State wildlife trails in the United States are state-sponsored systems of hiking and driving trails developed for the benefit of birdwatching and wildlife enthusiasts. They have been created and maintained by state governments or other state-level entities, both to promote ecology and to promote tourism. The term "trail" used in the names of most of these systems is, in general, a misnomer as that these trail networks are not single routes and are connected by motorways.
Contents
- Trail systems by state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Kentucky
- Minnesota
- Montana
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- References
These wildlife trail systems typically cover multiple wildlife viewing sites covering large areas of their respective states. Viewing sites may include nature preserves, state parks, national parks, and other venues.
The first of these trail systems was the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. Numerous other trail systems have been opened throughout the country since.
Apart from these state-maintained trail networks, some nature-advocacy groups and other entities have defined their own "trails" (a notable example being the Audubon Society's Great River Birding Trail that spans the entire Mississippi River). These are not discussed here.
Trail systems by state
The following are state nature trails found in each state.
Alabama
As of March 2012, Alabama is in the process of planning and developing four additional bird trails. When all the trails area completed, there will be bird watching sites in every county in the state.