Connecting Communities to State Trails Grants

The Connecting Communities to State Trails Grants (CCST) program is administered by the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation (DPR) as part of the broader Complete the Trails Program (CTP). Established through historic legislation passed in 2021, the Complete the Trails Program provides unprecedented funding to support the planning, construction, promotion, and maintenance of state trails throughout North Carolina. With over $30 million allocated as of 2023, the initiative aims to expand the state’s extensive trail network and enhance public access to recreational and transportation opportunities. A dedicated portion of these funds has been set aside to assist small communities in connecting to authorized state trails, thereby fostering economic development, tourism, and outdoor recreation. The CCST program specifically supports municipal governments in North Carolina that seek to develop trail connections to the state’s designated trail system. Fourteen state trails have been authorized by the North Carolina General Assembly, including nine land-based trails and five paddle trails, with a combined planned mileage exceeding 3,500 miles. These trails traverse diverse landscapes and connect to more than 30 state parks, natural areas, and recreation areas. By facilitating local connections to these trails, the CCST program strengthens regional connectivity, encourages healthy lifestyles, and promotes environmental stewardship. Funding through the CCST program is available to eligible municipalities with populations of fewer than 25,000 residents that are located within six miles of an existing or planned segment of a state trail. Local governments may apply individually or jointly, with one entity serving as the primary sponsor. Grants support both the planning and development of connecting trails, provided that all constructed land trails are natural surface. Projects must ensure public accessibility, and any land acquired or facilities developed using program funds must be permanently dedicated to public recreational use. Deed restrictions are required for land acquisition projects to preserve access in perpetuity. The program includes specific financial parameters and matching requirements designed to accommodate communities of varying sizes. Applicants may request between $10,000 and $100,000 per project. A total of $1,535,580 is available for the grant program, with $992,086 reserved for communities with populations under 5,000 and $543,494 designated for municipalities with populations between 5,000 and 25,000. Municipalities with populations greater than 5,000 must provide a dollar-for-dollar match using non-state funds, while smaller communities are exempt from this requirement. Eligible matching contributions may include donated land, in-kind services, volunteer labor, and force account work, provided that proper documentation is submitted within the three-year grant period. The application process is administered by the Division of Parks and Recreation and follows a structured timeline. Applications opened on October 6, 2025, and will close on October 8, 2026. Grant recipients are expected to be announced in Winter or Spring of 2027. Proposals are evaluated based on several criteria, including the quality and justification of the project, the applicant’s ranking under the CCST scoring system, geographic distribution across North Carolina, equitable distribution among municipalities of varying population sizes, the amount of funding requested, and the availability of program funds. Through strategic investment in local infrastructure, the Connecting Communities to State Trails Grants program advances North Carolina’s commitment to expanding its statewide trail system. By empowering smaller municipalities to connect residents and visitors to natural and recreational assets, the program supports community development, enhances quality of life, and promotes sustainable economic growth. The initiative represents a collaborative effort between state agencies and local governments to create a cohesive, accessible, and enduring network of trails for public enjoyment. For additional information, applicants may contact the program manager at the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation.

Align proposals with CCST scoring criteria and demonstrate strong community impact and connectivity to state trails.