World's Shortest Park Trail, world record set in Lincoln City, Oregon

July 29, 2025

Lincoln City, Oregon, United States--Lincoln City Parks & Recreation recently announced the opening of its new paved park trail found on the southeast end of Schooner Creek Discovery Park; it measures just 135 feet, or about 0.02 miles, setting the new world record for being the World's Shortest Park Trail, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

"Lincoln City Parks & Recreation recently announced the opening of its new paved park trail found on the southeast end of Schooner Creek Discovery Park. It measures just 135 feet, or about 0.02 miles," the KOIN.com reports.

"Although city leaders estimate the trail is the shortest anywhere, they reported that verifying the title with Guinness World Records would cost at least $14,000. And the Oregon Parks Foundation funded the trail with a grant of just $2,000, according to Lincoln City officials. Tillamook Estuaries Partnership additionally provided the native plantings, like huckleberry and cedar, along the trail.

"“I couldn’t justify spending more funds on bragging rights than spent on the actual trail construction,” Parks and Recreation Director Jeanne Sprague said in a statement. “We’ve done our work and found no shorter paved public park trail. Believe me, this trail is teeny-tiny.”

"Lincoln City is a city in Lincoln County on the Oregon Coast of the United States, between Tillamook to the north and Newport to the south. It is named after the county, which was named in honor of former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. The population was 9,815 at the 2020 Census.

"According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.68 square miles (14.71 km2), of which, 5.65 square miles (14.63 km2) is land and 0.03 square miles (0.08 km2) is water.

"Lincoln City is home to one of the world's shortest rivers, the D River, connecting Devil's Lake with the Pacific Ocean.
Lincoln City's coastline after light snow during February 2019." (Wikipedia)

"Schooner Creek Discovery Park is home to the World's Shortest Park Trail. At a mere 135ft, this trail is beginner friendly and wheelchair accessible. Enjoy the views of the natural wetlands and Schooner Creek from the trailside bench and perhaps do a bit of mid-hike birdwatching, too!", The Travel reports.

"While it might not exactly compare to the most beautiful hiking trails in Oregon or the 382-mile Oregon Coast Trail, the World’s Shortest Park Trail is one you won't want to miss. To hike it, you’ll have to trek to the Schooner Creek Discovery Park in Lincoln City, Oregon. Measuring a mere 135 feet in length, this trail is located on the southeast side of the park at 4815 S.E. 51st St.

"Lincoln City received a $2,000 grant from the Oregon Parks Foundation to complete the trail, which, although tiny, is an iconic feature of this newly developed park. The idea for the trail came about after city officials realized there was a small section of open space that could benefit from a scenic addition. Despite the trail's brevity, it has become a noteworthy point of interest in this coastal town.

"The trail is flat, paved, and wheelchair-accessible, making it easy for visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy. A bench along the path provides an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the views of the surrounding natural wetlands and Schooner Creek. It’s a peaceful retreat, perfect for a quick stop to explore Lincoln City’s many other attractions."