recreation Trail on the maps making it easier to find this trail and making it a point of interest.","Log #":null,"Date Certified":"2024-02-02","Manager URL":{"urlSuffix":null,"target":null,"title":null,"class":null,"id":null,"rel":null,"ariaLabel":null,"download":false},"NRT URL":"https://www.nationalrecreationtrails.com/trails/mann-gultch-trail-258"}]