Other National Scenic Trails

National Scenic, Historic, and Recreation Trails

The national trails system was established in the National Trails System Act of 1968 (as amended) to promote and provide opportunities for the public. The Forest Service manages and cares for many National Scenic, Historic, and Recreation Trails with the help of countless volunteers and partners.

The 50th anniversary of the legislation establishing National Scenic, Historic, and Recreation Trails was commemorated in 2018.

Forest trail, sun setting orange in the background. Courtesy photo by Alexander Kingsbery. Courtesy photo by Alexander Kingsbery.

Recently, Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen was honored with a message from Sharon Francis. Ms. Francis, a staff member for President Johnson, was there on Oct. 2, 1968 to witness the signing of the Act into law.

For additional information, refer to the following national trail websites:

Learn more about managing these iconic trails and treasured landscapes by taking the Forest Service’s National Trails System training (video).

The Forest Service is the lead agency for six National Scenic and Historic Trails

Mountain trail, snow covered peaks in the background

Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail

The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) travels more than 2,600 miles from the US/Mexico border to the US/Canada border.

Learn more about this National Scenic Trail from the:

Courtesy photo by Kosette Isakson/Pacific Crest Trail Association.

Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail

The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT) stretches 1,200 miles from the Pacific Ocean near Cape Alava, Washington to near the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park in Montana.

Learn more about this National Scenic Trail from the:

Courtesy photo by Jeff Kish/Pacific Northwest Trail Association.

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) follows the physical US Continental Divide, 3,100 miles between Canada and Mexico.

Learn more about this National Scenic Trail from the:

Courtesy photo by Continental Divide Trail Coalition.

Desert trail, yellow flowers, and saguaro cactus

The Arizona National Scenic Trail

The Arizona Trail National Scenic Trail (AT) extends 800 miles from the US/Mexico border to the Arizona/Utah border.

Learn more about this National Scenic Trail from:

Courtesy photo by Larry Simkins.

The Florida National Scenic Trail

The Florida National Scenic Trail (FT) stretches 1,300 miles through the length of the state.

Learn more about this National Scenic Trail:

Courtesy photo by Rachel Skeen.

Three Native Americans on horseback riding across grasslands

Nez Perce National Historic Trail

The Nez Perce National Historic Trail stretches 1,170 miles from Oregon to Montana.

Learn more about this National Historic Trail from the:

USDA photo by Joni Packard.