Prev Next

National Trails System

In the early days of this nation, before railroads and highways were constructed, people traveled overland on foot, on horseback, or by wagon. Some of these trails remain in existence today as reminders of our rich historic past. Stories of the Oregon Trail, the Santa Fe Trail, the Trail of Tears, and others bring to mind exciting and sometimes tragic chapters in our national heritage. Other visions come to mind with trails. In the early 20th century, outdoor enthusiasts in New England and the Sierra Nevadas constructed footpaths to gain access to scenic mountain terrain. Trails became a way to gain access to spectacular natural beauty and at the same time to pursue healthy outdoor recreation. The first interstate recreational trail was conceived in 1921 as a national preserve parallel to the East Coast; it is known today as the Appalachian Trail. In 1968 to provide federal assistance to the Appalachian Trail and to establish a national system of trails, Congress passed the National Trails System Act. The Appalachian and Pacific Crest trails were named in the act as the first two national scenic trails. Today the National Trails System consists of Congressionally designated national scenic trails, which are continuous protected scenic corridors for outdoor recreation, and national historic trails, which recognize prominent past routes of exploration, migration, and military action. The historic trails generally consist of remnant sites and trail segments, and thus are not necessarily continuous. Although both types are administered by federal agencies, land ownership may be in public or private hands. Of the 17 national scenic and national historic trails so far established, 12 are administered by the National Park Service, four by the Forest Service, and one by the Bureau of Land Management. National recreation trails are existing trails recognized by the Federal Government as contributing to the National Trails System. They vary in length, terrain, difficulty, and accessibility. These trails are managed by public and private agencies at the local, state, and national levels and include nature trails, river routes, and historic tours. Besides administering and coordinating national trails, the National Park Service conducts a variety of programs to enhance and build a national system of trails available to all. Trail system planning occurs at the metropolitan, state, and regional levels to fulfill the requirement for a National Trail Plan. Through its Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program, the National Park Service provides technical assistance to local and state public agencies and private organizations working on river and trail corridor projects. Some of these involve establishing trails on abandoned railroad rights-of-way. NATIONAL SCENIC TRAILS Appalachian National Scenic Trail National Park Service Established 1968 2,144 miles (3,452 km) The Appalachian Trail was first envisioned in 1921 by Benton MacKaye as a greenway from Maine to Georgia. The trail hugs the crests of the Appalachian Mountains and is open only to the hikers. Shelters are spaced for convenient overnight stays. The Appalachian Trail Conference established in 1925, developed the trail and maintains it today through 32 affiliated volunteer trail clubs. Only 65 miles still needs protection through public ownership. Almost 175 people each year hike the entire trail, while millions find inspiration and adventure on shorter trips along the "A.T." Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Forest Service Established 1978 3,200 miles (5,150 km) The Continental Divide Trail provides spectacular backcountry travel the length of the Rocky Mountains from Mexico to Canada. It is the most rugged of the long-distance trails. The only section officially designated runs for 795 miles from Canada through Montana and Idaho to Yellowstone National Park. It is open to hikers, pack and saddle animals, and in some places, off-road motorized vehicles. Some segments are open for use in other states. Florida National Scenic Trail Forest Service Established 1983 1,300 miles (2,090 km) The Florida Trail was conceived and initiated by James A. Kern, who formed the Florida Trail Association in 1964. The trail will eventually extend from Big Cypress National Preserve in South Florida through Florida^s three national forests to Gulf Islands National Seashore in the western panhandle. It is especially delightful for winter hiking and camping, passing through America^s only subtropical landscape. Side loop trails connect to nearby historic sites and other points of interest. More than 1,000 miles are completed and some 300 miles are officially open to public use. Ice Age National Scenic Trail National Park Service Established 1980 1,000 miles (1,610 km) At the end of the Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago, glaciers retreated from North America and left behind a chain of moraine hills which defined their southern edge. In Wisconsin, the band of hills zigzags across the state for 1,000 miles from Lake Michigan to the Saint Croix River. A trail along these hills was conceived by Ray Zillmer in the 1950s and publicized by Rep. Henry Reuss in his book, On the Trail of the Ice Age. Today, with help from the State of Wisconsin and the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation, almost half of the trail is open to public use. Certain sections are popular for marathons, ski races, and ultra-running. Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail National Park Service Established 1983 110 miles (180 km) The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trails within the boundaries of the Natchez Trace Parkway, extending for 450 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. The Parkway commemorates the historic Natchez Tracer, an ancient path that began as a series of animal tracks and Native American trails. It was late used by early explorers, "Kaintuck" boatmen, post riders, and military men, including General Andrew Jackson after his victory at the Battle of New Orleans. In the trail^s 1987 comprehensive plan, four segments near Nashville, Jackson, and Natchez totalling 110 miles were selected for development as hiking and horseback trails. North Country National Scenic Trail National Park Service Established 1980 3,200 miles (5,150 km) Conceived in the mid-1960s, the North Country Trail links New York^s Adirondack Mountains with the Missouri River in North Dakota. The trail journeys through a variety of environments: the grandeur of the Adirondacks, Pennsylvania^s hardwood forests, the farmland and canals of Ohio, the Great Lakes shorelines of Michigan, the glacier-carved forests, lakes, and streams of northern Wisconsin and Minnesota, and the vast plains of North Dakota. Today, almost half of this trail is open for public use. Some of the longer segments cross nine national forests and two national park areas along the route. Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Forest Service Established 1968 2,638 miles (4,247 km) Lying along the spectacular shoulders of the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges from Canada to Mexico, the Pacific Crest is the West Coast counterpart of the Appalachian Trail. Inspired in the 1930s by the idea of a long-distance mountain trail, citizen activists worked with the Forest Service to establish the trail. It passes through 25 national forests and seven national parks. The trail was completed in Oregon and Washington in 1987. Today only 30 miles in California are not protected. Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail National Park Service Established 1983 700 miles (1,130 km) The Potomac Heritage Trail recognizes and commemorates the unique mix of history and recreation along the Potomac River. Much is already in place: the 184-mile towpath of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in the District of Columbia and Maryland, the 18-mile Mount Vernon Trial in Virginia, and the 75-mile Laurel Highlands Trail in Pennsylvania. In western Maryland, members of the Potomac Heritage Trail have recommended a 55-mile hiking path from Cumberland, Maryland, north to Pennsylvania^s Mount Davis and on to the Laurel Highlands.

Uploaded: 2/21/2004