Trails Capacity Program

Application Program Information Webinar GranT Information

Last Updated:

April 17, 2026

Type:

Federal

State

Private

Other

Status:

Open; Closes: 05/15/26

Years Funded:

2026

Annual Program Amount:

Minimum Project Cost:

Annual Award Amount (min):

$2,000

Annual Award Amount (max):

$15,000

Eligible Activities:

Planning

Design

Construction

Match:

Not required, but some match preferred

Eligible Applicants:

501(c)(3)

Federally Recognized Tribes & Affiliated Groups

Local Government

Metropolitan Planning Organizations

State Government

School Districts

Other

Description

The Trail Capacity Program supports capacity-building projects for motorized and non-motorized trails, including hiking, cycling, mountain biking, trail running, access routes, water trails, and more. This program is targeted for all federal public lands, as well as state, local, and private lands accessible to the general public.

Eligible Projects

Trail maintenance

Stewardship training and workforce development

Trail research and education

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Best Practices

Funding Priorities: Focus on (1) stewardship training that builds a diverse, skilled trail workforce, (2) addressing the significant maintenance backlog on state and local trails, and (3) research and education efforts that demonstrate trail impacts and strengthen long-term capacity.

Special Interest: For 2026, the Trails Capacity Program is particularly interested in proposals that expand opportunities for multiuse trails and create critical links that strengthen and grow trail networks.