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.

GRANT APPLICATION CYCLE OPENS APRIL 15, 2020

​Recreational Trails Program Application Portal

All applications will be due by May 15, 2020 at 11:59 pm.

• ​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