National Discovery Trails Act

The National Discovery Trails Act would create a new category within the National Trails System specifically designed to connect existing trails, rural communities, and metropolitan areas across the United States. Unlike traditional wilderness trails, these "discovery trails" are intended to be continuous, interstate routes that link natural, cultural, and historic landmarks while passing through diverse landscapes ranging from back country to urban centers.

For citizens, this bill would officially designate the 6,000-mile American Discovery Trail—which stretches from Delaware to California—as the first trail in this new category. The legislation aims to improve outdoor recreation access and promote local tourism by establishing a framework for federal agencies to manage these long-distance routes in partnership with volunteer organizations and local landowners.