Klamath Falls Named 2026 IMBA Trail Town
National designation recognizes trail development, stewardship, and outdoor recreation impact
A mountain biker rides along a trail in the Klamath Basin, highlighting the outdoor recreation opportunities that helped Klamath Falls earn national recognition as a 2026 IMBA Trail Town. (Images: Healthy Klamath, Facebook)
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Klamath Falls has received national recognition for its trail network and outdoor recreation efforts after being named a 2026 Trail Town by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA).
The designation places Klamath Falls among a limited group of communities across the country acknowledged for their investment in trail access, maintenance, and long-term stewardship. Only 28 communities nationwide were selected this year, with Klamath Falls joining Cascade Locks as the two Oregon cities to earn the distinction.
IMBA’s Trail Town designation highlights communities that integrate trails into broader community planning, recreation opportunities, and economic development. The recognition considers factors such as available trail mileage, community involvement, organized stewardship, and sustainable funding for trail infrastructure.
Local advocates say the designation reflects years of collaboration among volunteers, organizations, and land managers working to expand and maintain trail access in the region.
“Receiving the IMBA Trail Town designation recognizes the incredible collaboration between volunteers, local organizations, land managers, and community leaders who have worked for years to build and care for our trails,” said Theresa Ross of Klamath Trails Alliance.
To qualify, communities must complete a detailed assessment evaluating trail availability and community support. IMBA requires at least 25 miles of natural-surface trails within a 30-minute drive of the town center, along with demonstrated funding, active local leadership, and consistent stewardship.
IMBA officials say communities that prioritize trail systems often see broader benefits, including increased tourism, support for local businesses, and expanded outdoor recreation opportunities for residents.
“Trail systems are increasingly recognized as important drivers of outdoor recreation economies. Communities that invest in trails often see benefits including increased tourism, support for local businesses, improved public health, and stronger community connections to the outdoors,” IMBA noted in its announcement.
The organization also pointed to the growing economic impact of outdoor recreation in Oregon, reporting that the sector generated approximately $9 billion in economic activity in 2024 and supported more than 76,000 jobs statewide.
IMBA Executive Director David Weins said the designation reflects communities that prioritize outdoor access as part of long-term growth.
“The IMBA Trail Town designation is more than a badge of honor. It’s national recognition that a community values trails and the people who ride them,” Weins said. “These towns are leading with trails by modeling what robust investments in the outdoors can do for local health, local economies and community connectivity — both to the outdoors and to one another.”
Cascade Locks, located along the Columbia River Gorge, was the only other Oregon community recognized this year.
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