The State We're In

Oct 10, 2025

By Alison Mitchell, Executive Director, New Jersey Conservation Foundation

Trail systems are more than just places to recreate. They can transform how people move through their communities and encourage us to connect with nature. That notion of broader benefits is the vision behind the Circuit Trails, one of the nation’s largest trail networks, which will reach an exciting milestone by the end of this year: 500 miles completed or funded and under construction!

This achievement is the result of years of planning, partnership, advocacy, and hard work by the Circuit coalition, which is composed of dozens of organizations, municipalities, and trail lovers. Ultimately, the trail system will span more than 870 miles across nine counties in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. When completed in 2040, more than 3.1 million people, or over half of the region’s population, will live within just one mile of an accessible, multi-use trail.

To celebrate the 500-mile mark, the Circuit Trails Coalition is launching a region-wide storytelling campaign called 500 Moments. The idea is to collect 500 short reflections, quotes, and photos that show how trails are making a difference in people’s lives and communities.

You may be surprised at how far the Circuit Trails extend into New Jersey – some of them reach north of Princeton and others south of Glassboro. Perhaps you already use the trails as a local resident, commuter or weekend visitor. Maybe you take walks with your kids or friends, or use the network to explore your neighborhood and stay healthy?

Regardless, why not venture out on a beautiful fall day and add your story to the collection of 500 Moments! Hearing about how and why people use the Circuit Trails helps inspire policymakers and generates community support for continued investment in extending the network.

Share your moment on social media using #OnTheCircuit, or submit it directly at CircuitTrails.org.

Join the Toast to the Circuit Trails on Wednesday evening, November 12, – a special celebration honoring the partners, champions, and trail users who helped reach this 500 mile mark. The event will take place at Cherry Street Pier on the Delaware River in Philadelphia, just south of the Ben Franklin Bridge at 5:30 p.m. Trail walks are planned for earlier in the day, along with a festive lighted bike ride that evening. Even the Ben Franklin Bridge will be lit up in Circuit colors green and blue!

The Circuit Trails network is revolutionizing the way we think about trail systems as linear parks and essential transportation and recreation infrastructure. It comprises more than 30 connected paths that create safe, accessible routes to employment centers, cultural destinations, and open spaces. As each segment is completed and connected to the network, the value of the entire system multiplies, becoming an extraordinary resource for the region.

And the benefits are far reaching. The network continues to grow, serving as a national model and drawing interest from communities across the country looking to build their own large-scale, connected trail systems. Its success shows how long-term collaboration and vision can turn regional trail planning into a transformative force for health, mobility, and community connection.

Here’s to 500 miles of progress on the Circuit Trails, and committing to finishing the job and creating more connections across New Jersey – and beyond. Hit the trail, share your “moment”, and join in on the fun!

To learn more about how you can help preserve New Jersey’s natural resources, visit the New Jersey Conservation Foundation at www.njconservation.org or reach out to us at info@njconservation.org.