The National Trails System Act created the National Trails System back today in 1968. The Act created national trails to promote the enjoyment and appreciation of trails while encouraging greater public access.
The Act established four classes of trails: national scenic trails, national historic trails, national recreation trails, and side or connecting trails.
The first two national scenic trails established under the Act were the Appalachian and the Pacific Crest trails. These two trails cover almost 5,000 miles between the two trails and go through some of our nation’s most beautiful areas.
Today, the system consists of 30 National Scenic and Historic Trails and over 1,000 National Recreation Trail and two connecting-and-side trails, with a total length of more than 50,000 miles.
Check out this video made last year for the 50th anniversary. It’s less than a minute! Click here.
I love maps, so had to share one! Click here for a map of all the trails in the system.
To celebrate this 51st anniversary, go and get out on a trail today!
Thank you for the information. I did not realize there were so many different trails. I am still learning and I appreciate you for supplying the video and maps.