In the following 30 years, over 800 trails were designated on federal, state, municipal and private lands. However, interest in the program from trail managers on the state and local level has diminished in recent years. Surveys have indicated that trail managers see little long-term value affiliated with the program.
Designations tend to be forgotten about after the initial excitement of the formal designation.
A white paper was developed to initiate the discussion with members of the Interagency Council on Trails in September, 1997. The National Recreation Trails Program will recognize, inventory, and promote Federal, State, local and private trails through the designation of these trails for the purpose of creating, connecting, protecting and marketing a national network of trails. Roads and highways suitable for passenger car travel would not be eligible for NRT designation as there are other programs that are more appropriate for their recognition, such as Scenic Byways. Simplify the application process for the trail manager and the administering agency. Announce new NRT Designations on National Trails Day to increase public visibility and involve National Trails Day organizers and sponsors.