GTSP: for Applicants

Funding opportunity opens spring 2027

The Great Trails State Program (GTSP) provides funding for new trail development and extension of existing trails anywhere in the state of North Carolina. This includes paved trails or greenways, natural surface trails, biking trails, equestrian trails, and any other type of trail recognized by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Ineligible trails include a series of tourism attractions related to a particular theme that are jointly marketed based on that theme and are interconnected only by vehicular roadways.

The first grant cycle in 2025 distributed $25 million dollars. A second grant cycle was funded in 2026.

Timeline
March 1, 2027Notification of Funding
March 2027 TBDOpening Webinar
 Application Review Deadline
September 10, 2027Application Deadline
November 2027Selecting grant recipients
February 2028-January 2031Grant Contract Period

Application Resources

Coming Soon!

Application Guide  Application Checklist and Templates    Opening Webinar

Application Information

Contact Us

Meet our Recreation Grants and Outreach Team

The Recreation Grants and Outreach Team (GO) in NC State Parks administers Recreation Grants for local communities throughout North Carolina including: Federal Grants from Land and Water Conservation Fund, State Grants from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, non-recurring state grants including the Helene Recovery Funds and the Great Trails State Program.

Find your RRS Regional Consultant

The Recreation Resources Service is a technical assistance program jointly administered by NC State Parks and North Carolina State University's Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. RRS provides field administration for grants administered by NC State Parks.
Off