National Discovery Trails Act of 2015

The National Discovery Trails Act of 2015 proposes the creation of a new category within the National Trails System specifically designed to connect existing trails, rural communities, and urban areas across state lines. The bill’s primary action is to officially designate the American Discovery Trail—a 6,000-mile route stretching from Delaware to California—as the first trail in this new category. For citizens, this legislation would provide a unified, coast-to-coast framework for long-distance hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation while encouraging local economic development through increased trail tourism. Additionally, the bill requires federal agencies to collaborate with volunteer organizations to manage these routes and develop comprehensive plans for their long-term protection and public use.