Alice the Moose’s 570-km (354-mi) journey in 2000 from the Adirondacks to Algonquin Park has inspired the development of an international nature trail following her footsteps. This trail would include existing routes and be available for locals and tourists alike.
The Algonquin to Adirondack Collaborative (A2A) plan to have the nature trail follow the path of the famous Adirondack moose Alice. After being released into the Huntington Wildlife Forest with a tracking collar, in 2000 she traveled north from the Adirondacks, swam across the St. Lawrence River, and made her way into Algonquin Park. While plans for the trail are still being made, Alice’s own 570-km (354-mi) route will be their main guide.
In addition, the A2A hopes their trail will achieve the popularity of other established nature trails. In particular, the 250-km (155-mi) Blueberry Bike Route in Quebec, which opened in 2000, has experienced a growth of over 250,000 visitors each year. Emily Conger, president of the A2A group, hopes the international trail can become a multi-use trail “where people could walk, bicycle on some sections, snowshoe, ski, and maybe even paddle.” To encourage people to travel along the trail, certificates or collectibles could be offered at certain landmarks or locations, which would benefit businesses and communities.
The future of the Algonquin to Adirondacks trail depends upon negotiations with local municipalities as well as federal and provincial parks officials to resolve any issues involving the governance of areas where the trail passes through. As a non-profit organization, the trail’s development will be supported by fundraising.
Would you support a new international nature trail through the Adirondacks?
Source: Gananoque Reporter – Group plans trail from Adirondacks to Algonquin Park
