National Recreation Trails are existing land-based and water-based trails that provide close to home recreation opportunities on Federal, State and local lands. National Recreation Trail designation promotes some of our country's highest-caliber trails with the intention of providing recreation access to rural and urban communities, economic development through tourism, and healthy recreation opportunities. National Recreation Trails are recognized by the federal government, with the consent of any Federal, State, Tribal, local, nonprofit, or private entity having jurisdiction over these lands. Today almost 1,300 of these trails have been designated throughout the country. They are located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
The NRT program works to preserve and celebrate our nation's pathways. We invite you to explore America’s great national system of trails and greenways.
The National Trails System Act of 1968 authorized creation of a national system of trails comprised of National Recreation Trails, National Scenic Trails and National Historic Trails.
National Recreation Trail applications are processed on an annual cycle. Applications to the Department of the Interior must be submitted by November 1. Applications on US Department of Agriculture lands have their own, separate application process. Applications to the National Water Trails System follow the Department of Interior schedule.
webinar: Understanding the National Recreation Trails Program and National Water Trails System
This webinar is an introduction to the National Recreation Trails Program and the National Water Trails System.
webinar: Current National Recreation/Water Trails: Make the Most of Your Designation!
This webinar showcases how current National Recreation and Water Trails have used this designation to promote their trails and present you with ideas to highlight your own project.
Become a National Recreation Trails Ambassador
American Trails is seeking motivated volunteer Trail Ambassadors that are willing to visit as many of the National Recreation Trails in their region as possible over the next year, to gather data and identify issues on these great trails.
American Trails sponsors the annual Photo Contest for designated National Recreation Trails. In celebration of these great trails, we are presenting awards in several categories to highlight the diversity of NRTs, from backcountry trails to urban greenways.
