The Joyful Transformation of the American Landscape
In the early 1980s, a series of events would make possible a different kind of future for America—one where people can safely walk, bike and be active in the places where they live. A future where communities come together outside, close to home, and regional economies thrive because of the trails that serve them.
In February of 1986, Rails to Trails Conservancy opened its doors. Our founding staff brought innovation, expertise and grit to deliver a future where trails connect everyone, everywhere. Building on a new legal basis and a groundswell of demand from people in communities nationwide, RTC saw the incredible potential to preserve the country’s disused railroad lines for a different purpose.
Since then, we’ve made possible 42,500+ miles of multiuse trails, and hundreds of developing trail networks that reach people in every single state. For 40 years, RTC has worked tirelessly alongside so many of youto unlock the joy and impact that trails uniquely deliver to the nation.
Explore that legacy at the foundation of our work to build a nation connected by trails.
The Very Real Threats to Trails
At Rails to Trails Conservancy, we work hard every day to create more safe spaces for everyone to walk, bike and be active outside. Right now, the future we’re building—where trails create new connections for people to each other, their communities and the places they want to go—is under attack.
Serious challenges threaten to derail progress for trails, walking and biking and the positive impacts they deliver. Alarmingly, actions being taken at the federal level seek to undermine—or even eliminate—the crucial programs and funding sources that make trails and active transportation networks possible. The U.S. Department of Transportation has gone as far as to label some trail projects as “hostile to cars,” and members of Congress have vowed not to include any funding at all for trails in the next federal transportation bill.
With your support, RTC is fighting to defend vital trail programs and funding that are under attack in Washington, D.C.—helping us deliver the active transportation infrastructure Americans need.
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America’s Trails Are Under Fire
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Reconciliation Bill Claws Back Hundreds of Millions of Dollars for Trails, Walking and Biking
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What’s at Stake: Federal Funding Threats Sacrifice Community Connectivity
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Prioritizing a Safer, Connected America
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Elected Officials and Business Leaders Call for Continued Federal Investment in Trails
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Standing Up for Trails
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Rails to Trails Landowner Rights Act Fact Sheet and RTC Sign-On Letter
RTC’s Impact
Since 1986, Rails to Trails Conservancy supported the creation of tens of thousands of miles of rail-trails and multiuse trails nationwide by building and championing infrastructure, advocating for public funding for trails and active transportation, and inspiring more people to make trails part of their everyday lives. Here’s a snapshot of our impact below, and view our FY 2024 Annual Report.
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41,400+
miles of multiuse trail across the country providing people with safe, off-road routes for walking, bicycling, being active and connecting to nature.
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150+
trail networks are being built in the U.S., with at least one in every state, showing universal demand for connected active transportation infrastructure.
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$34 Billion
the annual economic impact of America’s multiuse trails, delivering an ROI that surpasses the total federal active transportation investment of $24 billion.
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90 Million
people connected to trails via TrailLink™, having fun and making trails part of their everyday lives.
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1 Million+
grassroots taking action, transforming their joy into impact to create, connect and maintain the nation’s trails.
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7,500+
professionals and advocates coming together to spur trail and active-transportation network development nationwide.
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12,000
miles of trail being connected through TrailNation™, proving what is possible when trail networks are at the heart of communities.
Stand With Trails
Right now, RTC is fighting to protect federal funding for trails necessary investments so that we all have safe spaces to walk, bike and be active. Help us connect America by trail.
Latest News
Read Our TrailBlog
Reflections at 40: Moments That Moved the Dial for America’s Rail-Trails
Celebrate 40 years of Rails to Trails Conservancy and reflect on the milestones that shaped the national trails movement.
The Joyful Transformation of the American Landscape
Explore the transformation of the American landscape through trails movement and the founding of Rails to Trails Conservancy in 1986.
Best Of: Game-Changing Rail-Trails You May Not Know About
Explore the best rail-trails across the United States and discover hidden gems that enhance community and nature experiences.
Find Your Trail
Rails to Trails Conservancy is building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways to be active outdoors. We invite you to explore with us—find your next trail adventure. Find new ways to take part in the advocacy to reimagine public spaces, creating safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors. Discover why your time on the trail is so much more than a day outside.
