Two pivotal laws, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and the National Trails Act, were enacted at a time when outdoor enthusiasts and congressional champions demanded free-flowing rivers to balance America’s policy of rampant dam building, and they asked for trails to connect people to the outdoors. These monumental acts of Congress brought rivers and trails to the forefront of the American consciousness.
The National Trails Act created what are now termed national scenic, historic and recreation trails. These trails provide outdoor recreation opportunities and promote resource preservation and public access. Using designated trails, the public can more easily connect with nature and identify the scenic, historic and recreational elements that the trails protect.
The act put in place the initial components of the National Trails System, the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail. Over time, other trails have been added, such as the Continental Divide Trail, which was designated in 1978. The legacy of the National Trails Act has steadily grown to include 11 national scenic trails, 19 national historic trails and more than 1,200 national recreation trails.
The passage of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 created a system that protects specific segments of free-flowing, undammed rivers for water-based recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, and cultural and historical uses, and preserves those areas’ scenery and geology. These rivers provide a wide variety of visitor experiences, ranging from wild and primitive to those in developed areas that are readily accessible by road.
As with the National Trails System, the Wild and Scenic Rivers System has grown steadily since its creation, and today it protects 208 rivers encompassing more than 12,000 river miles in 40 states and Puerto Rico.
Visiting trails and scenic rivers
Let’s take a closer look at six of America’s rivers and trails—some well known and others less traveled.
Pacific Crest Trail Zigzagging 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail spans three states and crosses national monuments, national parks, national forests, Bureau of Land Management land, federally designated wilderness land, state and county parks, and tribal lands. The trail traverses some of the most iconic terrain that the West has to offer, from the highest vistas to the most splendid valleys. Accessing the Pacific Crest Trail in California, Oregon or Washington is typically quite easy, and there are many resources available to help with trip planning. Prior to making the journey, trail users should do research to determine what activities are allowed and whether permits are needed. pcta.org/discover-the-trail
Nez Perce Trail The Nez Perce (Nimíipuu or Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail stretches more than 1,100 miles from Wallowa Lake, Oregon, to the Bear Paw Battlefield near Chinook, Montana. The 1877 flight of the Nez Perce from their homelands—they were being pursued by the U.S. Army—is an incredibly sorrowful and fascinating event. Congress recognized that history by adding the path of the Nez Perce people to the National Trails System as a national historic trail in 1986. fs.usda.gov/npnht
Hellcat Interpretive Trail This national recreation trail is located within the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern Massachusetts. Largely consisting of boardwalks, the trail meanders 1.4 miles through freshwater marsh, shrub, vernal pools, dune and maritime woodland habitats, and it features 15 interpretive panels to educate visitors about the different ecosystems. fws.gov/refuge/parker_river
Middle Fork of the Salmon River One of the original eight rivers designated in 1968, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River flows through Idaho’s remote Frank Church—River of No Return Wilderness. At this wild river site, visitors can enjoy quiet isolation, crystal clear water, wilderness hiking, natural hot springs and the challenge of its Class III and IV-plus whitewater. Trips can be booked through commercial outfitters, or private boaters can apply for permits through an annual lottery.
River Styx The only underground protected river, the scenic River Styx winds through Oregon Caves National Monument. To see the River Styx, visitors must take a 90-minute Discovery Cave Tour led by rangers along a boardwalk through the cave system. Stalactites, stalagmites and other unique rock formations compose this river’s spectacular geology. nps.gov/orca/planyourvisit
Clarion River This Pennsylvania river is a success story in renewal. Trout and smallmouth bass now flourish in water once tainted by waste from tanneries and by acid drainage from mines. Most of the Clarion River is designated as recreational, and numerous access points make it easy for paddlers, inner tube floaters and fishermen to enjoy its sinuous, yet placid, waters.
Rivers, trails and tourism
The tourism industry plays a critical role in public lands protection by introducing people to the outdoors. Historically and today, many people would not experience the outdoors without guided trips—everything from horse packers and guided hikes to river outfitters leading day and overnight trips. Outfitters and guides serve as interpreters for their customers and are in unique positions to inform and inspire.
The Wild & Scenic Rivers 50th Anniversary Coalition hopes that the tourism industry will use the anniversary year of 2018 to plan itineraries that highlight rivers and trails and to educate customers about the value of these unique places. Educating the public about nationally designated rivers and trails—as well as local ones—begins by training guides to convey information about the ecology, biology, natural and cultural history, stewardship responsibilities, and advocacy efforts for these special areas.
Lisa Ronald is coordinator of the Wild & Scenic Rivers 50th Anniversary Coalition, which celebrates the 1968 creation of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. For more information, visit wildandscenicrivers50.us.
Share your story
Rivers and trails offer limitless opportunities for recreation. Help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and the National Trails Act in 2018 by sharing your stories, photos and favorite memories: Go to 5000miles.org to relate your river story, or visit trails50.org to talk about trails.
Top photo: Custer Gallatin National Forest, Montana
Photo by Karl Birkeland/USFS
