Banks-Vernonia State Trail garners national recognition

A trail just outside of Forest Grove was recently added to the country’s network of more than 1,300 national recreation trails.

The 21-mile Banks-Vernonia State Trail was designated as a national recreation trail by the U.S. Department of the Interior on Friday, May 31, along with three other trails in Texas, Utah and West Virginia.

“These four new national trails will build connections in communities, ensuring bikers, hikers and all who love our public lands have increased access to outdoor recreation opportunities close to home,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams in a press release. “This National Trails Day and Great Outdoors Month, I encourage everyone to visit these trails and enjoy the view.”

The Banks-Vernonia State Trail is the first rails-to-trails park in the state, according to the state parks website. Following a former railway that dates back to the 1920s, the trail connects the cities of Banks and Vernonia. It can be accessed via five trailheads, each with parking and restrooms.

It has an 8-foot-wide paved path for hikers and cyclists, as well as a 4-foot-wide equestrian trail.

The trail also features 13 bridges, and hikers and cyclists can catch views from the top of the 80-foot-tall Buxton Trestle.

Though national recreation trails are designated by either the U.S. Secretary of the Interior or the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, designation as a national recreation trail doesn’t come with any federal oversight, investment, management or other national involvement.

Agencies must apply for a trail to be recognized as such, and the application period is open until Nov. 1.