June 2025

Pedaling with purpose. Join the Alliance on the 9/11 Trail this season!

Miles of Remembrance: Upcoming Events on the Trail

This summer and fall, join the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance on a powerful journey of remembrance and resilience. From the quiet hills of Pennsylvania to the bustling streets of New York and the solemn grounds of Arlington, these upcoming events offer meaningful opportunities to ride, reflect, and connect. Below, you’ll find our full schedule of upcoming 2025 rides, including distances, dates, and links to register.

Whether you're cycling, walking, or simply cheering along the way, your presence matters. These events offer an opportunity to honor, reflect, and come together in shared remembrance. Secure your spot, bring a friend, and help the Alliance make this a season to remember.

A glance at an overlook at Ohiopyle State Park from the 9/11 National Memorial Trail Tour in June 2023.

TrailBlazer Picks: Four Cool and Scenic Destinations to Explore via the 9/11 National Memorial Trail This Summer

With warmer days and longer daylight hours, summer is an ideal time to explore the 9/11 National Memorial Trail and enjoy its mix of natural beauty, history, and outdoor adventure. The September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance is pleased to highlight four destinations along the Trail corridor that offer cooler temperatures, water access, and seasonal activities—great options for staying active and inspired throughout the summer.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Where the Trail winds near the Pocono Mountains, the Delaware Water Gap offers cool forested hikes, waterfalls, and the winding Delaware River—perfect for kayaking, tubing, or simply soaking in the scenic views. Shaded trails and river breezes make this spot a summer favorite.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath

Stretching along the Potomac River, this shaded trail segment is rich with canal history and natural beauty. Riders and walkers enjoy the cool cover of tree-lined paths, scenic river overlooks, and access points for paddleboarding or relaxing near the water.

Great Allegheny Passage – Ohiopyle State Park

Nestled in the Laurel Highlands, this portion of the trail near Ohiopyle offers a perfect mountain escape. With waterfalls, whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River, swimming holes, and cool summer air, it’s one of the region’s best summer getaways.

Liberty State Park

Just across the river from Lower Manhattan, Liberty State Park offers open breezes off New York Harbor, bike-friendly paths, and ferry access to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It’s an ideal spot for waterfront picnics and skyline views without the city crowds.

The Alliance encourages everyone to take advantage of the season and explore these cooler, activity-filled destinations along the 9/11 Trail. Whether you're looking to paddle, hike, cycle, or simply reflect, these locations offer meaningful ways to remember, discover, and connect.

Doug Bosley, Chief of Interpretation and Site Manager for the Johnstown Flood National Memorial, speaking at the Path of the Flood Trail's dedication ceremony.

Path of the Flood Trail Receives Statewide Recognition at Dedication Ceremony



The September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance joined local, state, and national partners on May 30 at a dedication ceremony celebrating the Path of the Flood Trail as Pennsylvania’s 2025 Trail of the Year. Hosted by the Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority, the ceremony recognized the trail’s historical significance, natural beauty, and impact on heritage tourism in the region.

Designated by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the 14-mile Path of the Flood Trail traces the route of the 1889 Johnstown Flood—from the remains of the South Fork Dam to downtown Johnstown. Along the way, visitors encounter key landmarks such as the Johnstown Flood National Memorial and the Staple Bend Tunnel, the first railroad tunnel constructed in the United States.

The Path of the Flood Trail is part of the 9/11 National Memorial Trail route, reinforcing the Alliance’s mission to connect sites of national remembrance through meaningful outdoor experiences. This designation reflects the trail’s role in honoring the past while providing opportunities for reflection, education, and recreation.

The September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance congratulates the many partners, volunteers, and community members whose dedication brought this recognition to life. The Alliance encourages all to explore the Path of the Flood Trail—Pennsylvania’s 2025 Trail of the Year—and experience its remarkable story firsthand.

The September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance in the News:

• (VA) "A New Path: A New Segment of the 1,500-mile September 11th National Memorial Trail," The Nature Conservancy Magazine
• (PA) "New $48M pedestrian bridge connects Schuykill Banks in Center City to Grays Ferry," The Philadelphia Inquirer
• (MD) "The WB&A Trail Bridge over the Patuxent River is open," East Coast Greenway Alliance
• (PA) "Trailblazing: Fitzpatrick Secures Over $3 Million for PA-1 Rail Trail Initiatives," U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick Press Release