PA Unveils New Data-Driven Parks Trail Website

PENNSYLVANIA — The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has released a digital trail data resource that maps more than 1,750 miles of trails in 119 parks.

The website is designed to support everything from outdoor recreation and mobile app development to land management, conservation planning, and emergency response.

“This new trail data resource marks a major advancement in our geospatial resources,” state parks director John Hallas said.

“We’ve gone beyond simply mapping trails — each segment now includes more than 30 detailed attributes that show how trails are used and maintained, and how they fit into larger ecological, recreational, and infrastructure systems. This will be an essential tool for GIS professionals, land managers, researchers, and developers alike.”

To build the trail inventory, the department's staff surveyed every state park trail using GPS equipment and a custom-built mobile data collection app. Field teams documented details such as width, surface material, and use designation. The information then was reviewed by GIS specialists and park managers to ensure accuracy.

In addition to the open trail data, expanded trail information has been added to each individual state park webpage, giving visitors more detail than ever before on trail difficulty, loop or out-and-back design and notable features along the route.

The new digital trail resource creates opportunities for:

• Mobile mapping tool integration
• Resource planning and land management
• Environmental and usage research
• Search and rescue preparedness
• Accessibility assessments and infrastructure planning

Trail information is now available on:

• DCNR Open Data
• PA GeoData
• Data.pa.gov
• DCNR Interactive Map

The department also is digitizing additional park features — such as boat launches, scenic overlooks, playgrounds, picnic areas, and restrooms — to give people a data-driven view of the
amenities available at each park.

Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks and forests are free and open to the public.