Schuylkill County Reaffirms Support for the 9/11 National Memorial Trail and Anthracite Connector Trail
On Wednesday, June 24, as cyclists participating in the 2026 9/11 National Memorial Trail Bike Tour made their way through Schuylkill County during the 25th anniversary year of September 11, the Schuylkill County Board of Commissioners formally recognized the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance and reaffirmed the County's commitment to advancing the 9/11 National Memorial Trail and the future Anthracite Connector Trail. Alliance Board of Directors member Adrienne Fors was present to accept the proclamation on behalf of the organization.
Adopted during the Commissioners' June meeting, the proclamation honors the Alliance's ongoing work to preserve the memory and legacy of September 11, 2001, welcomes participants in the 1,250-mile commemorative Bike Tour, and recognizes Schuylkill County's important role in the nationally significant memorial corridor connecting the three 9/11 memorials.
The proclamation also highlights the Anthracite Connector Trail, a planned 30-mile trail connection between Pottsville and Jim Thorpe that will become a key segment of the 1,500+ mile September 11th National Memorial Trail. Once completed, the trail will connect the Schuylkill River Trail and the Delaware & Lehigh Trail, unite Schuylkill and Carbon counties, and create new opportunities for recreation, active transportation, tourism, economic development, and community revitalization while honoring the legacy of September 11.
The Commissioners further recognized the ongoing partnership between Schuylkill County, Carbon County, and the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance as work begins on an Anthracite Connector Trail Peer Study. Supported through a Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnerships Program grant, the study will establish a framework for the trail's long-term implementation, operation, and maintenance.
The recognition comes as Pennsylvania continues to make significant investments in the 9/11 National Memorial Trail. Through the leadership of Governor Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, new wayfinding signage is being installed across the Commonwealth in advance of the 25th anniversary of September 11, helping strengthen awareness of this nationally significant memorial corridor.
During the same meeting, the Schuylkill County Board of Commissioners also designated July 2026 as Park and Recreation Month, recognizing the vital role parks, trails, and open spaces play in supporting healthy communities, protecting natural resources, strengthening local economies, and improving quality of life.
The September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance is grateful to the Schuylkill County Board of Commissioners for their continued partnership and support. Together with local, county, state, and federal partners, the Alliance remains committed to advancing the Anthracite Connector Trail and the 9/11 National Memorial Trail so future generations can experience a living memorial that connects communities through remembrance, recreation, and resilience.