The MJ2KB Trail (Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge) was highlighted Wednesday as Pennsylvania’s 2023 Trail of the Year.

A regional trail selected as Trail of the Year had a special guest this week.

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn visited the Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge (MJ2KB) Trail Wednesday to again highlight the trail, which anchors on one end at Kinzua Bridge State Park.

“Congratulations to the Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail Club for elevating this phenomenal trail and supporting the many recreational opportunities it provides,” Dunn said. “Trails connect people to nature, recreational opportunities, communities, history, businesses, and so much more.

“September is Trails Month in Pennsylvania and this celebration is a perfect way to lead us into our celebration of the important role of trails across the Commonwealth.”

The MJ2KB Trail runs 7.8 miles from Kinzua Bridge State Park to Lantz Corners. It’s part of the much longer Knox & Kane Rail Trail.

The former rail trail is open to walking, running, biking and horseback riding. In the winter cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are added to the list.

The trail offers amenities, such as pavilions, focused artwork, railroad trestles and dining options within close proximity of the rail trail, according to the DCNR.

“We are very grateful to receive this prestigious award, which is an honor and a tribute to how well our trail club members work as a team,” Carolyn Stroup, MJ2KB Trail Club president said. “This has been a great opportunity to educate the public about the trail and region as a whole. We aim to continue increasing community involvement on the Knox and Kane Rail Trail and promoting trails in the PA Wilds.”

DCNR also awarded funds this week to a McKean County entity for snowmobile trail expansion.

A statement from DCNR says that the McKean Area Snowmobile Club, Inc. was awarded $11,000 “to purchase equipment to maintain and construct approximately 162 miles of snowmobile trails in Erie, Crawford and Warren counties.”