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