The sound of silence is very powerful. most people rarely get to enjoy. Even when exploring remote areas, sounds made by humans can reach our ears. It’s for this reason Quiet Parks InternationalA nonprofit organization dedicated solely to the preservation of silence began identifying, evaluating and recognizing quietest parks and hiking trails around the world.
The trail is the first in the United States that has received the rare “Quiet Trail” designation It’s a watery one. Niobrara National Scenic RiverThe is located near Valentine in Nebraska. The nationally protected waterway is a popular destination for river recreation—from canoeing on calm, early-morning water to floating on tubes with friends. It is also surprisingly peaceful.
Quiet Trail designation has been given to this trail in October 2023. For the designation to be granted, the river was sampled over a period of two years and qualitative and quantitative data were collected.
Gordon Hempton said, in a press release, that “our testing process is extremely exact.” “Beyond gathering standard acoustic information, each team members must agree, unanimously and without hesitation, that natural calm prevailed throughout testing.” The Niobrara River’s spectacular geologic landscape, unusual weather conditions, and exceptional wildlife all contributed to a positive result.
The Niobrara National Scenic River extends 76 miles from Valentine, NebraskaJust north of Newport Nebraska. Around 160 animal and plant species live in the area where six major eco-systems meet. It is because of the diversity of wildlife that this waterway serves as a place of quiet retreat. Quiet places are beneficial to all living creatures, not only humans.
Susan Cook, superintendent of Niobrara National Scenic River, said that quiet is rare in the world, with 97 percent Americans being exposed to noise pollution, such as from highways and aviation. Niobrara National Scenic River is one of the few places where you can hear nature at its purest.
There are two Quiet Trails in other countries. There’s Cuifeng Lake Circular Trail in Taiwan’s Taipingshan National Forest as well as the Montañas Vacías Bikepacking Trail in Spain. Finnhamnen is a village in Finland that has a number of trails. Haleakalā National Park Hawaii is currently undergoing evaluation.
