by Partnership for the National Trails System
Adapted from Department of Interior and American Trails news releases and websites
Just before National Trails Day, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke designated 19 national recreation trails (NRTs) in 17 States, adding more than 370 miles to the national recreation trails system of nearly 1,300 trails.
“By designating these new national trails, we acknowledge the efforts of local communities to provide outdoor recreational opportunities that can be enjoyed by everyone,” Zinke said. “Our network of national trails provides easily accessible places to exercise and connect with nature in both urban and rural areas while boosting tourism and supporting economic opportunities across the country.”
Trails of the national recreation trails system range from less than a mile to 485 miles in length and have been designated on Federal, State, municipal, and privately owned lands. While national scenic trails and national historic trails may only be designated by an act of Congress, national recreation trails may be designated by the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture in response to an application from the trail’s managing agency or organization.
“The network of national recreation trails offers expansive opportunities for Americans to explore the great outdoors,” said National Park Service Deputy Director Dan Smith. “As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System, I hope everyone will take advantage of a nearby national trail to hike or bike.”
The National Recreation Trails Program is jointly administered by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, in conjunction with a number of Federal and nonprofit partners, notably American Trails, which hosts the national recreation trails website. Each year nominations for designation of new National Recreation Trails may be submitted. The NRT Program recognizes trails that provide opportunities for all Americans to enjoy the out-of-doors and improve the quality of life of our communities.
Search the online national recreation trails database and apply for NRT designation.
Cannon Valley Trail, Minnesota. Photo Credit: American Trails
Newly Designated NRTs
CALIFORNIA: Mt. Umunhum Trail
FLORIDA: Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Trail System
KANSAS: Fort Larned Historic Nature Trail
MASSACHUSETTS: Fort River Birding and Nature Trail
MICHIGAN: Iron Ore Heritage Trail and North Western State Trail
MINNESOTA: Cannon Valley Trail
MISSOURI: Wilson’s Creek Greenway
MONTANA: River’s Edge Trail
NEW MEXICO: Climax Canyon Nature Trail
NEW MEXICO / TEXAS: Guadalupe Ridge Trail
NEW YORK: Martin Van Buren Nature Trails
PENNSYLVANIA: Jim Mayer Riverswalk Trail
SOUTH DAKOTA: Blackberry Trail
TENNESSEE: Bays Mountain Park Trail System
TEXAS: Salado Creek Greenway
UTAH: Corona Arch
VERMONT: Wright’s Mountain Trails
VIRGINIA: Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail
Unless otherwise indicated, all material in Pathways Across America is public domain. All views expressed herein are perspectives of individuals working on behalf of the National Trails System and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of the Federal agencies.
