Recreational Trails Program
Recreational Trails Program supports Washington trail projects and education, funding work on motorized and nonmotorized trails to reduce deferred maintenance and promote safe use and environmental protection.
Funder: Recreation and Conservation Office
Due Dates: November 3, 2026 (Application) | January 22, 2027 (Technical completion)
Funding Amounts: $5 million in program funding; $5,000–$150,000 for general projects or $5,000–$20,000 for education projects
Summary: Federal grants support development, renovation, maintenance, and education for recreational trails that provide a backcountry experience.
Key Information: Applicants must contribute at least 20% of total project costs as match.
Description
The Recreational Trails Program provides federal funding for motorized and nonmotorized trails in Washington. The Recreation and Conservation Funding Board administers the program with support from the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) and in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration. Washington uses the funding to reduce deferred maintenance on trails that provide a backcountry experience: their setting should be predominantly natural, even if they are near a city or road.
Grants can support trail and trailhead maintenance, renovation, short links between existing trails, and facilities associated with recreational trails. Examples include clearing fallen trees, repairing flood damage, and replacing bridges or drainage structures. Education projects convey trail safety or environmental protection messages to recreational trail users.
