Important pieces of trail history can be publicly commemorated and protected through the National Park Service partnership certification program!
The federal trail administrator(s) recognizes certification as an ongoing relationship with trail partners. The trail administrator(s) strives to favorably maintain that relationship to attain mutually desired goals related to trail preservation, site preservation, and interpretation. While many of the following benefits are offered in general to a broad range of trail partners, the trail administrator(s) takes certification into consideration in its prioritization of potential projects and assistance.
Certification-Only Products
NPS
Certificate
A document for partners’ records or public display.
NPS
Desk guide
A printable guide with a QR code visitors can scan to learn more about the certified partner, the site it supports, and the national historic trail(s) with which it is associated. This could be used on a desk, bulletin board, and during training. A Places page is required (see below).
NPS
Trail Printed Materials
If eligible, certified partners can receive national historic trail brochures and other appropriate printed materials for distribution at their sites, free of charge.
NPS
Trail Logo Use (with permission)
Certified partners may request permission to use the official trail logo. The NPS Trail Superintendent reviews each request, and authorized uses must support public awareness, education, and stewardship of National Historic Trails. Unauthorized use is prohibited under 18 USC 701.
Adobe Stock
Limited Financial Assistance
Trail partners may apply for a variety of funding sources to help protect a trail property, make it accessible, research its history, or tell its story. The National Park Service may also provide limited financial assistance. Financial assistance is project-specific and not guaranteed to any given certified partner.
Products Prioritized with Certification
NPS
Place Page (NPS Website)
A page on the NPS website dedicated to the history of the place associated with the certified partnership, including historic narrative and links to partner websites (if applicable)
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GIS Point of Interest
Publicly accessible sites along the national historic trails are given a point of interest on each trail’s Places to Go map on the NPS website.
NPS
NPS App Feature
Points of interest and Places Pages become features on the NPS app, making it easier for the public to visit and learn about sites along each trail.
NPS
Places Page Signage
Small sign for window or desk identifying that the place is on the trail and address to information by QR code. A Places page is required.
NPS
NPS Passport Stamp
If eligible, certified partners can receive a passport stamp with their site name and the names(s) of the national historic trail(s) with which the site is associated.
NPS
Site Identification Entrance Sign
A sign identifying the site name and its association with the national historic trail(s). The federal trail administrator will work with eligible partners to design and fabricate these signs, to NPS specifications. Installation of the sign is the responsibility of the trail partner.
NPS
Pedestrian signs
Pedestrian signs, or nonmotorized trail signage, mark trails that follow or roughly approximate the historic route of the trail, and direct to trail sites and other places of interest. The federal trail administrator will work with partners to design and fabricate these signs, to NPS specifications. Installation of the sign is the responsibility of the trail partner.
NPS
Signage to Your Site
Road signs mark modern public roadways that closely follow the historic route, as well as other routes associated with the trail; indicate places where a historic route crosses modern roads; and direct visitors to trail sites. The federal trail administrator will work with partners to design and fabricate these signs, to NPS specifications. Installation of the sign is the responsibility of the trail partner.
NPS
Template Wayside Exhibit
The national park service is developing templates for wayside exhibits on some national historic trails. These can be provided to trail partners for a faster turnaround on exhibit instillation. Installation of the exhibits is the responsibility of the trail partner
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Technical Assistance
The National Park Service provides technical assistance to trail communities and certified partners, including assistance with interpretation, site design, preservation, historical research, mapping, strategic planning, and trail marking. All partnership initiatives are voluntary and strive to achieve the highest level of resource protection and visitor appreciation of trail resources and history through interpretation and public engagement
Adobe Stock
Planning Assistance
The federal trail administrator provides site and strategic planning, and other types of planning assistance to trail partners.
Summary of Purpose
On a more intangible level, becoming a certified partner recognizes the partnership with the trail administrator(s), provides recognition in the community and region, and conveys a larger sense of authenticity, both of the associated property’s historical importance and of its public values.
Please reach out to the trail administrator(s) for more details on the benefits of certification.
Back to Partnership Certification - National Trails Office.
Last updated: September 10, 2026