America’s National Historic Trails: Walking the Trails of History

There are 19 national historic trails within the National Trails System. These trails and trail networks range from 54 miles to more than 5,000. They feature historic and interpretive sites, as well as opportunities to hike, paddle, sail, ride bicycles, ride horses, or explore via auto on backcountry roads, following in the footsteps of our ancestors, these trails call to all who want to explore America’s rich history and cultural diversity. Literally millions of tourists and hikers visit these trails each year, some of which wind through America’s most scenic natural wonders and virtually every major ecosystem in America.

Each featured trail has their own section with an essay, map, and photo gallery focusing on what makes it one of the most magnificent long-distance hiking trails anywhere in the world. The essays include descriptions and trail highlights and the most historic and scenic spots, with suggestions for shorter weekend and day hikes, while the photo galleries take the reader on a visual adventure with photography by Bart Smith, the only person to have hiked all 30 national scenic and historic trails from end to end.