Trail nomination opportunity open July 2, 2026, through August 3, 2026.

The Departments of the Interior (DOI) and Agriculture (USDA) are seeking public input to assist with implementing provisions of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act related to long-distance biking trails. Click on the Biking on Long-Distance Trails – Trail Nomination Tool to nominate an existing or potential trail or click on the Participate Now link in the navigation bar at the top of the site or via the Documents page to provide a general comment.

The following criteria will be used in final trail selection and should be considered when making a nomination:

1.      The trail must be at least 80 miles long and publicly accessible.

2.      A majority of the trail is on federally managed public land.

3.      For existing trail nominations, trails should make use of existing designated or otherwise officially available roads and trails.

4.      The trail is primarily on dirt/natural surface (short connector routes on pavement or improved roads may be acceptable).

5.      The trail is or could be open to bicycle use and is not located within designated Wilderness areas.

6.      The trail avoids conflicts with other trail uses, specifically other bicycling, hiking, horseback riding or pack and saddle stock uses; and purposes for which a trail was established under the National Trails System Act, if applicable.

7.      Careful consideration of potential impacts on Native American tribes and tribal landscapes will be given during trail selection.

8.      Ideally, partner organizations or volunteer groups are identified to assist with trail development and/or maintenance.