About National Historic Trails

A map of the United States, depicting ten trails that traverse across various states through the country, often over multiple states. — The NPS’s National Trails Office Regions 6, 7, & 8 (NTIR) administers 10 National Historic Trails. This map shows their routes.
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Ten Trails Within a Bigger System

The NPS’s National Trails Office Regions 6, 7, and 8 (NTIR) administers 10 National Historic Trails, covering almost 28,000 miles over 24 states.

Ever since the pre-contact period, long-distance trails within the present-day United States have fostered exploration, migration, trade, warfare, and the exchange of ideas and other cultural elements. Americans have long been aware of the importance of these historic trails in the nation’s evolution and growth, and since the 1960s Congress has recognized the importance of preserving, interpreting, and developing them.

You can investigate our ten trails using an interactive map viewer or by visiting the websites below.

Purpose of National Historic Trails

National historic trail administrators are charged with identifying, preserving, and providing public access to historic routes and artifacts of national significance, allowing the public to experience and learn from America’s historical pathways.

National Trails System

Today, under the legislative umbrella of the National Trails System Act (NTSA), the United States boasts a diverse assemblage of nationally recognized trails located in all 50 states; these include not only 21 national historic trails (NHTs) but 11 national scenic trails (NSTs), approximately 1,300 national recreation trails (NRTs), and 6 connecting or side trails. Learn more about the National Trails System.

Of the 21 NHTs, 16 are administered solely by the National Park Service (NPS), while two others are jointly administered by the NPS and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). In addition, one is administered solely by the BLM, and another is administered solely by the USDA Forest Service.

The Heritage of America's Trails

This administrative history highlights how the National Trails Office has administered the 10 NHTs over the years, along with national context information pertaining to the administration of these trails.