Bay Area’s giant 550-mile trail could earn same status as Pacific Crest Trail

A 550-mile hiking-and-biking trail encircling the Bay Area might soon gain a prized federal recognition that would put it in the same class as the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail.

New legislation introduced Wednesday in the U.S. House of Representatives would designate the Bay Area Ridge Trail — a mostly complete hiking route that weaves a giant loop through the nine-county region — as a National Scenic Trail. There are only 11 such trails in the country, including several world-class thru-hikes.

Advocates say achieving the illustrious status would boost the trail’s profile and help garner the support and resources needed to fully finish the route. Of the 550 miles drawn up in the ridge trail concept, 415 miles are on the ground, meaning the trail is 75% complete.

...

For full article, click here.

• Print
• Email
• Tweet