See the complete online registry for details of over 1,000 designated National Recreation Trails

Featured National Recreation Trails - Hosted by AmericanTrails.org

Annapolis Rock Hiker Campground and Trail — Located in South Mountain State Park, this 1-mile backcountry loop trail offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and rock climbing. This camping area used to be known as the worst campground along the Appalachian Trail, but due to efforts of several groups, including the Department of Natural Resources, Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, Appalachian Trail Conference, and Virginia Tech; this area has been rejuvenated. The trail is a fine example of what can be accomplished through a diverse partnership (designated 2004).

	Baltimore and Annapolis National Recreation Trail

Baltimore and Annapolis Trail Park — Located in Anne Arundel County, the 13-mile linear park provides recreational and educational opportunities to schools, churches, scout troops, senior centers, and neighborhood organizations. Already noted as part of the East Coast Greenway and American Discovery Trail, this scenic railtrail is set among forested areas, wetlands, and historic sites. In addition to its many natural resources, the trail also provides recreation for people who enjoy activities such as horseback riding and inline skating (designated 2002).

Cross Island Trail — This six-mile linear park is considered a gem of Queen Anne's County. It provides a number of recreational opportunities within a variety of natural settings. Trail users enjoy scenic vistas, wildlife observation under a forest canopy, and connections to area businesses, parks, and schools. The trail is not only valued for its natural features but for its achievement in reconnecting the communities of Kent Island (designated 2003).

	Logo of the Great Allegheny Passage Trail

The Great Allegheny Passage - see photos of the trail — The route is the main line of a trail system running from Cumberland, Maryland, to the Forks of the Ohio River at Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh International Airport. The Great Allegheny Passage meets the C&O Canal Towpath at Cumberland to link Pittsburgh with Washington, D.C.

Hikers, bicyclists, cross-country skiers and people with disabilities discover the region's spectacular beauty in river gorges, mountain vistas and a variety of plants, wildlife, rocks, trestles and tunnels on a near-level rail-trail passing through the Allegheny Mountains, not over them. The trail also interprets George Washington's struggles to access and control this region, whose industry later made the United States the world's greatest power.

Green Ridge State Forest Trail System — Located in the largest contiguous block of forest in Maryland, this 28-mile backcountry trail offers a variety of recreational opportunities amidst the backdrop of the Allegheny Mountains. With a link to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park that forms a 45-mile loop for backpacking, the trail system provides additional access to key educational and interpretive themes of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail corridor. In addition to its scenic and historic features, this trail system offers a wealth of outdoor activities (including mountain biking and cross country snow-skiing) within 2 and a half hours of Washington, D.C. (designated 2005).

Rock Creek Trail — This 18.6-mile hiker-biker trail features two lakes and offers an alternative transportation route and quiet refuge for a number of communities in a diverse urban setting (designated 2007).

Sligo Creek Parkway Trail: This popular 10.2-mile urban trail/bikeway connects Prince George's and Montgomery Counties, providing not only recreational and educational opportunities for local residents, but alternative transportation options as well (designated 2006).

We 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.

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