MassTrails Grants

MassTrails Grants, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), support the expansion, development, and enhancement of trail infrastructure throughout Massachusetts. These grants are part of a broader effort to promote outdoor recreation, enhance transportation options, and ensure equitable access to nature for residents and visitors. The MassTrails program aligns with the state’s Capital Investment Plan and leverages both state and federal funding streams to support high-quality, sustainable trail networks that serve local and regional needs. The purpose of the MassTrails Grants is to fund projects that plan, design, construct, or maintain recreational trails and shared-use pathways. Projects eligible for funding must contribute to the development of a diverse and interconnected trail system. This includes not only the physical construction and maintenance of trails, but also supporting infrastructure such as signage and amenities. The grants are intended to foster connectivity within and between communities, particularly by completing critical links in existing trail networks or overcoming physical and jurisdictional barriers. Funding is available in two major tiers: up to $100,000 for standard recreational trail projects and up to $500,000 for shared-use path projects that demonstrate broader regional or statewide significance. As reimbursement-based grants, applicants are required to initially cover all project expenses before submitting for repayment. Additionally, the program mandates a minimum 20% cost share from grantees, which must be clearly documented as part of the application. Applicants must be public entities, Native nations, or non-profit organizations with clear landowner permission for the area of the proposed project. All funded activities must comply with local, state, and federal regulations. Eligible expenditures include project development, design, engineering, permitting, construction, and trail maintenance. Funding decisions are reviewed by the Governor's Inter-Agency Trails Team and the Massachusetts Recreational Trails Advisory Board (MARTAB), ensuring projects align with state priorities and demonstrate readiness and feasibility. The application cycle is annual. The 2026 cycle is currently open, and applications are reviewed for alignment with program goals, regional impact, feasibility, and community benefit. While no specific pre-application steps such as LOIs are required, applicants must secure landowner permission before submitting. All applications are evaluated competitively. Award announcements generally follow within a few months of the application deadline, and successful applicants are provided with forms and documentation to facilitate project tracking and reporting. Contact for the MassTrails Grant Program is Amanda Lewis, the MassTrails Director. The main office is located at 136 Damon Road, Northampton, MA 01060, and inquiries can be directed to 617-645-8314. This grant program supports both new trail creation and enhancement of existing trails, ensuring a growing and connected trail system that promotes outdoor engagement, health, and community vitality across Massachusetts.