Trail Associations

National Trail Organizations

These organizations maintain and advocate for some of the most popular long-distance trails in the United States:

• Appalachian Trail Conservancy - Preserves and manages the Appalachian Trail, providing information on trail conditions, permits, and conservation efforts.
• Pacific Crest Trail Association - Protects, preserves, and promotes the Pacific Crest Trail as a world-class experience for hikers and equestrians.
• Continental Divide Trail Coalition - Works to complete, promote, and protect the Continental Divide Trail.
• American Hiking Society - Advocates for hiking trails and public lands across the United States.

Regional Trail Organizations

These organizations focus on trails in specific regions:

• Green Mountain Club - Maintains Vermont's Long Trail, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States.
• Florida Trail Association - Builds, maintains, protects, and promotes the Florida National Scenic Trail.
• Arizona Trail Association - Builds, maintains, promotes, protects and sustains the Arizona Trail.
• Colorado Trail Foundation - Maintains and improves The Colorado Trail.
• Ice Age Trail Alliance - Preserves, promotes, and protects the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Wisconsin.

International Trail Organizations

For those looking to hike internationally:

• Camino de Santiago - Various organizations support this network of pilgrim routes in Spain.
• Great Divide Trail Association - Maintains the Great Divide Trail in Canada.
• Te Araroa Trust - Manages New Zealand's 3,000 km walking trail from Cape Reinga to Bluff.

How Trail Associations Can Help You

Trail associations provide valuable resources for hikers, including:

• Up-to-date trail conditions and closures
• Maps and guidebooks
• Permit information
• Trail maintenance opportunities
• Community events and gatherings
• Conservation and advocacy efforts

Consider becoming a member of the trail associations for the trails you plan to hike. Your membership helps support trail maintenance and conservation efforts.