The '''National Trails System''', [http://www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs/nts/] is a system of over a thousand trails throughout the United States administered by the federal government. There are
National Scenic Trails
National Scenic Trails have been established in order to allow public access through areas of "spectacular natural beauty and to allow the pursuit of healthy outdoor recreation." There are eleven of these trails, the most popular is the Appalachian Trail running from Georgia to Maine and American hiking enthusiasts have labeled three of these?the Appalachian, Continental Divide, & Pacific Crest National Scenic Trails?the "Triple Crown" of hiking conquests.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail?2175 miles, a Canadian trail continues this another 690 miles into New Brunswick & Quebec and soon (under construction) Newfoundland.
Arizona National Scenic Trail?807 miles
Continental Divide National Scenic Trail?3100 miles
Florida National Scenic Trail?1300 miles
Ice Age National Scenic Trail?1000 miles
Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail?695 miles
New England National Scenic Trail?220 miles, existing trail wasn't recognized as a NST until March 2009
North Country National Scenic Trail?3200 miles
Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail?2638 miles
Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail?1200 miles, existing trail wasn't recognized as a NST until March 2009
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail?700 miles
National Historic Trails
Following historic routes or simply passing through historic regions, these trails are more for historical interest and less hiking/camping demanding than NSTs.
Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail?175 miles
California National Historic Trail?5665 miles
Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail?3000 miles
El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail?2580 miles
El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail?404 miles, US segment of the 1600-mile Mexico City-Santa Fe hiking trail following a colonial trade route.
Iditarod National Historic Trail?2350 miles
Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail?1200 miles
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail?3700 miles
Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail?1300 miles
Nez Perce National Historic Trail?1170 miles
Old Spanish National Historic Trail?2700 miles
Oregon National Historic Trail?2170 miles
Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail?275 miles
Pony Express National Historic Trail?1966 miles
Santa Fe National Historic Trail?1203 miles
Selma To Montgomery National Historic Trail?54 miles
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail?290 miles
Trail of Tears National Historic Trail?2200 miles
Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail??
National Recreation Trails
National Geologic Trail
The first National Geologic Trail was created by the 2009 stimulus package and will be developed over the next few years.
Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail