NRT Designations:

NRT application process:

Department of the Interior NRT application

National Recreation Trail applications are processed on an annual cycle. For the designation to be announced for the following National Trails Day (celebrated first Saturday each June), applications to the Department of the Interior must be submitted by November 1. See more details on the Application Schedule page and the How to Apply for NRT Designation page.

Go to the Online Application Process to nominate a trail for NRT designation

See the Online NRT database for details on currently designated National Recreation Trails

Preview and Checklist for online application

This is a preview of the online NRT application process, to inform trail managers of the information and documents required. You may use this as a checklist to gather data for the online application. Basic information is entered on the database website, and supporting materials (maps, photos, etc.) in standard electronic formats can then be uploaded.

This application process is for trails on state, local, or private land, OR on federal land (outside the US Department of Agriculture). If your trail is on National Forest, National Grassland, or other land managed by the Department of Agriculture, see the USDA Application Process for NRTs.

Please note: This preview is for your own information only. All applications for NRT designation through the Department of the Interior must be made online through the Online Application Process.

UPDATING information on designated NRTs

If your trail is a designated National Recreation Trail, you can keep information current in the on line database. Updates may be made by the trail managing agency or organization responsible for management of the trail. Request access to your trail record(s) by contacting American Trails at nrt@americantrails.org. You will be emailed a password to use with your email address and trail name. The checklist below shows the data that can be updated or added to your online trail information.

To request access to your trail record, contact nrt@americantrails.org. You will be able to log in and make updates to your trail in the Online NRT Database.

Section 1 of 6: Trail Information

BASIC TRAIL INFORMATION

Trail Name

Trail Location

examples: “In Brandon State Park near Springfield, IA.” or “Railtrail that connects Millerville with Fort Claremont along the south shore of the Blue River northwest of Clark City.”

Agency

Directions to Trail

example: “From Springfield, take SR 897 west c. 6 miles to park entrance.” or “Many access points between Tampa and Fort Myers off of US 36.”

City(ies) / Township(s) crossed by the trail:

Separate multiple cities/townships with commas: Chicago, Oak Park, Forest Park

County(ies)

Separate multiple Counties with commas: Klamath, Lane

State(s)

Abbreviations only
Separate multiple States with commas: CA, OR, WA

Congressional District(s)

Separate multiple Districts with commas: 1, 3

Short Description of Trail

A quick “snapshot” for news releases, 75 words is the recommended maximum.

Long Description of Trail

For use on the NRT website. 500-800 words recommended. State how your trail is nationally significant, what sets your trail apart from others. Highlight the trail’s main features, emphasizing such factors as connection with other trails, health and fitness benefits, youth involvement, service to diverse communities and urban populations, innovation, quality of design and construction, maintenance plan, cost-effective management strategies, partnerships and support, outstanding resources, and even relevant art installations and interpretive facilities and services. As appropriate, describe the trail’s history and evolution including concept, lay-out, partnerships, historic uses, political issues, and special events. Also describe current management direction: protection, safety program, maintenance, rules and regulations, signs, and associated recreation features.

TRAIL DETAILS

Length of Trail Open to Public Use:

Miles
Loop?

Other Designations

Additional National Designations
Additional State Designations

Trail Type:

Backcountry Trail, Equestrian Trail, Fitness Trail, Greenway, Mountain Bike Trail, Nature Trail, Rail Trail, Snow Trail, Urban Trail/bikeway, Water Trail
Other Type

USES AND ACTIVITIES

Allowed Uses - Check all that apply:

Bicycling (on pavement)
Bicycling (off pavement)
Boating, Motorized
Boating, non-motorized: Canoeing
Boating, non-motorized: Kayaking
Boating, non-motorized: Rafting
Boating, non-motorized: Sailing
Camping
Caving
Dogs - Mushing
Dogs - Off leash
Dogs - On leash
Equestrian - Riding
Equestrian - Pack trips
Equestrian - Other stock
Fishing
Heritage and History
Hunting
Ice Skating
Land Sailing
Motorized vehicles - ATV riding
Motorized vehicles - Four wheel drive
Motorized vehicles - Motorcycling
Motorized vehicles - OHV driving
Motorized vehicles - Snowmobiling
Pedestrian - Walking/Hiking/Running
Rock Climbing
Roller/Inline Skating
Sand Sailing
Skateboarding
Snow - Cross-country Skiing
Snow - Downhill Skiing
Snow - Snow Play, General
Snow - Snowshoeing
Swimming
Swimming - Diving/snorkeling
Wildlife Observation
Other Uses / Notes

TRAIL FEATURES

Elevation

Lowest elevation in feet
Highest elevation in feet

Width of Tread

Average width in inches
Minimum width in inches

Grade of Trail

Average %
Maximum %
Average cross-slope (side slope) %

Accessibility Information if available

Trailhead signage
Brochure
Website
Other

PRIMARY AND ADDITIONAL SURFACE MATERIAL

Primary Trail Surface

Additional Surfaces - Check all that apply

Asphalt
Boardwalk
Bituminous treatment
Bricks
Concrete
Crushed Rock
Grass or Vegetation Gravel
Paver Blocks
Puncheon
Rock, boulders
Rock, smooth
Sand
Snow or ice
Soil
Soil, compacted
Soil with stabilizer
Water, moving
Water, still
Wood chips
Wood, running plank

VISITING AND FEES

Open Dates

Enter mm/dd to mm/dd
Open From / to /
Seasonal Closures

Times of Operation

Open 24 Hours
Open Hours From / to /

Fees - Yes or No:

Admission Fee
Parking Fee
Permit Fee
Visiting and Fee Notes

Section 2 of 6: Contact Information

If the trail is designated as an NRT, the Trail Managing Agency or Organization will appear on the NRT certificate, along with the trail's name.

You will be given the opportunity to add additional contacts if there are multiple agencies or organizations that manage the trail. You will also designate a public information contact.

APPLICANT CONTACT INFORMATION

Trail Managing Agency or Organization

e.g. Smith County Parks and Recreation Agency Unit

Agency Unit

e.g. Jones Lake Park

Trail Manager's Name

First: Middle Initial: Last:
Title
Position

Mailing Address

City, State, Zip
Street Address for deliveries (if different from Mailing Address)

Phone and Fax

Use format: (xxx) xxx-xxxx

Email

Website

Designation Letter

If the trail is designated as an NRT, a letter of designation will be delivered along with the NRT Certificate to the street address of the managing agency/organization. The Trail Manager's name will be on the letter. However, if you would like a different name (e.g. department head, mayor, president of the organization, etc.) and/or address to appear on the letter, please enter the information below.

Name First: Middle Initial: Last:
Title
Position
Street Address for Deliveries
City, State, Zip
Phone

Section 3 of 6: Owner Consent and State Support

Directions: Upload the appropriate documents to address the following requirements if they apply to your trail:

1. All public and private property owners of trail lands or waters must give written consent to this application. (*Not required if the applicant is the sole owner of the property).

2. Trails on State, local government, or private land (anything other than Federal) must have a statement of support from the State Trails Administrator/Coordinator.

Documents must be in one of these formats: .pdf, .doc, .docx

Section 4 of 6: Primary Trail Photo and Primary Trail Map

Directions: In this section, please upload the appropriate documents to enable reviewers as well as the public to find the trail.

Please Note: When you upload a photo you affirm that you have secured the rights for the photo to be used for publicity and promotion of National Recreation Trails and are giving us permission to do so. This includes use on the websites of the NRT Program, American Trails, and cooperating agencies and organizations, as well as their noncommercial publications. This also includes use by Trails.com and ViewRanger in promotion of National Recreation Trails through agreements with American Trails. You retain all other rights to your photos.

The photo must be a .jpg, and will be resized to 500 pixels wide. A horizontally-oriented photo will look best.

The map must be a .pdf or .jpg

Section 5 of 6: Additional Supporting Materials (optional)

Directions: In this section you may upload more photos and maps, brochures, letters, or resolutions of support, and additional websites. Photographs especially help convey a sense of the trail experience, the setting, and special facilities.

Materials to be uploaded must be in one of these formats: .pdf, .doc, .docx, .jpg, .kml, .kmz

Section 6 of 6: Print, Sign, and Upload the Signature Page

To complete the application process you must submit a signature page.

Step 1. Download the signature page here:
http://americantrails.org/NRTDatabase/NRTSignaturePage.pdf

Step 2. Print, Sign and Scan the Signature page.

Step 3. Upload the signature page using the form on this screen of the online application screen

Go to the Online Application Process to nominate a trail for NRT designation

See the Online NRT database for details on currently designated National Recreation Trails

The NRT Program online is hosted by American Trails

The National Recreation Trails Program
American Trails, P.O. Box 491797, Redding, CA 96049-1797
Phone (530) 547-2060 • Fax: (530) 547-2035 •
nrt@americantrails.org • www.AmericanTrails.org

National Recreation Trail applications are processed by both departments on an annual cycle. For the designation to be announced for the following National Trails Day (celebrated first Saturday each June), applications to DOI must be submitted by November 1 and applications to USDA must be submitted by February 15. See the Application Schedule page for current details.

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.