A trail in nearby McKean County has been named the state’s Trail of the Year.

It’s the Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge (MJ2KB) Trail.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources made the selection official on Tuesday.

“We are very grateful to receive this prestigious award. This is an honor and a tribute to how well our trail club members work as a team,” Carolyn Stroup, MJ2KB Trail Club president, said.

“We are excited and look forward to collaborating with DCNR and WeConservePA to provide education that will increase community involvement on the Knox & Kane Rail Trail and promote trails in the PA Wilds.”

The trail is 7.8 miles and part of the larger Knox & Kane Rail Trail. It starts at one end at Kinzua Bridge State Park and runs to Lantz Corners. It’s a former rail line and serves many uses including, walking, running, biking and horseback riding as well as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.

According to DCNR, Kinzua Bridge State Park uses MJ2KB’s section of trail for nature walks and naturalist events throughout the year.

“The trail highlights the environmental and historical aspects of the area in a series of interpretive signs placed along the 7.8 miles,” the agency said in a statement.

“The trail offers amenities, such as pavilions, focused artwork, railroad trestles and dining options within close proximity of the rail trail. The MJ2KB trail is also important to the community, which has used the trail for events like senior citizen rides, special hikes, bike races and marathons.”

The Trail of the Year decision is made by the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee to “build enthusiasm and support for trails across the state, and to raise public awareness about the value of Pennsylvania’s land and water trail network,” according to DCNR.

DCNR has established a goal of having a trail within 10 minutes of all Pennsylvanians.

“I am extremely excited to announce that the Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail has been selected as Pennsylvania’s top trail for 2023,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “Trails play an important role in supporting communities across the commonwealth by connecting people to nature, recreation opportunities, communities and the surrounding history, new businesses and so much more. Congratulations to the MJ2KB Trail Club for this honor and special thanks for the hard work to support and uplift this trail.”