The Recreational Trails Program is a federal grant program funded by the Federal Highway Administration and administered at the state level by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The purpose of RTP is to support recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both nonmotorized and motorized recreational trail uses.

More information can be found in the 2025 RTP Nonmotorized Program Manual and the 2025 RTP Motorized Program Manual.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include qualified local governments, authorized commissions, and state and federal agencies.

Match Requirement

20% Match, minimum required.

How to Apply

All eligible applicants must complete a Pre-application online via the pre-application portal, which will go live when the pre-application period opens on September 1st and will be available on the RTP webpage. Following the competitive Pre-application phase, successful Pre-applicants will be invited to complete a Second Level application.

Applicants may submit Pre-applications for both the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program and the Recreational Trails Program, but applications must be for separate projects.

Contact

All general information or procedural inquiries should be sent to the GOSP Grant Specialist:

Trevor Brownlee
Grants Specialist
404-463-0288
miltontrevor.brownlee@dnr.ga.gov

Deadline & Funding Cycle Dates

RTP Funding Cycle Dates are as follows:

• September 1, 2025 - Pre-application period opens
• November 1, 2025 - Pre-application period closes
• March 2026 - Applicants will be notified. Second-level Application window opens
• Winter 2026 - Final approval of Project Agreements anticipated