Appreciate the Beauty and History of Our Country on a National Scenic, Historic or Recreation Trail

Did you know there are more than 55,000 miles of designated national scenic and historic trails in all 50 states? That’s longer than the Interstate Highway System!

These trails are there for you to explore our country’s majestic landscape and build awareness and understanding of past historical events. Under the National Trails System Act, 30 national scenic and historic trails were congressionally designated to promote the enjoyment and appreciation of trails while encouraging greater public access to public lands and trails for people of all ages, interests, skills, and physical abilities.

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Hiker exploring the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Credit: Bob Wick

National Scenic Trails:

There are 11 designated national scenic trails that feature unique recreation opportunities and showcase our country’s spectacular natural resources and beauty. These routes traverse stunning terrain and connect communities, significant landmarks, and public lands.

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Cover wagon reenactment on the Oregon National Historic Trail. Credit: Bob Wick

National Historic Trails:

There are 19 designated national historic trails that commemorate paths of our nation’s diverse history. These trails follow past routes of exploration, migration, struggle, trade, and military action. National historic trails offer the opportunity to re-trace these past events through historic sites, points of interests, trail segments, and waterways.

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Trail leading along the Des Plaines River Trail – National Recreation Trail. Credit: Jonathan Hartsaw

National Recreation Trails:

In addition to the 30 congressionally designated national scenic and historic trails, the National Trails System includes more than 1,300 locally recognized national recreation trails that provide access to close-to-home recreation opportunities to communities across the county. Find your national recreation trail here.

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Partnerships and Volunteers:

Partnerships and volunteers at both the national and local level are essential for the sustainability of our National Trails System.

Thank you to the incredible volunteers who dedicated over 900,000 hours of their time and energy to the conservation, stewardship, maintenance and planning of National Trails this past year. To learn more about partnerships, volunteerism, and participation in the National Trails System, please visit the Partnership for the National Trails System’s website.

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Children enjoying the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. Credit: Bob Wick

#RecreateResponsibly:

These trails exist for the public to enjoy and appreciate the beauty and history of our county, but they couldn’t exist as is without the conservation and stewardship efforts of local partners and organizations. Please remember to #RecreateResponsibly on these trails to ensure future generations can enjoy them as we can today.

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For more information on the National Trails System, please visit our website.