Zen-Sunset Travel Network

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.  View map.

Other visions come to mind with trails. In the early 20th century, outdoor enthusiasts in New England and the Sierra Nevada's 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.

For further information on the National Trails System and its various components and programs, contact: National Trails System Branch, National Park Service (782), P.O. Box 37127, Washington, D.C. 20013-7127, or call 202-343-3780.