Legacy Trails Grant Program

The Legacy Trails Program is a grant initiative administered by American Trails in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service. It is designed to support projects that enhance the sustainability and resilience of trail infrastructure across the National Forest System. With funding authorized through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the program receives up to $1.35 million annually over five years, beginning in 2023. The primary goal is to restore, protect, and maintain crucial watersheds and trail networks on federal lands while improving ecological integrity and community access. Projects eligible for funding under the Legacy Trails Program must take place on National Forest lands and contribute to goals such as restoring aquatic habitats, preserving trail access, removing unauthorized or redundant trails, and decommissioning roads and trails that negatively impact watershed health. The program emphasizes solutions that enhance resiliency to climate events, flooding, and natural disasters, including constructing trail bridges, relocating trails, converting roads to trails, and restoring fish passage through improved stream crossings. Nonprofit organizations, businesses, and non-Federal agencies are eligible to apply, provided they secure a letter of support from the relevant Forest Service District Ranger or Forest Supervisor. Volunteer participation is strongly encouraged, and the program values projects that engage underrepresented or underserved communities. Applications are assessed on their social, environmental, and economic benefits, alignment with Forest Service priorities, and the applicant’s ability to deliver high-impact results with feasible plans. Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000. Small projects may apply for amounts between $5,000 and $20,000, while larger projects may request up to $100,000. A minimum 20% match is required, but this can be provided in-kind, making the program more accessible to organizations with limited cash resources. The performance period for funded projects is up to two field seasons, or approximately two years. Applications for the 2025 cycle opened on November 5, 2024, and are due by December 16, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. The application process includes submitting a narrative, timeline, budget, legal status documentation, and letters of support. Projects are evaluated in December and January, with awards announced on February 21, 2025. Review criteria include eligibility, Forest Service alignment, feasibility, volunteer engagement, match contribution, and benefit to water quality, aquatic species, and public access. Emphasis is placed on projects that mitigate erosion, improve infrastructure resilience, and protect endangered species or community water sources. All work must meet Forest Service standards for trail quality and management objectives.

Strong volunteer engagement, alignment with watershed restoration, and evidence of Forest Service support will strengthen proposals. Addressing trail safety and access issues is also a priority.