Pilot Projects

Take a look at urban trail pilot projects.

With The Trail Next Door, we're exploring how WTA can best benefit people looking to access urban green spaces and trails; from encouraging people to explore and invest in neighborhood trails to expanding the types of volunteer opportunities we offer.

We are listening to partner organizations and trying out new strategies for improving access and availability of urban trails. Learn more about them below!

HIKING GUIDE IMPROVEMENTS

Public transportation

There are nearly 200 hike entries for "trails next door" in the WTA Hiking Guide, and throughout 2020 we'll be working to add new trails, improve existing information and add public transit directions when possible to these entries. Many urban parks have large trail systems with multiple routes, and we've heard from partner organizations and city hikers is that it can be hard to figure out the best one to take when exploring a new city park. You can help other nearby hikers by writing a trip report for your next urban hike and tagging #trailnextdoor.

Volunteer trail work to improve urban trails

Trail volunteer at Schmitz Preserve Park by Britt Le

We're excited to roll up our sleeves and run volunteer work parties in urban parks across the state. Initially, the majority of these will be concentrated in King and Pierce Counties. We are trying to focus our work on neighborhoods and areas that have less access to green spaces and can serve large populations of people for the greatest impact. In addition, we're also experimenting with shorter half day work parties in select areas of the state that will give new volunteers the opportunity to join us in their neighborhood park without the need for a lengthy time investment. Keep an eye on our volunteer sign up page for an upcoming work party in your area!

see what else we're working on

What’s in a park? Reshape the way you think of greenspaces

Your local park and national parks aren’t as different as you might think. By Joe Gonzalez

Hiker Headlines: Snow coming, avalanche safety event, trip reporting prizes, WTA survey

Feb 22, 2024

It's Feb. 22. Brace for a winter storm this weekend. While you're weathering it, you can sign up for our backcountry trips on Saturday morning, and complete our community survey, which closes on Sunday. And next week marks the end of the Enchantments lottery period as well as our #lovelocaltrails promotion. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

The work is easier when we do it together

Jan 31, 2024

WTA is fortunate to have many partners who help us get work done: members, volunteers, advocates, community partners and land agencies. A big part of our work is also made possible by corporate partners. These businesses step up to help trails by donating their time, products and proceeds to support WTA’s work. Here’s a look at three of the over 20 companies that generously support our work for trails for everyone, forever.

Love Local Trails

The annual #LoveLocalTrails giveaway is now open through February 28! Winners will be announced in early March via Instagram story.

Urban Trails Become Winter Wonderlands

Suggestions for finding hikes near you, even in the dark, wet winter months. By Craig Romano

Get Outside with Winter Hiking Bingo

Jan 12, 2024

Play Winter Hiking Bingo for the chance to win WTA swag!