If you’ve ever stepped foot on a trail, you probably already know the personal benefits that come from trail use. Whether walking or riding, trails allow us to get exercise, reduce stress, and improve our mood. But did you know that trails are a HUGE piece of Washington’s economy? A more than $8.2 billion piece of our economy, to be exact! A study recently published by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office aimed to tackle the mystery of trails by measuring their very real impact. Check out the full report HERE to learn why trails are more than just a walk in the park.
Of course once you’ve read the report, you might want to get outside at one of the WWRP funded trail projects! If you’re in the Pierce County area, the Foothills National Recreation Trail is a great place to start. What was officially established as a public park in 1990 is now a 21-mile trail spanning from Puyallup to Buckley, thanks to several WWRP grants. And a recent $2.5 million WWRP grant helped to finish the final phase of this section of trail. The trail is now open for hiking, biking, walking, and horseback riding. And if you’re really ready to get some exercise, sign up for one of the many organized races that use this trail!
Photo courtesy of RCO’s PRISM database