![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMBATrailTowns_ColumbusGA.jpg.webp.webp\")
<\/a>Photo courtesy IMBA.<\/p>\n\u201cIMBA Trail Towns represent communities that understand the powerful role trails play in shaping vibrant places to live, work, and play,\u201d said Jillian Olson, IMBA Community Progress Manager. \u201cThese communities have invested in trails not only as recreation opportunities, but as essential infrastructure that supports local economies, attracts visitors, improves quality of life, and builds stronger connections between people and the outdoors.\u201d<\/p>\n
Trails are increasingly recognized as drivers of outdoor recreation economies. Communities that invest in trail systems often see benefits ranging from increased tourism and small business growth, to improved health outcomes and stronger community identity. The American outdoor recreation economy continues to grow: in 2024 it generated $1.3 trillion in economic output while supporting 5.2 million American jobs. The sector accounts for 2.4% of the nation\u2019s GDP.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The IMBA Trail Town designation highlights communities that have demonstrated leadership in these areas and are helping set the standard for how trails can positively shape the future of outdoor communities. This year\u2019s honorees highlight 28 communities in 20 U.S. states.<\/p>\n
The inaugural 2026 IMBA Trail Town designees include:<\/p>\n
Anniston\u200b, Alabama
\nNashville\u200b, Indiana
\nKlamath Falls\u200b, Oregon<\/p>\n
Anchorage\u200b, Alaska
\nVersailles\u200b, Indiana
\nCascade Locks\u200b, Oregon<\/p>\n
Flagstaff\u200b, Arizona
\nDecorah\u200b, Iowa
\nWarren\u200b, Pennsylvania<\/p>\n
Prescott\u200b, Arizona
\nMason City\u200b, Iowa
\nRapid City\u200b, South Dakota<\/p>\n
Big Bear Lake\u200b, California
\nAnnapolis\u200b, Maryland
\nKnoxville\u200b, Tennessee<\/p>\n
Breckenridge\u200b, Colorado
\nGermantown\u200b, Maryland
\nSugar Land\u200b, Texas<\/p>\n
New Castle\u200b, Colorado
\nNorthville\u200b, Michigan
\nCedar City\u200b, Utah<\/p>\n
Leadville\u200b, Colorado
\nEly\u200b, Nevada
\nMarlinton\u200b, West Virginia<\/p>\n
Salida\u200b, Colorado
\nSanta Fe\u200b, New Mexico
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
Columbus\u200b, Georgia
\nMarietta\u200b, Ohio
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0 These 28 communities are leading a growing national network of trail-forward places committed to trail stewardship, collaboration, and expanding access to outdoor recreation<\/p>\n \u201cThe IMBA Trail Town designation is more than a badge of honor. It\u2019s national recognition that a community values trails and the people who ride them,\u201d said David Weins, IMBA Executive Director. \u201cThese towns are leading with trails by modeling what robust investments in the outdoors can do for local health, local economies and community connectivity \u2014 both to the outdoors and to one another. Trails bring communities together.\u201d<\/p>\n The 2027 IMBA Trail Town designation will open this fall. Communities that have made an investment in trails and foster a culture around trails may be ready to pursue the designation. Communities interested in learning more can also take a free Community Assessment at any time. For more information about the IMBA Trail Town designation, visit www.imba.com\/designation\/trail-town<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Learn more about these IMBA Trail Towns at www.imba.com\/trail-towns. <\/a><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMBA_TrailTown_.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n