State wildlife trails (United States)

State wildlife trails in the United States are state-sponsored systems of hiking and driving trails developed for the benefit of birdwatching and wildlife enthusiasts. They have been created and maintained by state governments or other state-level entities, both to promote ecology and to promote tourism. The term "trail" used in the names of most of these systems is, in general, a misnomer as that these trail networks are not single routes and are connected by motorways.

These wildlife trail systems typically cover multiple wildlife viewing sites covering large areas of their respective states. Viewing sites may include nature preserves, state parks, national parks, and other venues.[1][2]

The first of these trail systems was the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.[3][4][5][5] Numerous other trail systems have been opened throughout the country since.

Apart from these state-maintained trail networks, some nature-advocacy groups and other entities have defined their own "trails" (a notable example being the Audubon Society's Great River Birding Trail that spans the entire Mississippi River). These are not discussed here.

Trail systems by state

The following are state nature trails found in each state.[2][5]

Alabama

As of March 2012, Alabama is in the process of planning and developing four additional bird trails.[6] When all the trails area completed, there will be bird watching sites in every county in the state.

Alaska

Arizona

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Florida

Georgia

Kansas

Louisiana

Kentucky

Minnesota

Montana

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Dakota

Ohio

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

Wisconsin

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Stewart, Doug. "Getting on the Trail of America’s Birds". National Wildlife Federation. Retrieved 12 Nov 2009.
  2. 1 2 "Flyways North America's New Birding Trails". Bird Watcher's Digest. Retrieved 12 Nov 2009.
  3. ↑ "Visitors Flock to Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail". NOAA Coastal Services Center. May–June 2000.
  4. ↑ Stewart, Doug. "Getting on the Trail of America’s Birds". National Wildlife Federation. Retrieved 11 Nov 2009.
  5. 1 2 3 "Birding Trails in North America". American Birding Association. Retrieved 11 Nov 2009.
  6. ↑ "Alabama Birding Trails". Outdoor Alabama. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 18 March 2012.
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