North Kitsap Trails Association

NKTA envisions a system of land and water trails that connects North Kitsap communities, Tribal lands, parks, and private development, to provide opportunities for walking, biking, paddling, observing wildlife, horseback riding and non-motorized transportation; A regional trail system that boosts community pride, community connections, and the local economy.  

NKTA is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to trail access for users of all ages, abilities and interests. As an advocate for parks, non-motorized transportation, and recreation NKTA sponsors trail projects on our own and supports similarly minded organization like the Great Peninsula Conservancy, volunteer park stewardship groups and EMBA-West Sound. 

NKTA was one of the leading Kitsap Forest and Bay organizations working with Kitsap County to acquire 4,000 acres of former Pope Resources timberlands near Port Gamble and Kingston, for the creation of a new Port Gamble Park and expansion of the North Kitsap Heritage Park. 

A key part of NKTA's vision is the creation of the Sound to Olympics Trail (STO), a regional spine connecting our communities, parks, and schools to each other and connecting North Kitsap from the ferries to the Hood Canal Bridge and to regional and the cross-state trail. Community safety for users of all ages and abilities is a key part of the STO. The first mile of the Sound to Olympics trail extends from the Winslow Ferry Terminal. NKTA was instrumental in the creation of the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails System, the only such National Park designated water trail in the State.

In promoting community and regional trails of all types, we work with volunteers and local agencies to plan for new trails and to improve safety and community enjoyment of existing routes.