Tips, Resources, and Updates on COVID-19
The spread of COVID-19 has resulted in widespread social distancing measures across the United States, but what does that mean for outdoor recreation? We are bringing you the latest news, updates, and announcements on cancellations, closures, alternative recreation experiences, and more.
Many upcoming training opportunities and conferences have been canceled or postponed. Accordingly, we are updating our training calendar daily to reflect these changes. The latest updates can always be found here.
The U.S. Forest Service has issued its current iteration of guidance for Regional Foresters for the operation of recreational and food service sites on Forest Service lands. Download the statement.
The National Park Service just made our National Parks free to enter. The latest statement from the National Parks Service on COVID-19 can be found here.
The latest statement from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on COVID-19 can be found here.
Other statements on COVID-19 can be found at these links —
According to the latest guidelines social distancing doesn't mean you can't go outside. In fact, continued exercise is good for your immune system. However, before you go out make sure to check your state’s regulations by following the link to your state at the bottom of this article. Some state's have issued shelter in place orders, which could mean you need to stay off the trails. Here is what you need to remember if you are engaging in outdoor activities —
You can directly read the guidelines from the Center for Disease Control here.
Read more from American Trails on the respite of trails and outdoor recreation here.
Google Arts and Culture has teamed up with the National Park Service to offer virtual tours of five of our National Parks. Additionally you can explore stories, art, and artifacts from many National Parks on their website by clicking here.
The National Park Service offers their own virtual tours of Yellowstone National Park that can be found here.
American Trails offers monthly webinars which are recorded and are available for download, including many that are free. You can browse the webinar catalog here.
Ranger Rick magazine is offering a free digital subscription through June. Find out more here.
Alabama State Parks are offering virtual programming via their Facebook pages. Find out more here.
The National Park Service has a free printable coloring book featuring birds you can see on our nation's trails. Find it here.
Many state parks are limiting hours, suspending programs, and closing sites. Before you venture to a state park near you check your state park website for the latest information.
Published March 2020
posted Sep 14, 2026
On August 21, 2026, the U.S. Forest Service announced it will publish a Notice of Intent (NOI) amending the Travel Management Rule (36 CFR 212), the regulation that governs how roads and trails on National Forest System lands are designated for motor vehicle use. The formal notice was published in the Federal Register on August 24 under Docket FS-2026-0100, opening a comment period that runs through September 23, 2026.
2026 Tom Petri Recreational Trails Program Annual Achievement Award Winners Announced
posted Jun 12, 2026
The Coalition for Recreational Trails has announced ten winners of its 2026 Tom Petri Recreational Trails Program Annual Achievement Awards, honoring outstanding use of federal Recreational Trails Program funds across nine states. The recipients will be recognized at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on June 25.
Gov. Kim Reynolds announces new Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation
posted Jun 12, 2026
Iowa's new Office of Outdoor Recreation is aimed at expanding and promoting Iowa's outdoor recreation opportunities.
Great American Outdoors Act 250 Introduced in Congress with Broad Bipartisan Support
posted Jun 11, 2026
Congress has introduced the Great American Outdoors Act 250 (GAOA 250), a bipartisan bill proposing $1.9 billion annually over five years to restore trails, campgrounds, and public lands infrastructure.
