Historical Context:

The 1960’s were a time of upheaval and evaluation. One area that received much evaluation was the environment. Wilderness designations, litter cleanup campaigns, and Earth Day were all manifestations of this new environmental awareness. Also created during this time was the National Trails System, which was a natural descendent of the National Park System. The intent was to create a system of trails, which would highlight the natural and cultural character of the American landscape.

On October 2, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson signed the National Trails System Act into law stating, "We can and should have an abundance of trails for walking, cycling, and horseback riding in and close to our cities."

Today, forty one years later, eleven trails have been designated National Scenic Trails, which are defined by law as continuous extended routes of outdoor recreation within protected corridors. These trails, designed primarily for hiking, have a combined length that stretches nearly 18,000 miles through 35 states, highlighting many of America’s most scenic views.