onX & Toyota Expand Project to Save America's Overburdened Trails

MISSOULA, Mont. – March 26, 2026 – As America's passion for the outdoors continues to surge, the very trails that lead to adventure are facing a silent crisis of degradation and neglect. In response, digital navigation leader onX and automotive giant Toyota announced today they are significantly expanding their Trail Revival Project, a nationwide stewardship initiative dedicated to restoring and protecting public land access.

Now in its second year, the partnership will support 24 trail restoration and cleanup projects across the United States in 2026, a substantial increase from the 14 projects completed in its inaugural year. The initiative mobilizes local off-road clubs, volunteers, and land managers to tackle the growing threats of erosion, storm damage, overgrowth, and illegal dumping that risk closing off cherished routes for good.

A Widening Gap on Public Lands

The effort arrives at a critical juncture for the nation's public lands. The outdoor recreation economy has become a powerhouse, contributing an estimated $1.3 trillion to the U.S. economic output in 2024 and supporting 5.2 million jobs. With over 57% of the population now participating in outdoor activities, the foot, tire, and hoof traffic on trails has never been higher.

This explosion in popularity, however, has placed an unprecedented strain on the infrastructure that supports it. Federal agencies are struggling to keep pace. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS), which manages over 160,000 miles of trails, reported a staggering agency-wide maintenance backlog exceeding $8.6 billion in 2023. For trails alone, deferred maintenance hovered around $248 million in mid-2024. Decades of staffing reductions and budget limitations have resulted in a 22 percent decrease in maintained trail miles, with the proportion of trails meeting agency standards falling to its lowest point in at least 15 years.

Historically, this gap has been partially filled by dedicated volunteer groups and off-road clubs, which contribute an estimated 2.6 million hours of service annually—the equivalent of over 1,700 full-time employees. Yet these crucial partners are facing their own crisis: declining participation. National trends show a decrease in formal volunteerism, with the average hours contributed per person dropping significantly in recent years due to economic pressures and shifting social behaviors. The result is a perfect storm where more people are using the trails, while fewer hands are available to care for them, leaving countless miles vulnerable to permanent closure.

A Cross-Industry Alliance for Stewardship

Addressing this systemic challenge, the partnership between onX and Toyota presents a modern model for corporate social responsibility. It combines the technological reach of a digital mapping pioneer with the logistical and financial might of a global automotive leader. Toyota returns as the key partner, providing essential funding, support vehicles, and logistics to power the on-the-ground restoration efforts.

"Access without stewardship is simply not sustainable," said Griffen Gilbert, onX Offroad Community Marketing Manager. "Trails don't maintain themselves. The Trail Revival Project supports the land management agencies, local clubs, and volunteers who do the work to keep these routes open for future generations."

This sentiment is echoed by Toyota, which views the initiative as a core part of its brand identity and responsibility to the communities it serves. The company's trucks and SUVs are marketed to adventure seekers, creating a direct link between their products and the health of the environments where they are used.

"Toyota Trucks are designed for adventure seekers, and with that passion comes a responsibility to help preserve the places where those adventures happen," said Mike Tripp, Group Vice President of Toyota Marketing. "Building on the positive impact we made in 2025, we're excited to continue supporting the Trail Revival Project and the dedicated volunteers working to keep trails open for the community."

The program's first year demonstrated its potential impact. In 2025, the initiative mobilized over 400 volunteers across 13 states, contributing more than 2,400 hours of trail work. Their efforts restored 30 different trails and nearly 50 miles of access routes through intensive debris removal, drainage repairs, and trash cleanup.

Empowering the Trail's Frontline Guardians

The heart of the Trail Revival Project lies with the local clubs and volunteers who form the frontline of trail maintenance. These groups possess invaluable local knowledge and a deep-seated commitment to their regional trail systems. The expanded initiative will provide them with critical resources and a national platform, amplifying their impact.

Events for 2026 are already underway, with projects scheduled across a wide range of landscapes, from the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri to the Tonto National Forest in Arizona. The calendar extends through the spring and summer, with cleanups planned in Virginia, Florida, California, Idaho, Colorado, and beyond.

Upcoming projects include:

• March 28: George Washington National Forest, Virginia
• April 1: San Bernardino National Forest, California
• April 25: Mendocino National Forest, California
• June 6: Langlade County OHV Trails, Wisconsin
• June 28: White River National Forest, Colorado
• July 26–August 8: Pioneer Trail, Carson National Forest, New Mexico
• August 8: Arapeen OHV Trail System, Utah

The work is often grueling but essential. Volunteers clear fallen trees, repair water-damaged sections to prevent erosion, haul out illegally dumped trash, and trim back overgrowth that can render a trail impassable. By bolstering these grassroots efforts, the project helps ensure that local communities retain access to the natural spaces that are vital to their identity and economy.

Beyond the immediate environmental benefits, well-maintained trails are powerful economic engines and pillars of community well-being. They drive tourism, support local businesses, increase property values, and provide low-cost opportunities for physical activity and mental rejuvenation. By investing in this shared infrastructure, the Trail Revival Project is not just clearing paths—it is strengthening the social and economic fabric of communities across the country. Outdoor enthusiasts and aspiring stewards are encouraged to join the movement by signing up to volunteer or applying to host a local event through the onX website.