$25 Million in Trail Grants
Will Support More Than 70 Projects
Across North Carolina
July 2025
Historic Funding Will Advance Projects That Support Health, Economic Growth, Quality of Life, and Transportation, Taking North Carolina One Step Closer to Being the Great Trails State.
- Great Trails State Program grant award announcements are the culmination of years of hard work by the Coalition to bring together elected officials, agencies, non-profits, local governments, and industry partners with one, strong voice to emphasize that trails are a powerful community investment.
Governor Stein and the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources have announced awards for the $25 M Great Trails State Program — $11M for 32 projects in Western NC, $2.6 M for projects in Eastern NC, and $11M for 35 projects in the Piedmont of NC.
This first of its kind, statewide investment in trails is the culmination of many years of legislative advocacy, agency collaboration and hard work of the 147-member, Great Trails State Coalition in their mission to leverage North Carolina’s trail resources for enhanced quality of life, driving economic growth, and increasing tourism for North Carolina communities.
The Coalition thanks the NC General Assembly for this historic investment in trail infrastructure.
These trail grants will support the planning, construction, and improvement of local and regional trails, including walking and bicycling paths, hiking and mountain biking trails, equine trails, and paddle trails. Grant awards announcements for the Piedmont and Coastal communities are forthcoming in the next week.