5280 Article
How New Biking and Hiking Trails Could Bolster Silverton’s Economy
Mountain towns around the country are increasingly relying on mountain bike trails and other recreation as an economic backbone. Will it work in Silverton?
BY RYAN SIMONOVICH
October 22, 2020
For decades, the town of Silverton has attempted to reconcile the need for sustainable economic development with the community’s inherent isolation. A recently approved plan for 30 miles of biking and hiking trails just north of town may be a much needed piece in the complicated puzzle. Last month, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) approved a project for the trail network, which will be called Baker’s Park. Silverton Singletrack Society, the local group who is spearheading the project, expects to begin construction next summer.