In a June 2026 announcement celebrating Great Outdoors Month, the Department of the Interior designated six new national trails, adding 162.5 miles of recreational pathways across five states. For those familiar with the U.S. National Trails System, this news might raise a question: if there are 30 major national trails, how can new ones be added? The answer lies in the system's structure, which includes different classifications of trails, each with a distinct purpose and designation process. The six recently added trails belong to a category separate from the 30 congressionally established National Scenic and Historic Trails, highlighting the system's diverse and expanding nature.
A System of Tiers: Scenic, Historic, and Recreation Trails
The National Trails System, created by the National Trails System Act in 1968, is not a single list but a collection of different types of trails. According to the Congressional Research Service, the system is composed of four classes, with three being primary designations. The most renowned are the National Scenic Trails (NSTs) and National Historic Trails (NHTs). These are the 30 major trails, like the Appalachian and Pacific Crest trails, that are established by an act of Congress. National Scenic Trails are long-distance routes selected for their exceptional natural beauty and recreational opportunities, while National Historic Trails follow original routes of major historical significance.
A much larger and more common category is the National Recreation Trail (NRT). These are existing local and regional trails on federal, state, or private lands that are recognized for providing outdoor recreation and connecting people to nature, often in or near urban areas. Unlike the 30 major trails, NRTs are not created by Congress. Instead, they are designated by the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture. This administrative process allows for a more flexible and continuous expansion of the trail network. The system also includes a fourth class, Connecting or Side Trails, which serve to link the other types of trails together.
Understanding the National Trails System Classifications
The key to deciphering reports about the number of national trails is to distinguish between the different official classifications. The following table breaks down the primary trail types based on how they are established, their main purpose, and their prevalence within the system, clarifying why the addition of six new trails in June 2026 does not change the count of 30 major congressionally designated trails.
| Trail Class | Designation Authority | Primary Purpose | Approximate Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Scenic & Historic Trails | Act of Congress | To provide recreation, conserve significant scenic areas, and preserve routes of national historic importance. | 30 |
| National Recreation Trails | Secretary of the Interior or Secretary of Agriculture | To provide accessible outdoor recreation opportunities on existing local, regional, and state trails. | Over 1,350 |
