The RTP provides Federal funds to States to develop and maintain land and water-based recreational trails and trail-related facilities for motorized and non-motorized recreational trail uses.  Some of these uses include pedestrian (hiking, running, wheelchair, snowshoeing), road/mountain biking, equestrian, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, off-highway vehicle riding, paddle sports, personal watercraft, and motorized boats.

Administered by the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA), this program is a reimbursable grant program that matches federal funds with local funds or in-kind contributions to implement these trail projects. Projects can be sponsored by a county, a municipal government, or a non-profit agency.

Eligible Project Types:

• Maintenance and restoration of existing recreational trails, including signage, bridges and boardwalks;
• Development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages for recreational trails;
• Lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment;
• Construction of new recreational trails (with restrictions for new trails on Federal lands);
• Acquisition of easements and property for recreational trails or recreational trail corridors;
• Assessment of trail conditions for accessibility and maintenance;
• Development and dissemination of publications and operation of educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection related to the use of recreational trails.

THE 2020 GRANT APPLICATION CYCLE CONCLUDED ON MAY 20.

​Recreational Trails Program Application Portal

All applications were due by May 15, 2020.

• ​Recreational Trails Program Manual
• Grant Application FAQ  
• Grant Workshop Presentation

For further information contact:
Cheryl Ladota, RTP Manager
MDOT SHA
Office of Planning and Preliminary Engineering – MS 502
707 N. Calvert St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-545-8552
cladota@mdot.maryland.gov