The first officially recognized trail in the United States is the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, completed in 1921. Stretching approximately 3,500 kilometers, it traverses 14 states and over a dozen national parks.
The National Trails System Act stipulates that the purpose of creating the trail system is to promote public conservation, use, enjoyment, and appreciation of the nation’s natural and historical resources.
Standards
At least 50 kilometers
National trails in Europe and America are all multi-use trails—combining hiking, rollerblading, horseback riding, and mountain biking—each stretching at least 50 kilometers, with the longest extending for thousands of kilometers. They feature specially designed signage systems installed at key points along the route, and motorized vehicles are not permitted.
The first officially recognized trail in the United States is the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, completed in 1921. It is also the country’s most renowned national scenic trail, stretching approximately 3,500 kilometers and crossing 14 states and over a dozen national parks.
In 1968, the U.S. Congress passed the National Trails System Act, officially initiating the development of the national trails system.
The National Trails System Act stipulates that the purpose of creating the trail system is to promote public conservation, use, enjoyment, and appreciation of the nation’s natural and historical resources. The national trails in the United States are divided into four types: “National Scenic Trails,” “National Historic Trails,” “National Recreation Trails,” and “Connecting or Side Trails.” The purpose of “Connecting or Side Trails” is to link the first three types into a cohesive national trails network.
Each trail must go through a statutory process under the National Trails System Act to be officially designated, with direct federal investment and joint management by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Land Management, and the National Park Service under the Department of the Interior. A significant amount of private funding and volunteer support also contribute to the investment and management of these national trails.
Philosophy
Public lands are for the public
The legislative processes and management systems of national trail systems in European countries are relatively similar to those in the United States, with most also beginning trail development through legislation around the 1950s.
In countries with private land ownership, there is a strong and clear commitment to using public lands for the public good. Numerous federal and local governments, as well as civil society organizations, focus on the research, design, development, and protection of national parks, community parks, trails, coastlines, historic sites, forests, and river corridors. National trails are a reflection of this philosophy.
The development of national trail systems in Western countries is also closely linked to the concept of “citizen sports” in these nations, which refers to non-competitive, non-commercial physical fitness and recreational activities.