National Recreation Trails

National Recreation Trails logo
National Recreation Trails logo

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.


To find out more information about the National Recreation Trails, view the resources below.

Find Your NRT
Find Your NRT

Find your local NRT in the NRT database hosted by American Trails.

Apply for Designation
Apply for Designation

Learn more about NRT designation criteria and designation process.

FAQs
FAQs

Have a question about the NRTs? Click here to find out more.



National Recreation Trails are co-sponsored by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and American Trails, the program's lead non-profit partner.

Last updated: March 30, 2022