GREAT TRAILS STATE PROGRAM GRANTS AWARDED!

2023 was celebrated as the Year of the Trail in North Carolina—the largest trail celebration in U.S. history. Led by the Great Trails State Coalition, the year focused on promoting and advocating for all types of trails across the state. As a result, the Great Trails State Grant Program was established in the 2023 state budget and began rolling out in 2024. By July 2025, $25 million in grants had been awarded to over 70 trail projects across Western, Eastern, and Piedmont North Carolina. These funds will support new trail development, repairs, and infrastructure in underserved areas. This historic investment marks the success of years of advocacy and collaboration, reflecting the Coalition's vision to unify partners and elevate trail access statewide.

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ACEC/NC is a proud supporter and lobbying partner for the Great Trails State Coalition. 

The Great Trails State Program received substantial support from the legislature in the budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year, which is a significant step towards funding trail infrastructure in North Carolina.  ACEC/NC recognized the benefit to the industry for providing funding for the Complete the Trail Program and critical trail projects across the state. In support of the North Carolina Great Trails State Coalition, ACEC/NC and many member firms lobbied the General Assembly for dedicated funding.  North Carolina Great Trails State Coalition represents 27 trails, conservation, and outdoor recreation groups from across the State.

 Investment Ready Trail Projects Across the State

The Great Trails State Coalition collected information from communities about natural and paved trail projects that are ready for construction and design. Check them out below. The large number of projects that are ready for investment (shown as teal dots) demonstrate the unmet demand for trails from communities across the State and the lack of funding to make them a reality.

Explore the Map (click here)

The state of North Carolina officially designated 2023 as the “Year of the Trail”, with a goal of boosting awareness of trails as well as trail use across the state! Officials chose the year 2023 because it will be the 50th anniversary of the 1973 North Carolina Trails System Act.

For More Information on How to Get Involved (click here)