Recreational Trails Program

Overview

The Recreational Trails Program is a federal grant program funded by the Federal Highway Administration and administered at the state level by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The purpose of RTP is to support recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both nonmotorized and motorized recreational trail uses. Eligible applicants include qualified local governments, authorized commissions, and state and federal agencies.

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2025-2026 Funding Cycle Announcement

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is pleased to announce the 2025-2026 funding cycle for the Recreational Trails Program.

2025-2026 Funding Cycle Announcement

All eligible applicants must complete a pre-application online. Following the competitive pre-application phase, successful pre-applicants will be invited to complete a second-level application. Applicants may submit pre-applications for both the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program and Recreational Trails Program, but applications must be for separate projects. The Recreational Trails Program is a federal grant program funded by the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. RTP provides funding for trail construction, trail maintenance, and trail education. Eligible applicants include qualified local governments (as determined by the Department of Community Affairs), authorized commissions, and state and federal agencies. Nongovernmental entities with IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status may apply for education funds only.

RTP Funding Cycle Dates are as Follows:

September 1, 2025 - Pre-application period opens
November 1, 2025 - Pre-application period closes
Winter 2026 - Applicants will be notified, Second-level Application window opens
Fall 2026 - Final approval of Projects Agreements anticipated

Educational Workshops

DNR Grants Staff will conduct one in-person, and two webinar-based educational workshop about the Recreational Trails Program, in tandem with the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program (GOSP) grant program. The three sessions will cover the same material. These workshops will be at no cost to the public, but we ask that you register at the following links:

In-person - Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Indian Springs State Park, Idlewilde Center - 678 Lake Clark Rd., Flovilla, GA 30216

https://forms.gle/nkT6SV9LBghPkyAw5

Webinar - Thursday, June 5, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2580972050424476503

Webinar - Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 9:00 a.m.- 10:30 p.m.

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4691088795754533725

If you have any questions or need additional information, contact Stacy Garnier at stacy.garnier@dnr.ga.gov or 404-463-1030

2023-2024 Grant Cycle Tutorial Videos (Nonmotorized)

Module 1: 2023 Funding Cycle Overview for Recreational Trails Program and Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program (more information about GOSP)
Module 2: General Overview of RTP
Module 3: RTP Funding
Module 4: Pre-application Process and Criteria
Module 5: Second Level Application & Grant Management
Module 6:Tips for Success for GADNR Grant Applications

2023-2024 Recreational Trails Program (Georgia Off-Highway Vehicle) Tutorial Video

The webinar includes:

Motorized Project Types
Funding Basics
Pre-Application and Criteria

For more information on the overview of the RTP program, Second-level application, Grant management, and Tips for a successful application review the nonmotorized tutorial videos above.

Advisory Committee

An advisory committee, comprised of individuals who have demonstrated a vested interest and possess relevant expertise in the Georgia trails program. The committee provides counsel and guidance to the program staff on policy matters. The experience and skills bring a diverse range of perspectives and stakeholders, ensuring a comprehensive approach to policy development.

The Advisory Committee is mandated to meet once a year, but may hold additional meetings as deemed necessary by the committee members or program staff.

The current members of the committee are listed below:

Bicyclists

John Devine, Georgia Bikes

Off-Road Vehicle Users

Paul Beck, Georgia Bounty Runners 4 Wheel Drive Club

Bruce Dreher, Georgia Recreational Trail Riders Association

Equestrians

Randy Brown, Back Country Horsemen of North Georgia

Water Trail Users

Dan MacIntyre, Georgia Canoe Association

Andrea White, Georgia River Network

Hiking, Jogging, Fitness (Pedestrian) Users

Greta DeMayo, Fulton County

O'Ree Crittenden, Muscogee County

Carolyn Hartfield, Hartfield's Hikers, OPALS (Older People with Active Lifestyles), Atlanta African American Adventures

Georgia Trails Education Grant

Our grants specialists administer the Georgia Trails Education Grants to promote trail safety and environmental protection. At this time, we are not accepting proposals for the 2025 education grant funds. An update will be provided on when funding will be available for the federal fiscal year 2026.

The funds are available for a period of one year and must be utilized for the project within that timeframe. Projects must have a direct relationship with a recreational trail or trails. The projects can include education programs and/or the production of trail-related educational material (displays, print, video, audio, interactive computer displays, etc.)

How to submit a proposal? click here

For more details or questions, contact Ouicia Jolly at ouicia.jolly@dnr.ga.gov or 404.463.1779.

RTP Application Resources

Georgia Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan: SCORP 2022-2026

Georgia State Wildlife Action Plan: SWAP 2015-2025

Contact Us

Stacy Garnier, RTP Grants Specialist

404.463.1030 | stacy.garnier@dnr.ga.gov

Ouicia Jolly, RTP Grants Coordinator
404-463-1779 | ouicia.jolly@dnr.ga.gov

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