America’s National Trails

Connecting communities, delivering benefits

Jesse Prentice-Dunn and Tyler McIntosh

For more than 50 years, America’s National Trail system has protected our natural and cultural heritage and provided access for people of all stripes to spend time outdoors. From the Pacific Crest Trail to a neighborhood bikeway, these trails are cornerstones of Western communities and local economies. Today, the National Trails System encompasses more than 88,000 miles, divided into National Scenic Trails, National Historic Trails, and National Recreation Trails.

National Trail designations help land managers acquire land to connect these iconic pathways and ensure the public can have greater access. These trails provide a range of benefits, boosting economies, improving physical and mental health, and connecting communities. While these landscapes face a range of threats, from overcrowding to development, you can make a difference by using, volunteering, and supporting your local trails. 

Explore the National Trails System!

Learn more about the National Trails System below, and then watch stories of people who use, advocate for, and maintain the system.

Types of National Trails

National Scenic Trails

 National Scenic Trails  are routes designated for their outstanding recreational and scenic opportunities. Well-known examples include the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail.

National Historic Trails

 National Historic Trails  follow routes of historic explorations, migrations, struggles, trade routes, or military actions. They offer opportunities to connect history and culture to place.

National Recreation Trails

 National Recreation Trails  provide recreation opportunities close to communities all over the country. Almost 1,300 of these trails have been designated, across all 50 states.

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Conservation from the ground up

The national trails system is important to everyday people just like you, who traverse its length, volunteer to maintain it, and advocate for its existence for future generations. Listen to stories from some of those people here and learn about different trails in the system.

Get involved

To  help support our National Trails , you can volunteer, become a Trail Ambassador, learn about the  Partnership for the National Trails System  and  become a supporter  or  sign up for their e-newsletter , or just get there and enjoy a trail!