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NRT Designation News

THE NATIONAL RECREATION TRAILS (NRT) program works to preserve and celebrate our nation's pathways. We invite you to explore America’s great national system of trails and greenways.

See the year by year Annual NRT Designations page

Search over 1,000 National Recreation Trails in the online database

See the state-by-state index of Featured National Recreation Trails

2001 National Recreation Trail designations

Fifteen trails have been designated this year as new National Recreation Trails

Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton announced on National Trails Day, June 2, 2001 the designation of 15 new trails in 13 states and Puerto Rico as National Recreation Trails (NRT). The NRT is a component of the National Trails System that recognizes trails for their exceptional conservation efforts. The designation affords each trail the unique distinction as part of the National Trails System.

"I commend all of the citizens that have labored to make these trails exceptional and worthy of this prestigious designation," said Norton. "This designation is an indication of the community's commitment to conservation and ensuring public access to outdoor recreational opportunities close to home."

The following trails were designated as National Recreation Trails in 2001; click on the state or trail name for more information:

photo of trail along coast with big ship

Paseo del Morro in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Arkansas:

Pigeon Creek Trail System - A backcountry trail in Norfolk Lake, Arkansas, it is known for scenic areas and mountain biking opportunities.

Arizona:

Prescott Peavine Trail - This scenic rail-trail is Prescott, Arizona's first multi-use, non-motorized trail for all ages and has already been accepted into the Arizona State Trails System.

Florida:

Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway - This multi-county greenway makes up part of the Florida National Scenic Trail. A wide variety of natural habitats can be found in this state recreation area.

Kentucky:

Mary Ingles Trail System - This network is comprised of six loop trails that offer scenic views of Kentucky's Yatesville Lake. The trail has received widespread multi-agency support and is recognized for its historic and natural resources.

Maryland and Pennsylvania:

The Great Allegheny Passage - The main line of a trail system running from the C&O Canal Towpath at Cumberland, MD, to the Forks of the Ohio River at Pittsburgh, the trail will ultimately link Pittsburgh with Washington, D.C. on a near-level rail-trail through the Allegheny Mountains.

Massachusetts:

Grand Trunk Trail - This rail-trail serves as a link between two towns and various trails in southern New England. It is the result of a collaborative effort between local, nonprofit, state and federal agencies.

Massachusetts:

Metacomet-Monadnock Trail (2 sections) - Primarily a backcountry footpath for over 150 years, this multi-county trail in Massachusetts is surrounded by historic/cultural and natural resources.

Nebraska:

Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail (3 sections) - This trail has received distinction as the Nation's longest rail to trail conversion, and Nebraska's first State Recreation Trail.

North Carolina:

Princeville Heritage Trail - A project of Save America's Treasures, the dike is the first phase of a continuous trail system in Princeville, North Carolina.

Puerto Rico:

Paseo del Morro - This trail dates back to the 1630's and provides spectacular views of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico and the Atlantic Ocean.

South Carolina:

Bluff Trail - Located in Walterboro, South Carolina, this trail combines forest, wildlife and watershed management to provide recreational and educational opportunities.

Tennessee:

Keel Spring Nature Trail - This unique Tennessee trail is an example of multiple-use forest management, serving as an outdoor classroom, low-impact recreational corridor, and wildlife corridor.

Virginia:

Buffalo Creek Nature Area - This area of Virginia and its trails provide a unique setting in which to educate visitors about native plant species.

West Virginia:

Weston & Gauley Bridge Turnpike - Listed on the Register of Historic Places, this trail precedes the Civil War and serves thousands of visitors to Burnsville Lake in West Virginia each year.

Wyoming:

Muddy Mountain Interpretive Nature Trail - Located near Casper, Wyoming, this trail's surface and gentle grade allow a variety of users to enjoy recreational opportunities close-to-home.

National Recreation Trails are components of the National Trails System and recognize already existing trails that connect people to resources and improve their quality of life. The program is jointly administered by the National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program and the U.S. Forest Service in conjunction with other federal and nonprofit partners, notably American Trails. Each of the trails inducted into the system will receive a certificate of designation and trail markers. They join a network that contains more than 11,000 miles of trails. More information is available at the National Recreation Trails website, hosted by American Trails. Following are the 40 additions to the National Trails System named by Secretary Kempthorne:

Each year nominations for designation of new National Recreation Trails may be submitted. The National Park Service and USDA Forest Service jointly administer the NRT program with help from other federal and nonprofit partners, notably American Trails, which hosts the National Recreation Trails website (www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails). The National Recreation Trail Program recognizes trails that provide opportunities for all Americans to enjoy the out-of-doors and improve the quality of life of our communities.

The nomination process follows an annual timetable which results in official designation by the Secretary of the Interior each June. See the 2003 U.S. Department of Agriculture NRT Designations page for additional trails on National Forests and Grasslands.

The Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program and the USDA Forest Service administer the program in conjunction with a other federal and nonprofit partners, notably American Trails, which hosts the National Recreation Trails website. RTCA is a community resource of the National Park Service which provide technical assistance to community groups and local, State, and federal government agencies to help conserve rivers, preserve open space, and develop trails and greenways.

Each year nominations for designation of new National Recreation Trails may be submitted. Details of the program may be found on the NRT website hosted by American Trails: (www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails). The National Recreation Trail Program recognizes trails that provide opportunities for all Americans to enjoy the out-of-doors and improve the quality of life of our communities.