Celebrating 50 Years of the National Trails!
Summer 2018 is the 50th anniversary of the signing of the National Trails System Act. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the NATIONAL TRAILS SYSTEM ACT in October of 1968. This act established the National System Trails System, beginning with the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail.
National Trails System Act signed 1968 President Johnson
“We are preserving for the pleasure of these people one of the most beautiful regions on God’s earth.”
“I also have before me the first Federal legislation providing a national system of both urban and rural trails.
The simplest pleasures–and healthful exercise–of walking in an outdoor setting have been almost impossible for the millions of Americans who live in the cities. And where natural areas exist within the cities, they are usually not connected by walkways. In many cities, there are simply just no footpaths that lead out of the city into the countryside.
Our history of wise management of America’s national forests has assisted us in designating the initial elements of the National Trails System. Two National Scenic Trails, one in the East and one in the West, are being set aside as the first components of the Trails System: the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.
The legislation also calls for study of 14 additional routes for possible inclusion in the Trails System.”
– President Lyndon B. Johnson
We are encouraging people to explore the National Trails across the country and in your own backyard in commemoration and appreciation of the spirit with which the legislation was enacted in October of 1958.
