Recreational Trails Program (RTP)

The RTP provides Federal funds to States t​o 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.

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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.

​Recreational Trails Program Manual

MDOT SHA Local Public Agency (LPA) and Sub-recipients of Federal Funding Project Delivery Self-Evaluation for Requests to Administer Federal Aid Projects

View previous Recreational Trails and Transportation Alternatives Program grant awards:

Meadow Platform​ ​  ​

For more information about Transportation Alternative and Recreational Use grants, contact

Cheryl Ladota
Assistant Division Chief
Regional and Intermodal Planning Division
MDOT State Highway Administration
707 N Calvert Street
Baltimore, MD 21201​​
410-545-8552
410-545-5675
CLadota@mdot.maryland.gov