Trail Grants

The Recreational Trails Program has provided funding for construction of new trails, maintenance and repair of existing trails, land acquisition, purchase of trail tools and planning, legal, environmental and permitting costs.

The Recreational Trails Program is a $1.5-million federal grant program designed to help states provide and maintain recreational trails for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail use. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration.

RTP is a reimbursement grant program. Funds must be spent and then reimbursed upon completion of deliverables. Eligible applicants must be a state, federal or local government agencies or qualified nonprofit organization. All applications are reviewed by the North Carolina Trails Committee and recommendations are made to the Secretary of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The Secretary makes the final determination on grant awards. 

RTP Trail Project Grants

Projects may include construction of a new trail, maintenance and repair of existing trails, land acquisitions, purchase of trail tools and planning, legal, environmental and permitting costs (up to 10 percent of grant amount).

Apply for an RTP grant

RTP Safety and Education Grants

Safety and Education grants may be awarded for trail-related safety and education instructor fees, speaker fees, displays, signage and other uses. Please contact your regional trails specialist for questions about the grant.

Apply for a Safety and Education grant