How can You Get Involved with the National Trails?

  1. Find a National Trail near you! Use our handy Interactive National Trails Map or our state-by-state list of trails to find your closest national trail-- or one far away that captures your imagination. National Scenic Trails are long-distance hiking trails through spectacular wilderness areas, and National Historic Trails commemorate an important story in American history along a road, bike path, foot path, or a chain of historic sites, often passing through landscapes as stunningly beautiful as those of the National Scenic Trails.
  2. Donate to the Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS). The PNTS is a registered 501(c)3 organization; all donations are tax-deductible.
  3. Join a Trail Organization! Most trails have at least one organization dedicated to stewardship, maintenance, or educational outreach for that trail. As a member and/or volunteer with a trail organization, you might build trail, help with events, participate in historical reenactments, lead youth groups... there is an opportunity for everyone! Check out our "Partners" page to find the trail association affiliated with your trail(s) of interest!
  4. Donate to a Trail Organization. All the National Trails are at various stages of completion and work to acquire trail corridor land, protect precious historic sites, provide accurate and engaging interpretation, and offer programs and events to foster trails stewardship. Your donations enable trail organizations live out their missions and make for a stronger, more beautiful, more protected National Trails System.
  5. Sign up for the Partnership for the National Trails Magazine or E-News — Both great ways to keep up with National Trails News and learn about the National Trails System. Contact PNTS directly by email or phone to join either mailing list.
  6. Participate in Advocacy The National Trails System is maintained through a complex set of public and private partnerships. One important part of National Trails System Stewardship is encouraging our legislators to recognize the importance of the trails and support them fiscally in national, state, and local budgets. Contact PNTS to receive Advocacy Action Alerts or contact your local trail organization to assist with their advocacy efforts.