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The National Trails System was created by act of Congress, 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 Today (2006) the National Trails System consists of 8 national scenic trails, 16 national historic trails, almost 1000 national recreation trails, and two connecting-and-side trails. Added together the lengths of all these trails totals well over 50,000 miles.

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 adninsitered 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.

These trails are ore than just hiking trails. Many are open to hikers, but some also welcome horeseback riders and auto campers.

For lists of individual trails, see:

• National Recreation Trail
• National Scenic Trail
• National Historic Trail

• National Trails System Act of 1968
• Bureau of Land Management
• USDA Forest Service
• National Park Service

• About PNTS
• Historic Trail Facts
• National Trails System
• Text of the National Trails System Act

U.S. National Trails System
National Scenic Trails:	Appalachian Trail | Pacific Crest Trail | Continental Divide Trail | North Country Trail | Ice Age Trail | Florida Trail | Potomac Heritage Trail | Natchez Trace Trail
National Historic Trails:	Oregon Trail | Mormon Trail | Lewis and Clark Trail | Iditarod Trail | Overmountain Victory Trail | Nez Perce Trail | Santa Fe Trail | Trail of Tears | Juan Bautista de Anza Trail | California Trail | Pony Express Trail | Selma to Montgomery Trail | El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro Trail | Ala Kahakai Trail | Old Spanish Trail | El Camino Real de los Tejas Trail | Captain John Smith Chesapeake Trail
National Recreation Trails:	National Recreation Trails Database | United States Forest Service | United States Park Service | Bureau of Land Management | Department of Agriculture