Aliso Creek Trail Gets National Recognition

A regional trail that traverses five South Orange County cities is among the best in the nation, according to a recent honor bestowed by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

The Aliso Creek Regional Riding and Hiking Trail is one of two in California designated a National Recreation Trail, highlighting it as an "exemplary example" of a local or regional trail.

Area residents are invited to celebrate the recognition Thursday morning at a 10 a.m. unveiling of of a special sign on the trail off of El Toro Road between Portola Parkway and Marguerite Parkway in Lake Forest.

Attendees are invited to celebrate the recognition by walking, biking or riding on horseback the trail.

Aliso Creek Trail spans 15 miles of asphalt bikeway designed for varied recreational activities including hiking, bicycling, walking, running, bird watching and horseback riding. The trail extends from the foothills of Orange County to the boundary of Laguna Beach. It links together six schools, a community church, two skate parks and ten community parks.

The trail was one of two in California recognized in 2012 by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Jonathan Jarvis, director of the National Park Service. A total of 54 trails in 23 states joined the National Recreation Trail list this year.

Aliso Creek Regional Trail Celebration

Date: Thursday, Oct. 18

Where: Aliso Creek Regional Trail: Rest area off of El Toro Road between Portola Parkway and Marguerite Parkway in Lake Forest

When: 10 a.m.

Cost: Free

Why: Celebrate the designation of Aliso Creek as a National Recreation Trail