National Trails System (United States)
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The National Trails System was created by the National Trails System Act (Public Law 90-543), a federal law passed by the United States Congress on October 2, 1968. This Act created a series of trails "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." Specifically, the Act authorized three types of trails: National Scenic Trails, National Recreation Trails, and connecting-and-side trails. The 1968 Act also created two national scenic trails, the Appalachian and Pacific Crest National Scenic Trails, and requested that an additional 14 trail routes be studied for possible inclusion.
In 1978, as a result of the study of trails that were most significant for their historic associations, a fourth category of trail was added: National Historic Trails. Since 1968 over 40 trail routes have been studied for inclusion in the system. Of these studied trails, 21 have been established as part of the system. In 2006 the National Trails System consisted of eight national scenic trails, sixteen national historic trails, almost 1,000 national recreation trails, and two connecting-and-side trails. Added together the lengths of all these trails totals well over 50,000 miles (80,000 km). These trails are more than just hiking trails. Many are open to hikers, but some also welcome horseback riders and automobile campers.
As Congressionally-established long-distance trails, each of the scenic and historic trails is administered by a Federal agency: either the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the USDA Forest Service, or the National Park Service (NPS). Two are jointly administered by BLM and NPS. Sometimes these agencies acquire lands to protect key sites, resources, and viewsheds. More often, however, they work in partnership with states, local units of government, land trusts, and private landowners to protect lands and structures along these trails to enable them to be accessible to the public. National recreation trails and connecting-and-side trails do not require Congressional action, but are recognized by actions of the secretaries of the Interior or Agriculture.
The Act is codified as . However, it has been amended numerous times since its passage,[1] most recently on October 18, 2004 (Pub.L. 108-342).[2]
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