Keeping 'the drive' alive
In 1999 and 2000, just as the world entered a new millennium, the American Recreation Coalition took a new view of America. The nation's vast and marvelous public lands, which cover nearly a third of our nation, became regarded as America's Natural Health and Fitness Center.
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Byways were identified as playing an important role in this vision. Several byway organizations across the country had already turned an eye to the many opportunities to provide for and stimulate healthy experiences as a part of each byway drive. By designing corridors to include an abundance of attractive opportunities for travelers to stop their vehicles, get out, and then walk, bike, row or hike, byways already were helping encourage the 30 to 45 minutes of daily physical activity suggested by the Surgeon General.
"Traveling one of our special byways opens the door to great places to hike and bike, paddle and swim, climb and engage in other physical activities - physical activity that the Surgeon General tells us is urgently needed across America today," said Derrick Crandall, president of the American Recreation Coalition.
A one-page flier developed this spring, "Why Drive the Byway?" provides a quick look at several of these opportunities. The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association also has color tear-off maps to help plan your next trip.
The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway has been actively involved in developing opportunities for "drive and do" travelers. Shoulder paving, now completed along nearly the entire Byway, has resulted in miles of smooth, attractive biking/walking/rolling surfaces. For hikers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers, the Byway has spearheaded and coordinated the development of extensive trails at Veterans Walking Trails in Jenkins Township and at Chiarella Forest Management Area in Breezy Point. Popular for years in Ideal Township, nature walkers frequent the Uppgaard Wildlife Management Area trails. Playgrounds, parks and beaches along the Byway encourage kids and adults alike to run, swing, jump, swim, skate, slide and play ball.
Biking is popular along the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway.
The one-page flier developed this spring, "Why Drive the Byway," provides a quick look at several of these opportunities. The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association also has color tear-off maps to help plan your next trip. Pick them up at local Chamber of Commerce offices or call (800) 450-2838 for more information.
To learn more about Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway projects and how you can get involved, visit www.paulbunyanscenicbyway.org.