Local trails offer daily, low-barrier opportunities to access the mental, physical and social benefits of time outdoors — regardless of access to transportation, gear or hiking experience. However, inequitable investment in urban trails across neighborhoods has resulted in a disproportionate lack of access to nature for communities of color and low-income people.
Through the Trail Next Door campaign, Washington Trails Association is working to ensure that nature is in reach for everyone in Washington. We're collaborating with city parks and partner organizations to build and maintain local trails to increase access to green spaces across the state.
The Trail Next Door is a key part of WTA’s work to create a trail system in Washington that helps people get outside — from the backcountry to your big backyard.
Take Action
We need your help to ensure more people have access to the benefits of time spent in nature.
Your donations make this work possible. Hikers like you can also make a difference by writing trip reports about neighborhood trails and speaking up for local parks.
Our Work
Connecting you with nearby nature
WTA is working hard to ensure everyone has the information they need to enjoy green spaces close to home.
We consistently add more urban hikes to our Hiking Guide as well as detailed transit directions so you have the most up to date and accurate information.
Working next door
Access to nature is essential for happy, healthy, climate resilient communities. That's why we partner with local parks departments across the state to maintain existing trails and build new ones in your neighborhood.
In North Highline, we've worked with King County Parks to build brand new trails in Glendale Forest — a new park in an area that lacked walkable access to green space. We've also opened new local trails in Everett, Sammamish, and Woodinville and made improvements to parks from Bellingham to Vancouver.
Stories from trails next door
WTA celebrates a big win with a ribbon cutting on a revamped local trail
Neighbors, WTA staff and volunteers, and City of Everett staff gathered recently to celebrate the official opening of Loganberry Lane, a revamped trail system in Everett. "If you want to see a big variety of what you can do on a WTA work party, this is it."
Urban forestry and why it matters
Spending time amid trees boots the enjoyment of time spent in nature. But trees do a lot more than that -- they sequester carbon, help create the air we breathe, provide shade, mitigate heat, absorb stormwater and create habitat. But the benefits of those trees are not distributed equally among neighborhoods.
5 Reasons why local trails as essential for our mental health
When nature is in reach, so are its healing benefits. Here are 5 reasons why nearby nature is not just a nice-to-have, it's a must-have for mental health.