National Forest System Trails
Trail and trail bridge managers, volunteers, and partners across national forests and grasslands work hard each year to manage and maintain your National Forest System trails and trail bridges. Learn more about what it takes to manage the largest trail and trail bridge network in the world.
The Forest Service Saw Program develops policy and provides saw training and mentoring for trail employees, partners, and volunteers on National Forest System lands. Receive training to become a certified sawyer today!
National scenic, historic, and recreation trails are iconic long-distance trails designated by Congress to highlight nationally significant scenic, historic, natural, or cultural areas. Learn more about America's National Trails.
The Forest Service has resources related to trail and trail bridge management policy, programs, plans, and resources readily available for trail professionals. Access resources for trail and trail bridge management.
Find a Trail
National Forest System Trails
The Forest Service manages over 164,000 miles of National Forest System trails in nearly every state for you to hike, bike, ATV, ride horseback, snowmobile, snowshoe, and more. Check out the National Forest interactive visitor map to find great trails to explore.
When using trail apps, make sure the trail you are on or planning to visit is an official National Forest System trail. Official trails will be marked with a trail number and name at the trailhead.
Consult the local forest’s motor vehicle use map to see which roads, trails, and areas are open to motor vehicle use.
National Scenic and Historic Trails
National Scenic and Historic Trails are iconic long-distance trails designated by Congress to highlight nationally significant scenic, historic, natural, or cultural areas. Learn more about America's National Trails.
National Recreation Trails
National Recreation Trails provide a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities near urban areas on Federal, State, and locally managed lands. They are located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
Recreate Responsibly
Here are a few tips to help you recreate responsibly as you enjoy the outdoors:
Know before you go:
Check the status of the place you want to visit for closures, fire restrictions, and weather conditions.
Check to see if reservations or permits are required.
When at the trailhead and on the trail: Be nice and say hi! Help make the outdoors safe and welcoming for all identities and abilities.
Respect others: There is space for everyone and countless outdoor activities. Those on bikes or off-highway vehicles should stop or slow down to yield to other trail users, especially those on horseback.
Leave no trace: Follow the seven Leave No Trace principles.
Make it better: We all have a responsibility to sustain the places we love.
More resources about enjoying the outdoors responsibly:
Responsible Recreation: principles and practical tips for safely and responsibly enjoying the great outdoors.
Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: free online and in-person training about ways to protect and preserve the environment while recreating.
Tread Lightly!: free online training, events, and volunteer opportunities to promote the responsible use of motorized vehicles when recreating outdoors.
Connect with the Trails You Love!
Become a trail steward and care for the trails you love! Trail volunteers with a range of abilities, ages, and interests, and from all backgrounds can receive training to steward trails.
There are many opportunities to get involved:
Tread and structure maintenance
Trimming brush
Sign maintenance
New trail construction
Trail and trail bridge condition surveys and inspections
Chainsaw or crosscut sawyer
Trailhead steward or trail ambassador
Organize volunteer events
Write grants
Resources to help you be a trail volunteer:
Contact a forest near you to ask about trail volunteer opportunities and contact information for local trail groups.
Visit the Youth Conservation Corp web page for opportunities for people under 18 years of age.
Visit the Forest Service volunteer website for more information.
Become a Forest Service Trail Professional
There are more than 800 employees supporting trails in the Forest Service. One of them could be you! Trail professionals complete all of the common tasks mentioned above and much more. They also receive training on how to manage, maintain, and construct sustainable trails, and also how to manage volunteer and partner groups and programs. Visit the Forest Service’s jobs website for more information. Pro-tip: include the words “trail” or “recreation” in the search bar.
Other trail volunteer and paid positions are available through partner organizations. The Trail Skills Project offers a popular trail job board to look for vacancies across the United States.
For More Information
Please contact Forest Service Trail Management if you have questions or comments.