Recreational Trails Program
Recreational Trails Program supports municipalities, nonprofits, and public agencies in building, restoring, and maintaining Vermont trails and delivering education to strengthen recreation and stewardship.
Funder: Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
Due Dates: November 18, 2026, 5:00 PM (Completeness screening) | November 20, 2026, 11:59 PM ET (Pre-application) | January 31, 2027 (Invited full application)
Funding Amounts: Recommended minimum $7,500; non-motorized construction, maintenance, and equipment requests capped at $50,000; education capped at $25,000; motorized projects have no project maximum; 20% match required
Summary: Supports public recreational trail construction, restoration, maintenance, amenities, equipment, acquisition, and education across Vermont.
Key Information: This is a reimbursement program: applicants must finance expenditures upfront and wait for a fully executed grant agreement before starting grant-funded work.
Description
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides annual federal funding for public recreational trails throughout Vermont. The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) administers the program using Federal Highway Administration funds. It supports motorized and non-motorized recreation, including hiking, bicycling, equestrian activities, skiing, snowmobiling, off-road vehicle use, and access for paddling.
Supported projects include restoring existing trails, constructing new trails, improving trailheads and trailside facilities, purchasing trail maintenance equipment, acquiring trail easements or corridors, and delivering trail-related education. The program seeks to strengthen trail quality and climate resilience, welcome residents and visitors, promote stewardship, and connect recreation opportunities to community needs. Projects must advance Vermont’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP).
