National Recreation Trail designation promotes some of our country's greatest trails-- trails that provide recreation access to rural and urban communities and enhance economic development through tourism.
National Recreation Trail designation is federally recognized as provided by the National Trails System Act of 1968 (Public Law 90-543).
The National Trails System Act of 1968 authorized creation of a national system of trails comprised of National Recreation Trails, National Scenic Trails and National Historic Trails.
National Water Trails are a sub-set of National Recreation Trails. There are dozens of NWTs-- ranging from less than 2 miles to over 600 miles in length.
Search over 1,300 of trails located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
Your assistance will help ensure that your designated
National Recreation Trail (NRT) or National Water Trails (NWT) is accurately reflected, and the NRT database
and associated records are complete and accurate.
webinar: National Recreation Trails: Designating Your Trail for NRT Status
Discover the benefits to designating your trail(s) as an NRT, the history of National Recreation Trails, the process for trails to become NRTs, and more.
webinar: National Water Trails: Designating Your Trail for NWT Status
Discover the benefits to designating your trail(s) as an NWT, the history of National Recreation Trails (NRT) and National Water Trails, the process for trails to become NWTs, and more.
FAQ: How to designate your trail as a National Recreational Trail.
The NRT program works to preserve and celebrate our nation's pathways. Here's an overview of how to apply for NRT designation.
American Trails sponsors the annual Photo Contest for designated National Recreation Trails. In celebration of these great trails, we are presenting awards in several categories to highlight the diversity of NRTs, from backcountry trails to urban greenways.
National Recreation Trails work to preserve and celebrate our nation's pathways. We invite you to explore America’s great national system of trails and greenways.
