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 |
