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Historic Nevada trail now has national significance

WASHINGTON — The 3½-mile trail that links Hoover Dam with the Lake Mead National Recreation Area was designated as a trail of national significance Thursday.

The Historic Railroad Trail was added to the National Trails System by the Department of Interior along with trails from nine other states.

More than 16,000 miles on 1,200 trails in all 50 states have been awarded the designation that brings with it upgraded status and sets of special trail markers.

The trail that starts at the Alan Bible Visitor Center at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area was carved on an old railroad grade that passes through five tunnels used during construction of Hoover Dam.

It offers hikers views of Lake Mead, Boulder Basin, the Mojave Desert and the extinct volcano at Fortification Hill.

The new designations were announced in advance of National Trails Day this Saturday.

Contact Review-Journal Washington Bureau Chief Steve Tetreault at stetreault@reviewjournal.com or 202-783-1760. Find him on Twitter: @STetreaultDC.

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