National Recreation Trails Database

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In 1968, Congress passed the National Trail System Act to develop a network of recreational, scenic and historic trails in all 50 states. Every year, the Secretary of Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture designates trails of local or regional importance to become a part of the national trail system and receive benefits such as funding and promotional assistance.

To search the listing of over 1,000 trails, visit the National Recreation Trails Database at http://tutsan.forest.net/trails/default.htm. On the main page, you will see big green buttons to perform a basic search, browse through the entire list of trails or use the help button for a brief overview of a basic and advanced search. In a basic search, you can narrow by the trail name or part of a name, a specific state and/or trail use from a long list of activities. Whether you browse or search, you can always re-sort the list by clicking on the link at the top of any column. For example, "Len (mi)" will sort results by the length of the trail in miles, from shortest to longest.

Once you enter the database, you will find a link to the advanced search at the bottom and in the right hand sidebar. The advanced search does everything that a basic search can do as well as limit by county, trail type (e.g. "snow trail" or "Urban trail/bikeway"), up to two types of trail activities, managing agencies (e.g. "U.S. Corps of Engineers" and "State"), and/or year of designation. You can indicate how you want your results sorted prior to hitting the "Find Trails!" button.

Lastly, peruse through NRT photo contest entries and past winners from a link on the page above or directly at http://americantrails.org/photoGalleries/photocontest2009/index.html. This is an excellent way to get a snapshot of the trails prior to putting on your hiking boots or snow shoes!