National Strategy for a Sustainable Trail System
Strategic Intent
The strategic intent of the strategy is to embrace and inspire a different way of thinking—and doing—to create sustainable change where grassroots initiative meets leader intent. The combined effort and momentum of many minds and hands will move the trails community, as a whole, toward shared solutions.
This strategy builds on the many examples from across the country where the Forest Service, its partners, and the greater trails community have successfully embraced a community-driven and locally sustainable trail system model. Leaders, employees, partners, volunteers, trail users, and friends can use this document to strengthen stewardship and dedication to improve a world-class, diverse trail system as one of America’s greatest legacies.
Areas of Action
26 high-leverage actions organized in six main areas:
- Leader Intent
- Organization and Talent
- Relevancy
- Sustainable Systems
- Agency Processes and Culture
- Information
Spotlight: 10-Year Trail Challenge
Under the Leader Intent section of the trail strategy, is Action 1.2:
Implement 10-Year Trail Challenge: Using the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act in 2018 as a catalyst, invite partners, volunteers, and employees to develop and implement a bold, national 10-Year Sustainable Trails Stewardship Challenge toward achieving a sustainable system of trails.
Learn more about the 10-Year Sustainable Trail Stewardship Challenge…
Download the Trail Strategy
Complete Trail Strategy Publication

Trail Strategy Overview Publication

Key Elements and Concepts
Click the thumbnail images below to see larger versions of the graphics from the Strategy documents.
For More Information
If you have questions or comments, please contact Forest Service Trail Management.