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 Do I Need for a Close-to-Home Hike?

Mar 17, 2020

For a walk in your local greenspace, packing along the Ten Essentials may feel like overkill — but then where does that lead us?

Out of the Wilderness and Into the City

When guidebook author Craig Romano began exploring urban trails after decades in the backcountry, he found more than he’d expected | By Craig Romano

A Trail of Memories

I found joy on epic adventures with my dad. Now I'm finding that same joy exploring close to home with my own children | By Andrea Laughery

Trail Work 101: An Easy Intro for New Volunteers

Feb 18, 2020

Curious what trail work is about? Come join us to learn how to maintain trails in a low-key supportive environment.

Trails: Good for Hikers. Good for Communities. Good for the Economy.

A new scientific study shows that trails give back to the state by boosting the economy and improving people's physical and mental health | By Jessi Loerch

The Trail Next Door: Because Nature Should Always be in Reach

How WTA is working to ensure that everyone has easy access to trails and green spaces | By Allie Tripp