Long-distance trails in the United States

Long-distance trails in the United States
National Park Service · Public domain · source
Name	Long-distance trails of the United States
Location	United States
Length	Various (tens to thousands of miles)
Use	Hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, cycling, skiing
Surface	Natural, gravel, paved
Difficulty	Varied

Long-distance trails in the United States are continuous, often multi-day corridors used for recreation, travel, and conservation that traverse diverse landscapes from coastal plains to alpine ranges. These routes include federally designated National Scenic Trails, National Historic Trails, state long trails, regional greenways, and converted rail corridors that link communities, protected areas, and cultural sites. They are developed, managed, and used by a constellation of National Park Service, United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and state and local partners.

History and development

Early long routes in the United States reflect indigenous travelways such as the Trail of Tears routes and tribal trails later incorporated into colonial and frontier pathways like the Great Wagon Road and Santa Fe Trail. In the 19th century, explorers and surveyors including Lewis and Clark Expedition and trails associated with the California Gold Rush formalized overland corridors. The 20th century saw conservation and recreation movements led by figures and organizations such as John Muir, the Sierra Club, and the Boy Scouts of America advocate for preserved corridors, while federal legislation like the National Trails System Act of 1968 established the legal framework for Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail. Postwar initiatives and rail-trail conversions influenced by groups such as the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy produced multiuse greenways like the Katy Trail State Park and the High Line urban example. More recent decades brought climate, accessibility, and indigenous co-management dialogues involving agencies such as the National Park Service and tribal governments like the Navajo Nation.

Notable long-distance trails

The federally designated National Scenic Trails include the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail, each crossing multiple states and drawing thru-hikers worldwide. National Historic Trails include the Oregon Trail, Santa Fe Trail, and Lewis and Clark Trail, preserving migration, trade, and exploration heritage. State and regional exemplars include Vermont’s Long Trail, Maine’s Mahoosuc sections, Oregon’s Rim pathways, and the multiuse Katy Trail State Park in Missouri. Urban and rail-trail projects include the High Line, Katy Trail (Missouri), and the Great Allegheny Passage connecting to the C&O Canal National Historical Park Towpath. Specialized routes include the Arizona National Scenic Trail, the Natchez Trace Parkway corridor, the Florida Trail, and long-distance cycling routes like the United States Bicycle Route System corridors and the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail.

Trail classification and management

Trails are classified under federal statute as National Scenic Trails, National Historic Trails, or National Recreation Trails; many state systems add designations like state scenic trail and long trail status. Management typically involves interagency cooperation among the National Park Service, United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, state parks agencies such as California State Parks, and nonprofit stewards like the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Pacific Crest Trail Association, Continental Divide Trail Coalition, and local land trusts such as the Sierra Club-affiliated chapters. Funding streams include federal appropriations via the National Trails System Act, state budgets, philanthropic grants from organizations like the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and volunteer labor coordinated through groups such as the American Hiking Society. Land access and easements often involve partnerships with private landowners, conservation easement organizations like The Trust for Public Land, and municipal governments.

Use, recreation, and conservation impacts

Long corridors provide habitat connectivity for species protected by statutes and programs administered by agencies like the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and support migration routes for fauna noted by the National Park Service. Recreational uses—hiking, backpacking, equestrian use, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing—are regulated through management plans developed by partners such as the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and state parks systems. High-use trails face ecological pressures including erosion, invasive species highlighted by United States Department of Agriculture research, and wildlife disturbance prompting mitigation strategies used by organizations like the Sierra Club and academic studies from institutions such as University of California and University of Colorado. Conservation outcomes include corridor protection that benefits initiatives like the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and landscape-scale projects by the Nature Conservancy.

Route planning, logistics, and safety

Thru-hiking and section-hiking planning relies on guidebooks published by entities such as Appalachian Trail Conservancy, route data from the United States Geological Survey, and mapping tools developed by firms like National Geographic and community platforms maintained by volunteer groups. Logistics include resupply strategies using post offices, outfitters in towns like Bentonville, Arkansas or Ashland, Oregon, and shuttle services provided by local businesses. Safety protocols emphasize water treatment, wildlife awareness (including black bears and mountain lions in regions overseen by National Park Service and United States Forest Service), weather preparedness for alpine passes monitored by entities like the National Weather Service, and Leave No Trace practices promoted by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.

Cultural and economic significance

Long-distance trails underpin tourism economies in gateway communities such as those along the Appalachian Trail corridor and the Pacific Crest Trail footprint, supporting lodging, outfitting, and guide services regulated by local chambers of commerce and economic development agencies. Trails interpret cultural heritage via museums and historic sites like the National Pony Express Museum and partnerships with indigenous communities including the Cherokee Nation and Shoshone-Bannock Tribes to present narratives linked to routes like the Oregon Trail and Santa Fe Trail. Economic analyses by universities and agencies like the Bureau of Economic Analysis demonstrate multiplier effects while nonprofit stewardship models employed by organizations such as the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy illustrate sustained community investment and landscape-scale conservation.

Category:Trails in the United States