About Green Flag Trails
The GFT program was relaunched in 2025 and is now THE global standard system for evaluating all relevant criteria for successful trail management.
GFT is the only program that simultaneously evaluates Trail Management, Trail Design and Features, Information and Safety, Environmental Responsibility, Heritage and Community Impact.
We provide all trail managers around the world with a system to assess the quality of their management and the trail itself. This also enables them to make improvements independently and monitor them with self-assessment.
As soon as the trail management organizations are ready, they can apply for an official assessment. If successful, they will then receive an official GFT certification from the WTN.
Website Update
Our website is undergoing a major rebuild. Please be patient as we update all elements of Green Flag Trails with a completely revised system for trail audits and assessments, new teaching manuals and our new Trails Atlas of Green Flag Trails.
Upcoming in-person training courses are currently on hold. Please contact us should you be interested and we will put your name on our training list.
Four Criteria of Accredited Green Flag Trails
Responsible Management
Demonstrating regular and on-going trail care and engaged management of the trail.
Verified Trail Information
Displaying up to date & accurate trail data on website and in marketing materials.
Environmental Accountability
Reducing impacts of the trail on the local environment, includes water runoff, recycling, etc.
Risk and Safety Monitoring
Identifying the risks associated with the trail type and communicating them accordingly.
Assessment Criteria
Green Flag Trails work towards sustainable trail development, where the trails accredited are assessed against multiple sustainability indicators.
Train as a Trail Auditor
Train to become a Green Flag Trails Auditor or Assessor. Become part of a growing global community of professionals and volunteers who care for trails.
Quality Experiences
Quality trail experiences are related to the trail meeting trail user’s expectations, and the trail aligning to defined trail standards.
Informed Choice
Trail users can make informed choices as to which trails will best suit their needs, when all relevant and appropriate trail information is presented.
Administration of the System
The Green Flag Trails System is overseen by an international group of independent trail experts, under the auspices of the World Trails Network’s Trails & Tourism Task Team.
Goals and Objectives into the Future
The team is working towards a globally credible, robust and reputable system for accrediting and monitoring environmentally sustainable managed trails and the verification of accurate and relevant trail descriptions and data. A focus on defining risk and safety elements helps ensure trail users can make informed choices as to which trails will most suit their needs, levels of experience and skill.
Global Partnerships
We are exploring global partnerships with innovative brands and sponsors to further develop the system.