More than a day outside
Memories being made
Communities connecting
Places thriving
Start Exploring Trails
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.
Protecting the Future of Trails Now
Reimagining Public Spaces
As the nation’s largest advocacy organization for trails, walking and bicycling, Rails to Trails Conservancy is working hard to make sure trails connect everyone, in every neighborhood across America. We believe in the joy and impact that trails deliver for people, places and the planet, which is why we want trails and trail networks prioritized as essential to healthy, thriving communities. Learn more about RTC.
Photo credits (top to bottom): Getty Images; Carroll Park | Photo by Allison Abruscato; Ohio’s Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail | Photo by Jason Cohn; Mount Vernon Trail | Photo by Milo Bateman
Our 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.
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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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$24 Billion
in federal active transportation funding has supported tens of thousands of trail, walking and biking projects, a fraction of the annual ROI they deliver.
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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.
Photo credits (top to bottom): Capital Crescent Trail | Photo by Hung Tran; Baltimore, Md. | Photo by Side A Photography; Warrior Expeditions in Washington, D.C. | Photo by Albert Ting; Wisconsin’s Oak Leaf Trail, part of the Route of the Badger | Photo by Front Room Photography; Celebrate Trails Day event in Pittsburgh | Photo by Robin Woods; Illinois’ Mississippi River Trail | Photo by Brandi Horton; Cynwyd Heritage Trail, part of the Circuit Trails | Photo by Thom Carroll
Donate
RTC is creating a future where everyone has safe spaces to walk, bike and be active outdoors. We need your help as we build a nation connected by trails.
Latest News
Read Our TrailBlog
Court Sides with Advocates for Derry Rail Trail Tunnel in Lawsuit Over Historic Rail Corridor
The Committee to Save the Derry Rail Trail Tunnel and RTC celebrated a victory in their lawsuit against the New Hampshire DOT and the FHWA.
Trail Moments | A Mental and Physical Journey Along the Great American Rail-Trail
Biking is a way to balance the turmoil in my life, a way for me to get away and let my problems go temporarily. My last drink was 8 years ago.
The Big Burn: Exploring the Great Fire of 1910 in Idaho and Montana
The Big Burn in Idaho and the 1910 Wildfires That Ravaged the American Northwest and Shaped the Forest Service.
Professional & Advocates
We work with thousands of organizations, public agencies, local and state governments, and institutions to deliver the best practices and trail-planning resources, technical support, and capacity-building grants to create, connect and maintain the nation’s trails.