Established in 2000 for the preservation, protection, and interpretation of traditional Native Hawai'ian culture and natural resources, Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail takes visitors on a 175-mile journey. Traversing through hundreds of ancient settlement sites, including Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, and over 200 ahupua'a (traditional land divisions), trail segments are managed by community-based, descendant-led teams.

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a 2,180-mile footpath that traverses 14 states from Katahdin, Maine to Springer Mountain in northern Georgia. Thru-hiking the trail is on many serious hiker's bucket list, but it also has great day hikes and campgrounds for hikers of all levels. Originally established by private citizens, today the trail is managed by the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous state agencies, and thousands of volunteers.

Follow in the footsteps of over 250,000 emigrants who traveled to the gold fields and rich farmlands of California during the 1840s and 1850s: the greatest mass migration in American history. The California National Historic Trail is over 5,000 miles long and covers portions of 10 states. Step into history along more than 1,000 miles of ruts and traces from travelers and their overland wagons.

Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail stretches across 3,000 miles and is America’s first national water trail. Discover places that commemorate the cultural traditions and histories of the region’s indigenous peoples and follow the route of Captain John Smith when he sailed the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers 400 years ago. Explore four visitor centers along the way, including the one in Historic Jamestowne which serves as the trail’s headquarters.

El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail extends 2,580 miles and five states (in the U.S.) and thousands of miles in Mexico. Preserving the stories of the Spanish struggle to missionize American Indian nations, the growth of cattle ranching, and the movement for Texan independence and statehood, the trail features many museums, interpretative centers, and historic sites along its route, including San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail extends 404 miles between El Paso, Texas to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Explore the complicated legacy of 300 years of conflict, cooperation, and cultural exchange between empires through museums, historic sites, and original trail segments along its route into Mexico, including Gutiarrez-Hubbell House, an adobe structure that dates back to the 1860s and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

During the Ice Age 15,000 years ago, much of North America laid under a huge glacier. Some of the strongest evidence of this glacier is found in Wisconsin’s many lakes, river valleys, gently rolling hills, and ridges. The nearly 1,200-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail traces the glacier's edge. Whether you are planning a thousand-mile journey or an afternoon hike, it is important to plan ahead and review a map before setting out.

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail captures the leadership and independent spirit of Captain Anza, who in 1776 led almost 300 people over 1,200 miles to settle in Alta California. Walk in the footsteps of these settlers from Arizona to California, and make sure to check out the exhibits in San Francisco’s Presidio, where the Spanish settlers built their garrison.

The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is approximately 4,900 miles long from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the mouth of the Columbia River, near present day Astoria, Oregon. Connecting 16 states and many tribal lands, it follows the historic outbound and inbound routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition as well as the preparatory section from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Wood River, Illinois.

Explore the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail across five states to see the 1,300-mile route traveled by Mormons who fled Nauvoo, Illinois, to the Great Salt Lake Valley in 1846-1847. There are many places of history and commemoration on the trail to visit, such as museums, interpretive centers, and historic sites.

The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail consists of five sections of trails for hiking and horseback riding, running roughly parallel to Natchez Trace Parkway scenic motor road between Natchez, MS and Nashville, TN. A popular trailhead for horseback riders and hikers on the Highland Rim Trail section alike, Garrison Creek Trail also offers a picnic area and parking for those looking to explore the trail.

Once complete, North Country National Scenic Trail will be the country’s longest trail, extending through eight states and covering over 4,000 miles. Administered by the National Park Service in cooperation with other Federal, State, and local agencies, private organizations, and individuals, the trail allows hikers to experience a variety of settings, from federally designated wilderness to urban corridors. Take in lakes, waterfalls, high peaks, ghost towns, historic mills, and more.

Spanning six western states, Old Spanish National Historic Trail preserves the route taken by New Mexican traders who operated between Sante Fe and Los Angeles in the early 19th century. Weaving by many national parks, including Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Arches National Park, and more, Old Spanish National Historic Trail extends across 2,700 miles and features historic sites, landmarks, and trail markers to enjoy along the way.

Oregon National Historic Trail follows the route from Missouri to Oregon that thousands of emigrants, drawn by the promise of cheap land and a better life, traveled in the early 18th century. Covering over 2,000 miles and spanning six states, the trail features traces of this treacherous route such as ruts created by thousands of wagon wheels. Access to trail segments can depend upon the permission of the landowner, so make sure to do your research before heading out on the trail.

Commemorating the route patriot militia troops took on their 1780 campaign leading the battle of Kings Mountain during the American Revolutionary War, Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail stretches 330 miles through four states. Follow the trail by car or hike on 87 miles of walkable pathways. Check the park’s website to find all the publicly accessible trail sections before heading out on your visit.

The Pony Express, that incredible system of communication that could send letters more than 1,800 miles in 10 days, is synonymous with the Old West, though it was only in operation for 18 months. Today, visitors along Pony Express National Historic Trail can explore museums, historic sites, churches, and original trail segments along the trail. Note: trail sites are in private, municipal, tribal, federal, and state ownership – check with public sites for visiting hours and regulations.

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail preserves the history, nature, wildlife, and recreation opportunities in and around the Potomac River. From its ties to European colonists seeking to explore westward to its role as part of the Underground Railroad, the Potomac River has played an important part in shaping American history. A diverse network of trails and routes managed by different agencies and organizations, there is always something new to do and see along this trail.

Preserving a route that connected Missouri to New Mexico, Santa Fe National Historic Trail is administered by NPS in partnership with other federal, state, and local agencies, as well as non-profit organizations and private landowners. After the end of the Mexican-American War, the trail was used by stagecoaches, fur trappers, emigrants, and more to get to the U.S.’s southwest territories - Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site preserves a reconstructed 1840s trading post along the route.

Honoring the 1964 civil rights marches meant to stretch 54 miles from Selma to Montgomery, Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail follows the path of those fighting for equality, especially for access to voting registration. The first two marches, met with confrontation, were captured by the media and sparked nationwide outrage. The third march, made on March 21, 1965, saw upwards of 25,000 participants and five months later, the Voting Rights Act was signed.

A 560-mile land and water route that tells the story of the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake Bay region, the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail connects historic sites in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Tracing American and British troop movements, the trail commemorates the events leading up to the Battle for Baltimore, the aftermath of which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the American national anthem.

Spanning 8 states, Trail of Tears National Historic Trail commemorates the survival of the Cherokee people, who were forcefully removed from their land. They traveled by foot, horse, wagon, or steamboat to live in what is now Oklahoma. Museums, interpretive centers, and historic sites along the trail, including Hiwassee River Heritage Center, which tells the history of Charleston, TN during this period, allow visitors to explore the journey of thousands of Cherokee people in 1838 and 1839.

Hike, run, bike, drive, or paddle down the same routes the American and French soldiers took in 1781 and 1782 by following the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail. Over 680 miles of land and water trails allow you to explore hundreds of historical sites, such as the Fort Mifflin on the Delaware, one of the only intact Revolutionary War battlefields and the only fort in Philadelphia.

The New England National Scenic Trail covers 215 miles from Long Island Sound across long ridges to scenic mountain summits in Connecticut and Massachusetts, offering panoramic vistas and opportunities to experience New England’s natural and cultural landscape in detail. Explore traprock ridges, historic village centers, farmlands, unfragmented forests, quiet streams, steep river valleys and waterfalls.