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United States National Trails System

Photo: EgorovaSvetlana, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The National Trails System includes over a thousand trails throughout the United States, and is administered by the federal government as part of the United States National Park system. They are designated by acts of Congress, marking them among the best trails of the nation.

Most of the National Scenic Trails and National Historic Trails are over 100 mi lon. Most visitors hike only a portion of the trail at a time, maybe hiking segments over several years to finish.

There are four types of trails:

  • National Scenic Trails showcase the country’s natural beauty
  • National Historic Trails protect important routes in the history of the nation
  • National Recreation Trails contribute to the goal of a national trail network
  • National Geologic Trails showcase specific events of geologic history
National Scenic TrailsNational Scenic Trails were established to allow public access through areas of "spectacular natural beauty and to allow the pursuit of healthy outdoor recreation." There are eleven of these trails.
National Historic TrailsFollowing historic routes or themes, the National Historic Trails emphasize the history of the areas covered. They tend to be less demanding than the Scenic Trails.
National Geologic TrailThe first National Geologic Trail was created in 2009:
National Recreation TrailsThere are over one thousand National Recreation Trails, spread across every state.
See also

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