Download (PDF 309 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/17181.pdf
Abstract
Since the establishment of the National Trails System in 1968, 822 trails have been designated as National Recreation Trails (NRT). These trails support a wide range of activities, including but not limited to hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing and horseback riding. In short, NRTs can be found across a diversity of geographic settings and are frequent destinations for a wide variety of people looking for natural resource-based recreation experiences. Most NRTs are federally managed with the balance managed by state, municipal, or private entities. To date, NRT management concerns and strategies, especially successful strategies, have not been identified. While some studies have focused on National Scenic Trails or National Historic Trails, this study is the first comprehensive survey of National Recreation Trails since the NRT organic Act. It is clear, however, that many NRT managers do not use their special trail designations to any advantage.
Parent Publication
Citation
Tynon, Joanne F.; Harding, James A.; Chavez, Deborah J. 1998. National recreation trails: an overview. In: Vogelsong, Hans G., comp, ed. Proceedings of the 1997 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium; 1997 April 6 - 9; Bolton Landing, NY. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-241. Radnor, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 225-227.
