SOUTH FORK — The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) celebrated the Path of the Flood Trail in Cambria County as Pennsylvania’s 2025 Trail of the Year.

Prior to this latest top trail, local trails in Mount Jewett and Warren were honored as DCNR’s trails of the year. The Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge (MJ2KB) Trail won in 2023 and Jakes Rocks took home top billing in 2024.

Spanning 14 miles, the Path of the Flood Trail follows the historic route of the catastrophic 1889 Johnstown Flood. The scenic corridor blends natural beauty, outdoor recreation and deep historical significance — featuring landmarks such as the Staple Bend Tunnel, the first railroad tunnel constructed in the United States.

“Path of the Flood is a special trail that reflects the region’s history and provides a vibrant space for recreation and community engagement,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “I hope this designation brings even more visitors to explore the trail, supporting local businesses and fostering economic, environmental, and social benefits to the region.”

The trail draws approximately 80,000 visitors annually, including international tourists. It has become an important economic and cultural asset for Cambria County — contributing to the growth of small businesses, drawing tourists and providing a space for events like the Path of the Flood Historic Races, which welcomes nearly 1,000 participants each year.

“We are honored to celebrate this incredible honor for the Path of the Flood Trail and are excited to share Pennsylvania’s top trail for 2025 with the public,” said Cliff Kitner, executive director, Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority (CCCRA). “This trail is a testament to the partnership between partners at the local and county level, as well as with DCNR and the National Park Service. We would not be here celebrating today without the synergy that maintains this amazing trail and the history of this region.”

The Path of the Flood Trail is composed of crushed stone and pavement, making it accessible for a variety of activities, including biking, hiking, running, birdwatching, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Its historical significance is further elevated by its inclusion in the 9/11 National Memorial Trail, a corridor connecting national sites of remembrance. Development and maintenance of the trail are a collaborative effort led by the Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority (CCCRA) and the National Park Service, supported by local businesses and volunteers.

Since taking office, Gov. Josh Shapiro has made strategic investments to elevate outdoor recreation, transforming it into a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s economy and improving quality of life in communities statewide. These efforts are driving economic growth, fostering entrepreneurial opportunities, and creating jobs across the commonwealth, DCNR representatives said in a press release.

In 2023, Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry contributed $19 billion to the state’s economy — a 10 percent increase over the previous year — and now represents 2 percent of the commonwealth’s GDP. The industry supports more than 168,000 jobs and generates $9 billion in wages, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. With more than 14,000 miles of trails, Pennsylvania continues to lead the nation in trail development. DCNR’s goal is to have a trail within 10 minutes of every Pennsylvanian, with significant investments being made to close priority trail gaps across the commonwealth.

In the past two years, the Shapiro Administration has closed four of the commonwealth’s top 10 priority trail gaps. The Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee is charged with implementing the recommendations of the Pennsylvania Trails Strategic Plan to develop a statewide land and water trail network to facilitate recreation, transportation and healthy lifestyles for all. The 20-member DCNR-appointed committee represents both motorized and non-motorized trail users and advises the commonwealth on use of state and federal trail funding.