The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is now accepting applications for up to $1.7 million in Recreational Trails Program grants through May 6.
The Recreational Trails Program, or RTP, is a federal matching reimbursement program established to construct and rehabilitate recreational land and water trails and trail-related facilities.
For the 2025 grant round, only applications for maintenance, repair and amenity projects on existing land and water trails will be considered. It is anticipated that projects for new trail construction will be eligible again in 2026 and future even-numbered years.
The RTP is an 80-20% matching reimbursement program. Requests must be for a minimum of $25,000 with a minimum total project cost of $31,250. Grantees must be able to fund 100% of their project while seeking periodic reimbursements.
Eligible applicants include:
- Counties, cities and towns
- Park and recreation authorities
- Tribal governments
- State agencies
- Federal agencies
- Nonprofit organizations with support from a governmental body
Applications are due via email no later than May 6 at 4 p.m.
A virtual informational session and application workshop will be held March 25 at 2:30 p.m. Visit this page for more information and to register: dcr.virginia.gov/recreational-planning/trailfnd. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. An updated program manual, application materials and applicant resources are also available on this page.
For more information, email the DCR Recreation Grants Team at recreationgrants@dcr.virginia.gov.
The Recreational Trails Program is administered by and subject to funding availability from the Federal Highway Administration. Federal law under 23 U.S. Code section 206 mandates that 30% of available funding be used for motorized recreational trails, 30% be used for non-motorized recreational trails and 40% be used for multiple-use trails.

Your comment screams: I am a come-here and did not assimilate. Assimilation requires individuals to fully adopt the cultural norms,…
My goodness, who'd a thought it: Albany, New York Times Union 10 September 2026 Sheriff's investigator charged with misusing Flock…
No, they would have done it in the dead of the night, silently. You sir, are a damned fool.
Breaking News! Developing Story! Team Coverage! ..14 August 1996.. Loco men and their OffSpring go on Rampage breaking glass, pulling…
Matthew 6:24 24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or…