National Scenic Trails

National Scenic Trails are trails in the United States which exude distinct natural beauty and are of national significance. These are protected areas with cultural, scenic, and natural qualities that provide a wonderful outdoor experience to enthusiasts.

The National Trails System Act of 1968 created trails "to promote the preservation of, public access to, travel within, and enjoyment and appreciation of the open-air, outdoor areas, and historic resources of the Nation." The first two trails designated by the Act are the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail.

In this section, get familiar with the National Scenic Trails authorized under the National Trails System Act of 1968:

Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Also known as the Appalachian Trail or AT, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a Hiking trail in the United States and is currently the longest continuous mountain trail in the world. It crosses Maine's Mount Katahdin to Georgia's Springer Mountain. The path stretches for more than 2, 000 miles or 3, 200 kilometers.

Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail
If you want challenging terrain at higher altitude, try the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Spanning about 2, 650 miles from Mexico to Canada, it passes through numerous national forests and parks. Hiking in the PCT offers scenic views of the desert at the California/Mexican border and glacier in the Cascade Region.

Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Be fascinated by glacial landscape as you take a hike in the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. This 1, 000-mile footpath was established in 1980 and runs through Wisconsin. Aside from Hiking, this trail has certain parts suitable for ski races and marathons.

North Country National Scenic Trail
Passing through seven northern states (New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota), the 4, 600-mile North Country National Scenic Trail lets you explore a series of forests, cultural areas, and communities as you hike across seven states.

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
Spanning 3, 100 miles from Mexico to Canada and traversing five western states, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail passes through national parks and ecological life zones.

Florida National Scenic Trail
This Hiking Trail was established in 1983. This 1, 400-mile foothpath runs across the state of Florida, from Big Cypress National Preserve to Fort Pickens in Pensacola Beach. State residents enjoy Hiking and Backpacking in the Florida Trail which has trailheads near and along major Florida highways.

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
Go Hiking or bicycling in the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, spanning 704 miles and creating a link to different trails and historical sites in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. This was designated as a National Scenic Trail in 1983.

Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
This trail passes through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, about 440 miles along the Natchez Trace Parkway. The Natchez Trace Trail commemorates a historic path called the Natchez Trace used by native Americans and European explorers.


National Scenic Trails offer a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience. Hiking in any of these trails lets you marvel at nature's wonders, historical areas, and scenic landscapes that will make your hike very memorable. photo from Lee Adcock

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