A National Historic Trail is a designated trail that commemorates significant historical events, routes, or movements that have had a significant impact on the United States. These trails typically follow historic routes, such as migration routes, trade routes, military trails, or exploratory routes, and are recognized for their historical, cultural, or scenic importance.
National Historic Trails are established by an act of Congress and are managed by the National Park Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior. These trails aim to preserve and interpret the history and stories associated with the routes they traverse. They provide opportunities for visitors to explore and learn about the diverse cultural heritage of the United States.
While National Historic Trails are often marked and may have interpretive centers or exhibits along the route, they do not necessarily have a continuous physical trail or infrastructure. In some cases, the trails may encompass multiple trails, roads, waterways, or other modes of travel that connect various historic sites and landmarks.
Examples of National Historic Trails in the United States include the Oregon Trail, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, the Pony Express National Historic Trail, and the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Each of these trails represents a distinct period in American history and provides insights into the challenges, triumphs, and cultural exchanges that took place during those times.
There are 102 parks designated as National Historic Trail: