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Featured National Recreation Trails

A sampling of National Recreation Trails in the news or recently designated. The NRT program showcases the diversity of trails across America, from our cities and suburbs to the deserts, waterways, and high mountains.

 

National Recreation Trails... America's great trails!

Every kind of trail activity is represented in the listing of designated NRTs. Besides hiking and bicycling, the system includes water trails, motorized routes, snow tracks, greenways, and equestrian paths.

arrowSearch all of California's designated National Recreation Trails in the Online NRT Database

 

map of California

photo of paved trail along creek

Guadalupe River Trail is part of the San Jose Trail Network

King Range Trail — Spectacular mountain trails with wide ocean views in northern California's Mendicino County. The King Range contains over 70 miles of hiking trails spanning from the beach to the highest peaks. Most of the upland trails are strenuous due to the steep rugged nature of the area. See photos and details...

 

 

Lost Coast Trail — The premier coastal backpacking trail in California along the Lost Coast. Much of the route runs along the beach but there are some challenging sections. At several places along the trail rivers cut canyons out of the steep hills running along the coast and run into the Pacific. Campsites along the trail are on sandy river shoals at these river crossings, just above sea level. See photos and details...

 

Mountains to Sea Trail – This 22-mile urban nature reserve and bikeway starts in Weir Canyon and travels through six jurisdictions, enabling trail users to experience the diversity of the 50,000-acre Irvine Ranch Land Reserve (designated 2006).

 

photo of family crossing meadow

Tahoe Rim Trail circles Lake tahoe on the border of CA and NV

Sacramento River Trail and Sacramento Rail Trail — Based on a partnership between the City of Redding, Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Land Management, and Shasta County, these trails are an example of what is possible through a joint effort between various agencies and local groups. Once completed, the river trail system will provide 20 miles of public access to the Sacramento River between Shasta Dam and downtown Redding. This scenic trail system allows for a number of recreational activities including biking, hiking, boating, and horseback riding (designated 2002).


San Jose Trail Network – Three connecting trails – the Guadalupe River Trail, the Highway 237 Bikeway, and the Coyote Creek Trail North – provide 16.4 miles of recreation opportunity in San Jose (designated 2009).

 

Tahoe Rim Trail – NRT designation includes 96 miles of the 165-mile trail which runs along the ridges and mountain tops that encircle Lake Tahoe. The trail winds through two states (California and Nevada), six counties, three national forests, and state park land (designated 2003). See more photos of the Tahoe Rim Trail...

 

trail noteWe frequently add NRT information, photos and maps to these pages. Send suggestions and information requests to American Trails. Research additional NRTs in the NRT database. Update trail/contact information by sending us a completed update form (PDF format). You may also e-mail this information.

 

 

trail database

 



trail database

The on-line database has details on the currently designated National Recreation Trails. The NRT Program online is hosted by American Trails: www.AmericanTrails.org

Need trail skills and education? Do you provide training? Join the National Trails Training Partnership!

 

The NTTP Online Calendar connects you with courses, conferences, and trail-related training

 

Promote your trail through the National Recreation Trails Program

 

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