Trails allow various type of access - by foot, bicycle, horseback or even canoe, kayak or boat. Each allows the user to enjoy his surroundings at his or her own pace. It has been said that trails are the front porch of the 21st century.

Over the past decade, the number and sophistication of trail projects has grown as has local awareness of their value. Planners and enthusiasts tout many assets and attributes of trails - their role in attracting tourists and the revenue they bring; their appeal in connecting historical, scenic and cultural resources; their utility as alternate transportation; their health value, prompting physical, mental and spiritual well-being. They appeal to a wide variety of demographic groups, become community showplaces, and are important in protecting our environments and landscapes. But most important - and interestingly enough, among their most overlooked attributes - are the joy, the fun and the recreational value they bring to local residents.

Greenways and Trails

Modern life is busy, noisy and taxing. People seek out green places… places to get away from the daily bustle, quite peaceful places to refresh the spirit. A simple walk in a green place brings tranquility, health and a calmer mind better able to cope with civilization. So greenways and trails are more than desirable; they're necessary. That's why DCR devotes so much energy and resources to them. Its 34 state parks have more than 500 miles of trails, and its natural area preserves have trails that allow visitors to observe nature in an undisturbed setting. And DCR helps localities and communities develop their trails and greenways. Click here to learn more about greenways and trails.

Blueways and Water Trails

Not all trails are on land. Water trails are becoming more and more popular. Water trail users get an up-close look at the great outdoors from a different vantage point. Virginia, a water-rich state, is also water-trail rich. There are about 1,200 miles of water trails in the commonwealth, including the Captain John Smith Chesapeake Bay National Historic Trail. Water trails provide access along rivers, streams, the Chesapeake and lakes while providing opportunities to learn about an area's natural, historical and economic assets. Click here to learn about water trails and blueways.

Trails Toolbox

The presence of well-maintained trails is a hallmark of a thriving community. Ideally, trails should exist within 15 minutes from most Americans’ homes, according to Trails for All Americans. DCR recently updated its "trails toolbox" with this in mind. The toolbox is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help localities, groups and individuals plan and develop trails of all kinds. The guide was fashioned in consideration of the state's regulatory framework as well as the commonwealth's geography. Trail professionals and agency experts created the toolbox to enhance trail-building at the grassroots level. Click here for the trails toolbox.