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About the NRT Program

HOW TO APPLY for NRT Designation

Is your trail a good candidate for National Recreation Trail designation? Applications must be submitted to the appropriate NRT Coordinator for the designation to be announced during the following National Trails Day celebration each June. See the Application Schedule page for current details.

Download application for NRT designation in Word format

Who can apply for National Recreation Trail designation?

Any public or private trail manager, operating a trail that meets the definition and criteria below may apply for NRT designation.

photo of hiker in woods

Lena Lake Trail in Washington's Olympic National Forest

What kinds of trails are eligible?

A trail is a travel way established either through construction or use and is passable by at least one or more of the following, including but not limited to: foot traffic, stock, watercraft, bicycles, in-line skates, wheelchairs, cross-country skis, off-road recreation vehicles such as motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, and four-wheel drive vehicles.
Roads and highways suitable for passenger car travel are not eligible for NRT designation. Other programs are more appropriate for their recognition, such as the National Scenic Byways Program: see http://www.byways.org or call (800) 429-9297.
For examples of the kinds of trails that eligible, see descriptions of trails designated as NRTs in 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, and 2004.

What are the criteria for NRT designation?

The trail must be open to public use and be designed, constructed, and maintained according to best management practices, in keeping with the use anticipated. Trails that demonstrate state-of-the-art design and management are especially encouraged to apply for NRT designation.
The trail is in compliance with applicable land use plans and environmental laws.
The trail will be open for public use for at least 10 consecutive years after designation.
NRT designation must be supported by the landowner(s), public or private, whose property the trail crosses.

How do I apply for National Recreation Trail designation?

photo of trail in desert

The Painted Desert National Recreation Trail in the
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge

There are two procedures depending on whether the trail is on land administered by the US Department of Agriculture (typically National Forests), or on any other land.
The trail managing agency is responsible for submitting the application along with supporting letters, maps, photos, and other documentation.
Contact the appropriate Regional NRT Contact for assistance with applications.

If your trail is on federal land administered by (or associated with) the Secretary of Agriculture:

The Secretary of Agriculture has delegated authority for designating NRTs on land administered by that department (National Forests, National Grasslands, and National Recreation Areas) and associated lands to the USDA Forest Service.
See the list of Regional Contacts for NRTs for the USDA Forest Service
See the details of the US Forest Service designation process for NRTs.
Contact the USFS National Recreation Trails Program Coordinator, Jamie Schwartz
Recreation, Heritage & Wilderness, USDA Forest Service, P O Box 96090, Washington DC 20090; (202) 205-1589 -- Fax (202) 205-1145 -- Email: jschwartz01@fs.fed.us

If your trail is on other federal land (outside the Department of Agriculture) or on state, local, or private land:

The Secretary of the Interior is the designating official for NRT's on all other federal lands and on state, local, and private lands, and has delegated responsibility to the National Park Service for the overall administration of the NRT program under that department's jurisdiction.
See the details of the Department of the Interior designation process for NRTs.
Application for NRT designation to the Secretary of the Interior requires two components: an application form and a supplemental package of materials. The application form is available in Word format and is to be filled out electronically for submission by November 1. Email the completed form to the NRT Coordinator: Helen_Scully@nps.gov. Ship the supplemental package of materials to DOI NRT Coordinator, National Park Service (Org Code 2220), 1201 Eye Street, NW, 9th Floor, Space #7, Washington DC 20005. Both the application form and the supplemental package together will constitute the NRT application for your trail.
Trails on state, local government, or private land (anything other than federal) should submit a letter of support from the appropriate State Trails Administrator/Coordinator. See a Sample Letter of Support.
See the list of Regional Contacts for NRTs for the National Park Service.
The Washington, DC contact is the Department of the Interior's NRT Coordinator at National Park Service: (202) 354-6910 or email: helen_scully@nps.gov

National Recreation Trail applications are processed by both departments on an annual cycle. Applications must be submitted to the appropriate NRT Coordinator for the designation to be announced during the following National Trails Day celebration each June. See the Application Schedule page for current details.

Download the application for NRT Designation in Word format.
Details of National Recreation Trails in different states are on line at the NRT State-by-state page and the searchable NRT database.

We frequently add NRT information, photos and maps to these pages. Send suggestions and information requests to American Trails. Research additional NRTs in the NRT database. Update trail/contact information by sending us a completed update form (PDF format). You may also e-mail this information.

Related Pages:

HOW TO APPLY for NRT Designation

Who can apply for National Recreation Trail designation?

What kinds of trails are eligible?

What are the criteria for NRT designation?

How do I apply for National Recreation Trail designation?