What We Do

The National Trails office administers the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program and nine of the 19 national historic trails within the National Trails System. We provide leadership for these nine national historic trails and set best practice standards for all partners involved with administration and on-the-ground management of trails and trail resources.

We help people across the country connect with sacred trail stories important to America’s heritage.

When called upon to help partners with a trail or route site, we provide:

three people doing a measurement over a rock pile, grassy hills around, blue skies
Cultural Resources

The cultural resources team identifies, preserves, and protects ruts, related sites and buildings, and historic landscapes along the NHTs.

people outside standing on a road unveiling a trail sign, one black dog on leash
Design and Development

D&D helps partners plan and design visitor facilities that help enhance the visitor experience of trail sites and segments.

grass in foreground, fenced in cemetery, rock site identification sign: Santa Fe Trail
History

The history team enlightens the reader with accurate, lively accounts of forts, camps, autobiographies, diaries, events, and much more!

people in a forest who are reading outdoor exhibits
Interpretation and Education

The Interpretation team works with partners to develop interpretive media, personal and educational services, and interpretive plans.

PowerPoint image of the Butterfield Overland Special Resource Study
Planning

Planning is the process of developing a structured approach to meet your preservation and education goals.

historic map of the Oregon Trail
Resource Information Management

The RIM team helps partners with the world of GPS, GIS, mapping, metadata, and more.

speaker standing with participants seated
Management

National Trails works with partners to protect, develop, and promote national historic trails.

people standing in front Route 66 mural
Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

it's a kick to learn about how the National Park Service is working to preserve Route 66!

A map of the United States depicting 10 trails and Route 66 traversing across many states.
About Us

Learn more about NTIR and the history of the administration of the national historic trails and Route 66.

Last updated: October 9, 2024