Affiliate Membership
Affiliate Membership welcomes nonprofit?organizations and mission?driven professionals whose values and vision for America’s trails and public lands align with the Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS).?As an Affiliate, you join a nationwide coalition that shares expertise, sparks new partnerships, and strengthens our collective voice—without taking on the governance duties held by Core Member trail nonprofits.?Whether amplifying conservation policy, deepening historic and tribal understanding, or inspiring the next generation of trail stewards, Affiliate Members are catalysts who help build a more welcoming, resilient, and impactful National Trails System.
Nationwide Impact
Collective Vision
Professional Network
Policy & Advocacy
Capacity-Boosting Resources
Voice Amplification
Unlock the Power of Affiliate Membership
Affiliate Members receive exclusive access to tools, partnerships, and opportunities that amplify their impact and elevate their voice within the National Trails System.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Opportunities to partner with federal agencies, nonprofits, and trail organizations nationwide.
Advocacy & Policy Engagement
Join collective action campaigns and get support to make your voice heard on Capitol Hill and beyond.
National Platform
Be featured in publications, speak at events, and shape the narrative around trail protection and cultural storytelling.
Capacity Building
Learn from others, grow your influence, and receive invitations to special briefings and funding webinars.
Peer Network
Connect with professionals across conservation, education, recreation, and public lands policy.
Tools and Resources
Access to toolkits, trainings, data, and shared best practices.
Affiliate Member Types
Affiliate Organizations
For nonprofits, institutions, and community groups working to enhance the National Trails System and the public lands they traverse.
Ideal for organizations engaged in:
- Conservation & Land Protection
- Public Lands, Environmental & Wildlife Education
- Outdoor Recreation & Sustainable Tourism
- Historic Preservation & Cultural Interpretation
- Community Advocacy & Civic Engagement
Why join?
Gain visibility, collaborate on national initiatives, and amplify your impact in the trails and public lands sector.
Affiliate Professionals
For individuals whose work, passion, or expertise aligns with the mission of PNTS and the values of the National Trails System.
Open to professionals and creatives such as:
- Educators, Scientists, Artists, Historians
- Former Public Agency Employees
- Policy Experts, Land Stewards, Nonprofit Leaders
- Storytellers, Youth Mentors & Trail-Builders
Why join?
Connect with like-minded professionals, share your expertise, and stay engaged in advancing trail protection and interpretation.
Current Affiliate Members
Click on the affiliate member's logo to learn more.
American Discovery Trail Society
501(C)(3) non-profit organization
Who They Are
- Develops and manages the 6,800+ mile American Discovery Trail, the first coast-to-coast, non-motorized trail in the U.S.
- Supports local trail groups and educates the public on the ecological, cultural, and scenic value of the trail
- Connects communities across diverse American landscapes—from cities and forests to deserts and seashores
PNTS Impact
- Participated in Hike the Hill (2024–2025) to advocate for national trail funding and support
- Attended the 2024 National Trails Workshop to strengthen cross-network collaboration
Just Trails
501(C)(3) non-profit organization
Who They Are
- Champions access to the restorative joy of nature for all
- Envisions “Just Trails” that:
- Welcome everyone
- Foster environmental stewardship
- Honor history and culture
- Build healthy, thriving communities
- Connects global trail and environmental justice leaders for inclusive, community-based conservation
PNTS Impact
- Co-founded by Julie Judkins, PNTS Board Member & TRAILS committee Co-Chair
American Hiking Society
501(C)(3) non-profit organization
Who They Are
- Empowers communities to enjoy, share, and protect hiking experiences in urban, front country, and backcountry settings
- Advocates for increasing access to trails and the long-term protection and expansion of hiking spaces
- Fosters stewardship and unites partners to sustain the hiking community and environment
PNTS Impact
- Co-organizes and co-hosts Hike the Hill annually with PNTS
- Active participant in PNTS National Trails Workshops (2022–2024)
- Serves on the PNTS Advocacy & Policy Committee (2022–2025)
- Contributes to the PNTS Volunteer Program Working Group
- Presented at the 2022 Workshop on Trail Advocacy and 2023 Workshop on Next Gen Engagement
- Presented a Trail Apprentice Career Exploration session in 2024
American Indian Alaska Native Tourism
501(C)(3) non-profit organization
Who They Are
- Supports Native communities with training, research, and resources to grow tourism and hospitality initiatives
- Advocates for the cultural and economic value of Native tourism with government agencies and industry partners
- Promotes authentic Native destinations to travelers, media, and the global tourism market
PNTS Impact
- Presented at the 2021 Virtual National Trails Workshop on the NATIVE Act and sustainable tourism
American Long Distance Hiking Association - West
501(C)(3) non-profit organization
Who They Are
- Inspires, educates, and connects a community of long-distance hikers across all ages and experience levels
- Hosts the annual Gathering and Triple Crown of Hiking Awards, honoring hikers of the AT, PCT, and CDT
- Offers resources, storytelling, and fellowship through its Gazette newsletter and hiker-led events
PNTS Impact
- Participated in the 2024 National Trails Workshop to support trail stewardship and long-distance hiking engagement
- ALDHA–West Scholarship Program was featured in the 2024 PNTS E-News, highlighting support for aspiring trail leaders
American Trails
501(C)(3) non-profit organization
Who They Are
- Empowers trail professionals and volunteers through training, funding, and national conferences
- Advocates for trails as essential infrastructure that support health, equity, and climate resilience
- Connects a nationwide network of trail organizations to build, maintain, and promote accessible trails
PNTS Impact
- Attended Hike the Hill (2023–2025) and hosted Virtual Briefings (since 2023) to advocate for trail and public land funding
- Active participant in PNTS National Trails Workshop (2022)
- Serves on the PNTS Advocacy & Policy Committee (2022–2025)
- Contributed to the PNTS Programs Committee (2022)
- Presented a Trail Apprentice Career Exploration session
- Regularly promotes PNTS webinars and resources to the trail community
Back Country Horsemen of America
501(C)(3) non-profit organization
Who They Are
- Advocates for horseback access to public lands and wilderness
- Supports responsible trail use and backcountry stewardship
- Volunteers across the U.S. and Canada to maintain and clear trails
PNTS Impact
- Attended PNTS and American Hiking Society Congressional and Federal Partner Lobbying Hike the Hill (2023–2025)
- Member of PNTS Advocacy & Policy Committee (2022–2025)
- Chair of PNTS Membership Committee (2024–2025).
Benton MacKaye Trail Association
501(C)(3) non-profit organization
Who They Are
- Builds, maintains, and protects the 285-mile Benton MacKaye Trail—a sister trail to the Appalachian Trail—stretching through Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
- Promotes wilderness recreation, backcountry skills, and conservation ethics through educational programs, volunteerism, and public outreach.
- Actively pursuing National Scenic Trail designation and a committed participant in PNTS’s Membership Committee (2024–2025), advancing the collective strength of the National Trails System.
PNTS Impact
- Member of PNTS Membership Committee (2024 - 2025)
National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance
501(C)(3) non-profit organization
Who They Are
- Connects nonprofit stewardship groups with federal land agencies to enhance the care of America’s wilderness areas
- Provides funding, training, and resources to build capacity across the national wilderness stewardship community
- Advocates for sustained investment in public lands by serving as a national voice for stewardship organizations
PNTS Impact
- Attended Hike the Hill (2023–2025) to advocate for wilderness and public lands
- Serves on the PNTS Advocacy & Policy Committee (2022–2025)
Trust for Public Land
501(C)(3) non-profit organization
Who They Are
- Champions equitable access to the outdoors by creating parks and protecting public lands where they’re needed most—for health, equity, and environmental justice.
- Has protected over 4 million acres and connected 9.7 million people to nature, especially in underserved urban and rural communities.
PNTS Impact
- Attended Hike the Hill (2025) to advocate for trail and public land funding
- Active participant in PNTS National Trails Workshops (2023–2024)
- Presented at the 2021 PNTS Virtual National Trails Workshop on LWCF and conservation tools
Washington Trails Association
501(C)(3) non-profit organization
Who They Are
- Connects people to the outdoors and builds a community that gives back to trails and public lands
- Champions equitable access to hiking trails for all people across Washington
- Believes hiking connects people to nature and inspires lifelong conservation values
PNTS Impact
- Attended Hike the Hill (2023–2025) to advocate for trail and public land funding
- Serves on the PNTS Advocacy & Policy Committee (2023–Present)