The National Trail System was created in 1968 "to promote the preservation of, public access to, travel within, and enjoyment and appreciation of the open-air, outdoor areas and historic resources of the Nation." The trails include scenic drives, long-distance hikes, and even boating routes. The system consists of:
11 National Scenic Trails
21 National Historic Trails
7 National Connecting & Side Trails
1 National Geologic Trail
1000+ National Recreation Trails*
Trail Name | Designation |
---|---|
Ala Kahakai | National Historic Trail |
Anvik Connector | Connecting/Side Trail |
Appalachian | National Scenic Trail |
Arizona | National Scenic Trail |
Butterfield Overland | National Historic Trail |
California | National Historic Trail |
Captain John Smith Chesapeake | National Historic Trail |
Chester River Component | Connecting/Side Trail |
Chilkoot | National Historic Trail |
Continental Divide | National Scenic Trail |
El Camino Real de los Tejas | National Historic Trail |
El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro | National Historic Trail |
Florida | National Scenic Trail |
Ice Age | National Scenic Trail |
Ice Age Floods | National Geologic Trail |
Iditarod | National Historic Trail |
Juan Bautista de Anza | National Historic Trail |
Lewis and Clark | National Historic Trail |
Marion to Selma | Connecting/Side Trail |
Mormon Pioneer | National Historic Trail |
Natchez Trace | National Scenic Trail |
New England | National Scenic Trail |
Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) | National Historic Trail |
North Country | National Scenic Trail |
Old Spanish | National Historic Trail |
Oregon | National Historic Trail |
Overmountain Victory | National Historic Trail |
Pacific Crest | National Scenic Trail |
Pacific Northwest | National Scenic Trail |
Pony Express | National Historic Trail |
Potomac Heritage | National Scenic Trail |
Santa Fe | National Historic Trail |
Selma to Montgomery | National Historic Trail |
Star-Spangled Banner | National Historic Trail |
Susquehanna River Component | Connecting/Side Trail |
Timms Hill Trail | Connecting/Side Trail |
Trail of Tears | National Historic Trail |
Upper James River Component | Connecting/Side Trail |
Upper Nanticoke River Component | Connecting/Side Trail |
Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route | National Historic Trail |