An official website of the State of Georgia.
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.
Sign up for RTP email updates
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
- March 2026 - Applicants will be notified. Second-level Application window opens
- Winter 2026 - Final approval of Project Agreements anticipated
Educational Workshops
DNR In June, three educational workshops on the RTP grant program were conducted. While these events have concluded, the presentation slides and Program Manual are available on the right side of this page to assist applicants.
A recording of the RTP grant presentation is available in the video clips below.
2025-2026 Grant Cycle Tutorial Videos (Nonmotorized)
Module 1: RTP Overview
Module 2: RTP Funding
Module 3: RTP Pre-application
Module 4: RTP Second Level Application
2025-2026 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