Recreational Trails Program
Forecasted
Recreational Trails Program supports Georgia public agencies and trail educators with trail construction, restoration, facilities, and education to advance outdoor recreation, safety, and environmental protection.
Funder: Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2027 (Pre-application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Nonmotorized trail grants: up to $200,000 for up to two years, with a minimum 20% match
Summary: Supports Georgia recreational trails, trail-related facilities, and education promoting trail safety and environmental protection.
Key Information: Funded trails must remain open to the public for at least 25 years.
Description
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is funded by the Federal Highway Administration and administered in Georgia by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR). It supports public outdoor recreation through new trail construction, restoration, trailhead facilities, and acquisition of property or easements for trails. Supported uses include hiking, running, wheelchair access, bicycling, skating, equestrian recreation, water trail access, and off-road motorized recreation. Projects must be primarily recreational rather than transportation-oriented.
Separate Georgia Trails Education Grants support programs, training, patrols, and educational materials directly related to recreational trails. These projects promote safety and environmental protection through activities such as trail sustainability training, non-law-enforcement patrols, information displays, publications, and audiovisual or interactive materials. Motorized trail projects use a separate application and guidance from nonmotorized projects.
