About Green Flag Trails
Green Flag Trails is an international standard for trail accreditation, to enhance public awareness of and confidence in trails. The system ensures well managed and environmentally accountable trails remain a valued and on-going resource for access to nature, recreation and trail sports, for health and tourism and the many benefits trails offer local communities.
The system is designed to meet the needs of trail users in relation to trail information, difficulty grading and skills and trail classification. Green Flag Trails is also a tool for trail managers who wish to receive objective trail audits and assessments and to have their trail recognized as being under responsible management. The accreditation mark is a useful tool for marketing your trails.
Green Flag Trails was first launched in 2006 by Professor M.L. Hugo at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, Green Flag Trails was designed as a rigorous, objective system for trail assessment. In 2019, the World Trails Network acquired full rights to GFT, and, after a collaborative revamp with a dedicated working group of global trail specialists, the GFT 2.0 programme relaunched in 2025. Today, GFT is a core programme of WTN — guiding trails worldwide toward excellence.
Purpose and Mission
Our Purpose:
To assure responsible trail management through a standardized, objective process.
Our Mission:
To establish a worldwide standard for trails and empower trail managers to evaluate, improve, and highlight their trail’s sustainability, safety, and user experience.
Benefits of Green Flag Trails
By earning Green Flag Trails certification, trail managers and organizations will:
- Be recognized as among the best-managed trails globally.
- Benefit from an independent, credible evaluation of trail quality.
- Position their trail as a trusted destination for tour operators and travelers.
- Strengthen local communities with sustainable trail tourism.
- Access a network of professionals for continuous learning and support.
- Improve trails’ visibility through the World Trails Network and its partners.
Who is it for?
Green Flag Trails is for any trail or trail network looking to enhance its credibility — from small community walks to national long-distance routes. The programme suits:
- Trail managers and maintenance teams
- Regional trail authorities and parks agencies
- Sustainable tourism bodies and trail organizations
- Communities that want to showcase their trails on a world stage
