Application Instructions and Requirements

How to apply for National Recreation Trail designation

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HOW TO APPLY for NRT Designation
Hosted by AmericanTrails.org
Is your trail a good candidate for National Recreation Trail designation? This
page will tell you the requirements and how to nominate your trail.
USDOI APPLICATION for NRT designation (for all trails EXCEPT those
on National Forests and Grasslands)
USDA PROCESS for NRT designation (for land administered by the US
Department of Agriculture: National Forests, National Grasslands, and
National Recreation Areas, and associated lands)
Learn about National Water Trails System designation

 NRT Designations:
NRT designations year by year
US Forest Service designated NRTs
Bureau of Land Management NRTs
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service NRTs
US Army Corps of Engineers NRTs
National Water Trails System designation
Featured National Recreation Trails
Search the NRT Database

 NRT application process:
How to apply for NRT designation
Update online trail information
Online application for DOI trails
Contacts

Who can apply for National Recreation Trail
designation?

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Any public or private trail manager, operating a trail that meets the
definition and criteria below may apply for NRT designation.

What kinds of trails are eligible?

A trail is a travel way established either through construction or use and is passable by at least one or more of the
following, including but not limited to: foot traffic, stock, watercraft, bicycles, in-line skates, wheelchairs, cross-country
skis, off-road recreation vehicles such as motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, and four-wheel drive vehicles.

Roads and highways suitable for passenger car travel are not eligible for NRT designation. Other programs are more
appropriate for their recognition, such as the National Scenic Byways Program: see http://www.byways.org or call (800)
429-9297.

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For examples of the kinds of trails that eligible, see descriptions of trails designated as NRTs in NRT designations year by
year.

What are the criteria for NRT designation?
The trail must be open to public use and be designed,
constructed, and maintained according to best management
practices, in keeping with the use anticipated. Trails that
demonstrate state-of-the-art design and management are
especially encouraged to apply for NRT designation.
The trail is in compliance with applicable land use plans and
environmental laws.
The trail will be open for public use for at least 10 consecutive
years after designation.

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NRT designation must be supported by the landowner(s),
public or private, whose property the trail crosses.

How do I apply for National Recreation Trail
designation?

LENA LAKE TRAIL IN WASHINGTON'S OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST

There are two procedures depending on whether the trail is on
land administered by the US Department of Agriculture (typically
National Forests), or on any other land.
If your trail is on federal land administered by (or
associated with) the US Department
of Agriculture:
The USDA Forest Service has
authority for designating NRTs
on land administered by the Department of Agriculture
(National Forests, National Grasslands, and National
Recreation Areas) and associated lands.

http://www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails/ApplyNRT.html[12/5/2016 10:26:07 AM]

How to apply for National Recreation Trail designation

See the list of Regional Contacts for NRTs for the USDA Forest
Service
See the details of the US Forest Service designation process
for NRTs.
Contact the USFS National Recreation Trails Program
Coordinator, Jonathan Stephens, USDA Forest Service, (202)
205-1701 - Fax (202) 205-1145 - Email:
jstephens02@fs.fed.us

THE PAINTED DESERT NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL IN THE
IMPERIAL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

If your trail is on other federal land (outside the
Department of Agriculture) or on state, local, or private land:
The Secretary of the Interior is the designating official for NRT's on all other federal lands and on state, local, and private
lands, and has delegated responsibility to the National Park Service for the overall administration of the NRT program under
that department's jurisdiction.
See the schedule and timeline for Department of Interior designation process for NRTs.
Online Application Process: Nominations for NRT designation for the Department of the Interior are done online through
the NRT Database. See a checklist of the information and documents required. Supporting materials, such as maps,
brochures, photos, and letter of support must be in electronic format and are uploaded as part of the online submission
process.
Note that trails on state, local government, or private land (anything other than Federal) should submit a letter of support
from the appropriate State Trails Administrator/Coordinator. See a Sample Letter of Support.
See the list of Regional Contacts for NRTs for assistance by National Park Service staff.
The Washington, DC contact is the Department of the Interior's NRT Coordinator at National Park Service: (202) 354-6910
or email: helen_scully@nps.gov

When can I apply for NRT designation?
National Recreation Trail applications are processed by both departments on an annual cycle.
DOI applications must be submitted by November 1 for or the designation to be announced for the following National Trails
Day (celebrated first Saturday each
June).
USDA applications MAY be sent at any time, but must be submitted by February 15 to be included in publicity with DOI
designations each June.
See the Application Schedule page for current details.
Details of National Recreation Trails in different states are on line at the NRT State-by-state page and the searchable NRT
database.

We frequently add NRT information, photos and maps to these pages. Send suggestions and information
requests to American Trails. Research additional NRTs in the NRT database. Update trail/contact
information by sending us a completed update form (PDF format). You may also e-mail this information.

The on-line database has details on the currently designated National Recreation Trails. The NRT Program online is hosted by American Trails:
www.AmericanTrails.org

The NTTP Online Calendar connects you with courses, conferences, and trail-related training

Promote your trail through the National Recreation Trails Program

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http://www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails/ApplyNRT.html[12/5/2016 10:26:07 AM]

How to apply for National Recreation Trail designation

The National Recreation Trails Program
American Trails, P.O. Box 491797, Redding, CA 96049-1797
Phone (530) 605-4395 • Fax: (530) 547-2035 •

http://www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails/ApplyNRT.html[12/5/2016 10:26:07 AM]