Impact Report
FY 2024
Rails to Trails Conservancy’s fiscal year 2024 (Oct. 1, 2023–Sept. 30, 2024) Impact Report chronicles a year of our work to build, connect and expand trails and active transportation networks—core components of America’s essential infrastructure.
A Message From the President
Rails to Trails ConServancy President
America’s Trail Moment, Celebrating Progress and Pursuing Possibility
“2024 was a landmark year for trails, walking and biking nationwide. More than ever before, people and places are rallying for trails—demanding access to safe places to walk, bike and be active outside. For the first time ever, we can say there are rail-trails AND trail networks being developed in every single state. And we’ve secured unprecedented investment in trails and active transportation networks across the country.”
Our North Star
At Rails to Trails Conservancy, we are creating a future where trail networks are prioritized as essential to the well-being of people, places and the planet.
Our strategy prioritizes infrastructure, investment, inclusive trails and participation across America.
Click on our strategic priorities below to learn more about our progress in 2024.
Guided by our Strategic Plan, the team at RTC is tapping into opportunity—and turning that opportunity into impact—to build a nation connected by trails.
Last year, we:
- Secured $35 million+ for projects along the 3,700-mile Great American Rail-Trail®, a signature program of RTC that will connect tens of millions of people and generate hundreds of millions of dollars each year in visitor spending for communities.
- Advocated for $2.8 billion in federal funding to be invested in trail and active transportation networks nationwide, and $500 million in additional state funding through legislative action and ballot initiatives.
- Helped catalyze inclusive, community-driven trail network development across our 12,000-miles-plus TrailNation® footprint along with hundreds of trail advocates, local leaders and organizations, driving impactful change in rural and urban areas.
- Inspired millions of people to get out on trails through programs and initiatives such TrailLink, Celebrate Trails Day, Trail Moments and the Hall of Fame.
Infrastructure
Connecting America—Neighborhood by Neighborhood, Coast to Coast: RTC’s successes are creating a dynamic where trail networks are prioritized for the long term and valued for their unique contributions to the most pressing challenges communities face related to the economy, safety and quality of life.
Photo by Mariah Miranda Photography
“The Great American Rail-Trail represents the potential of active transportation infrastructure that connects the nation. It magnifies the opportunity for connected trail systems to deliver economic prosperity, quality of life and safe mobility to millions of Americans.”
Five Years of Progress for the Great American Rail-Trail
On May 8, 2024, RTC stood with partners across the country, and in Washington, D.C., with members of Congress, REI Co-op, Warrior Expeditions, and state offices of outdoor recreation to celebrate an incredible milestone for the movement—the five-year anniversary of the Great American Rail-Trail®. RTC’s signature project will connect 3,700+ miles of trails across 12 states and the nation’s capital—creating new trail access for 50 million people who live within 50 miles of the route and generating an estimated $229 million+ in annual visitor spending.
In 2024, RTC and partners raised $35 million+ for projects within the footprint and saw new trail segments completed in five states.
SPOTLIGHT: Markers Elevate the Rich History of Trail Communities Across the US
In 2024, RTC helped oversee the installation of 600+ historical markers, interpretive signs, emblems and trailhead signs along the Great American route to commemorate people, places and events that influenced the development of the nation. By collaboratively supporting communities in embracing their historical legacies, we create opportunities to engage people across the United States on trails, while promoting trailside tourism.
Read more about the histories of 12 sites along the route, commemorated through our partnership with the Pomeroy Foundation.
TrailNation: Elevating Connected Trail Network Models in America
Rails to Trails Conservancy’s TrailNationTM initiative brings to life our vision of trails at the heart of healthy, thriving communities by showcasing the impact of trail networks and redefining how we create them.
Through our portfolio of projects ranging in size from 35 to 2,600 miles, our national community, the TrailNation Collaborative, and our cutting-edge TrailNation Playbook, we are bringing together the model projects, the visionary leaders and champions, and the resources necessary to accelerate the pace of equitable trail development nationwide, creating new access to this essential infrastructure and the benefits it brings for everyone in America.
Learn more about the milestones we made in 2024 from our VP of Trail Development, Liz Thorstensen.
More Than 150 Multiuse Trail Networks and Growing, Data Finds
In December 2023, RTC released data from an analysis finding more than 150 known multiuse trail networks in development across the United States! Trail networks are underway in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico—with at least half of Americans living in a county that’s home to a system in progress. The study also found overwhelming support for spending tax dollars on trail networks across party affiliation, with 82% of people agreeing that spending should go toward connecting trails to each other and important destinations.
RTC’s Vice President of Trail Development
“When we’re talking about these trail networks, we know that it’s really about connectivity—it makes all the difference. We found that when you have one trail that exists and you can connect it to another trail, usage goes up by as much as 80%. Places across the country know that, too, and that’s why they’re working to connect thousands of miles of trails. With more than 150 trail networks in development nationwide, this is just the beginning of what’s possible.”
SPOTLIGHT: Green Access and Outdoor Activation in Baltimore
“The Chinquapin Run Trail will have ripple effects of positivity in our communities. This is an essential element for unifying our community, bringing together positive actions and impacts, activating the space for accessible community bonding.”
In 2024, RTC secured a match grant from the France-Merrick Foundation to support the planning of a 1.8-mile multiuse trail through Chinquapin Run Park in Baltimore, enhancing access to local green spaces and active transportation routes for thousands of Northeast residents. The trail is part of a vision to connect the area to the 35-mile Baltimore Greenway Trails Network, an RTC TrailNation project that is unlocking opportunities for active transportation, economic development and outdoor access throughout the city.
TrailNation: Powering Communities Through Peer Learning
To power boost trail development across the country in 2023, RTC launched the TrailNation Collaborative, a growing, inclusive national learning community that now comprises 8,500+ trail network visionaries, advocates, public leaders and professionals.
Through this multidisciplinary group, members come together to share experiences, tackle challenges and discuss critical and emerging topics in the movement. In 2024, RTC and the TrailNation Collaborative hosted 21 webinars for more than 2,300 participants, offering foundational information, proven methods, tools and resources to help communities advance and complete critical trail projects.
Activating Trail Communities
RTC and our national community of trail builders and advocates spark, support and nourish impactful trail development by providing …
SPOTLIGHT: Ushering Forth Landmark Connections in the Delaware Valley
In May 2024, to spur connections across five counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) released the draft FY 2025 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for Pennsylvania, proposing landmark funding in the amount of $200+ million for the Circuit Trails, an RTC TrailNation project that will connect 800 miles of trails in the Greater Philadelphia-Camden area. RTC called on the public to take action and demonstrate support for this investment to ensure all proposed Circuit Trails projects were included in the final TIP.
The DVRPC received the most comments ever on a draft TIP, highlighting the important and powerful role of advocacy in ensuring decision-makers understand the benefits of trails.
SPOTLIGHT: Building Miles and Momentum in Missouri
For more than a decade, RTC has been working with partners across Missouri to advocate for the completion of the 144-mile Rock Island Trail, which is poised to be a tourism magnet and economic driver for the dozens of small, rural towns across the route. We continue to support this potentially game-changing tourism asset for the state—which will eventually connect with the Katy Trail, creating a worldclass 450-miles-plus trail loop from Kansas City and St. Louis!
Learn more about the Rock Island Trail’s development in our July 2024 TrailBlog article.
RTC’s Senior Director of Programs
“What is happening in Missouri will be looked back on in a decade or two as a defining moment in the trail movement. Doubling down on the success of the Katy Trail by developing another cross-state trail, and connecting them into an internationally unique destination, will be remembered as one of the finest projects a state could undertake for the long-term vitality of its smaller rural communities.”
Protecting Trails in the Courts
As the nation’s foremost defender of rail-trails, RTC protects rail-trails in America’s courts and provides expert technical assistance on legal issues. To date, we’ve been involved in more than 60 cases!
Our legal team participates in cases and proceedings that have implications for rail-trail conversions with a simple objective—protecting the legal and policy framework facilitating these conversions, particularly the federal railbanking law. The statute has helped make an estimated 196 rail-trails—totaling nearly 4,500 miles of railbanked trail—possible since 1983.
SPOTLIGHT: Preserving Rail Corridors in New Hampshire
“The design that NHDOT has approved brings layers of negative impact to the community. It dismantles a historic railroad corridor and introduces significant safety threats. Many thousands of people are expected to use this corridor every week—whether they’re walking, biking or using ADA-compliant mobility devices.”
—Dave Topham, Member of the Committee to Save the Derry Rail Trail Tunnel
A revised proposal by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for a new exit on I-93 adversely impacts a planned trail connection between the Derry Rail Trail and the Londonderry Rail Trail in New Hampshire. In a cost-cutting measure, the NHDOT has abandoned plans for a trail tunnel underneath the exit in favor of a circuitous route that would also require people to cross a six-lane roadway.
In August 2024, the Committee to Save the Derry Rail Trail Tunnel and RTC filed a lawsuit to challenge the FHWA’s decision on the grounds that the revised plan does not comply with a federal law protecting the historical rail corridor that the trail traverses.
Investment
RTC led the advocacy and provided direct assistance and resources to help communities secure an estimated $2.8 billion in federal funding for active transportation in 2024, including $1.44 billion allocated to Transportation Alternatives and the Recreational Trails Program—the nation’s largest sources of federal funding for trails, walking and bicycling—which was bolstered by federal discretionary grants.
Investments to Seed a Strong Foundation for Trails
Transportation Alternatives (TA) and the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) together make up the largest source of federal funding for trails, walking and biking.
RTC Vice President of Policy
“Demand for connected walking and biking infrastructure continues to grow for communities of all sizes and types due to urgent needs to prevent traffic crashes and improve access to economic opportunities.”
Big State Wins for Trails and Active Transportation
RTC continues to lead trail advocacy at the state level, pushing for vital legislation and programs to support states in completing their trails and active transportation infrastructure and achieving substantial economic, transportation and quality of life goals. Working closely with trail and bike advocates, transportation professionals and legislatures, we focus on providing safe walking and biking routes for children and adults, removing barriers to access, eliminating bike- and pedestrian-related injuries and fatalities, and decreasing vehicle emissions.
In FY 2024, our work with partners helped raise $93 million in new funding streams for trails and active transportation projects. In November, our advocacy in six states—including California, Florida and Iowa—helped pass ballot initiatives that unlocked billions of additional dollars for trails, walking and biking.
Learn more about our accomplishments this year from Drew Dupuy, RTC’s Director of State-Level Policy.
A Vital Tool for Deploying TA Funding
Since the inception of Transportation Alternatives (TA) in 1991, RTC has monitored how these funds have been invested. Our annual “Transportation Alternatives Spending Report” is a vital tool for states, regions and active transportation professionals to understand, strengthen and deploy the program, which has supported 43,000+ trail, walking and biking projects to date.
Highlights from our 2024 analysis: Although demand for TA funds continued to outpace availability by roughly 2 to 1, states are apportioning larger awards, implementing thoughtful policy reforms, prioritizing safety, and reducing barriers to mobility, economic development and community connectivity.
Texas’ Civic Transformation
In 2024, leaders in Texas reimagined their state’s Transportation Alternatives program with a new funding category to support large-scale trail and active- transportation network development, putting a prioritizing on safety and creating new economic opportunity. The new category received most of the grant requests as well as a majority of Texas’ TA funds, demonstrating demand for this type of funding and its potential as a model strategy for other states to enhance connectivity.
Learn how this change that’s underway is impacting the Lower Rio Grande Valley’s 428-mile Caracara Trails system, an RTC TrailNation™ project.
SPOTLIGHT: Unlocking Access to Critical Funding for Trails, Walking and Biking for America’s Communities
RTC kicked off an exciting peer-to-peer learning community in 2024 for state-level transportation professionals specializing in deploying TA funds. During the year, we connected professionals from 25+ states, who dove into best practices around TA implementation—ultimately with a collective goal to create better opportunities for communities to access these critical funds, complete vibrant trail network projects and generate transformative economic, health and active transportation benefits.
“RTC’s peer-learning network provides a great place to discuss similar problems, solutions and opportunities between state TA programs. It comes at a critical time when we need to communicate the benefits connected trail infrastructure generates—spurring economic opportunities, improving public health and providing significant active-transportation connections, while making our communities safer places to walk, bike and roll.”
—Mike Smith, TAP Manager, Michigan DOT
Inclusive Trails
RTC is committed to ensuring that all people have access to free, accessible and safe places to walk, bike and be active outside, right where they live. To make this happen, we are prioritizing grassroots leadership to drive positive, impactful change.
Trail Grants
RTC’s Trail Grants program is making a nationwide impact by bringing more people closer to the economic, health and quality-of-life opportunities that trails and trail networks provide. In 2024, we awarded 41 Trail Grants totaling more than $421,500 to communities to develop, activate and promote trail and trail network projects. The funding supports the work and leadership that goes into creating lasting connections and impact, bringing new infrastructure and programming for people to safely walk, bike and be active outside.
“This year we received requests from more than 150 organizations totaling over $3.2 million. As a nonprofit, we can’t bridge this gap on our own, but our investment of more than $421,000 this year is being leveraged 35 times over, helping drive more than $14 million in projects. That’s a significant impact,” said Liz Thorstensen, RTC’s Vice President for Trail Development.
SPOTLIGHT: Mississippi’s Water Valley Main Street Association
“I’m inspired to get this trail project up and running for the kids to have it as a learning space, a community space so that any child, anywhere in the city, is able to go out and safely explore nature.”
—Katelynn Dillard, Board Member of Water Valley Main Street Association, a 2024 Trail Grant Recipient
With support from a 2024 RTC Trail Grant, the Yalobusha Greenways Alliance in Yalobusha County, Mississippi, is conducting a feasibility study to map and plan the future Water Valley Rail-Trail. The trail will serve as the 3.4-mile spine of an emerging trail network in the rural community where more than 27% of residents live below the poverty line. The old rail line that the group wishes to convert runs parallel with Water Valley’s downtown main street, and has the potential to greatly increase the overall walkability of the surrounding communities.
Learn more about this impactful project and the Trail Grants program.
SPOTLIGHT: Milwaukee Residents Speak Out for Trails
In the summer of 2024, RTC asked Milwaukee residents to speak out for trails in Wisconsin and the future of the 30th Street Corridor—where a 7-mile shared-use rail-with-trail could help increase access to safe places to walk and bike for hundreds of thousands of residents. Hundreds of community members took time out of their day to rally behind the vision of the trail, which would link neighborhoods along the Corridor to jobs, schools and parks while spurring economic revitalization. The trail is a key project in the Route of the Badger—an RTC TrailNation project with a vision to connect 700+ miles of trails across Southeast Wisconsin.
Wisconsin’s Route of the Badger (center)
“As Milwaukee reimagines the 30th Street Corridor, it sets a precedent for other cities to follow: Trails as a foundation for long-term economic growth, empowering communities to thrive while preserving their identity.”
SPOTLIGHT: Unifying Baltimore’s Neighborhoods
In Baltimore, trails have emerged as a unifying topic with a broad base of support. The findings from a 2024 poll from RTC and the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance highlight a clear preference for a more equitable allocation of funds across pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, public transit and highways. Of note: 58% of respondents indicated that they’re more likely to vote for an elected official who prioritizes trails for walking and biking, and 81% of respondents believe that trails contribute to the well-being of a neighborhood.
Participation
Inspiring People to Use and Love Trails: RTC seeks to encourage and inspire more people to use trails across the country, establishing communities and a nation that demands trail systems as essential for our well-being and the well-being of the places we live.
Chief Technology Officer
“With more than 5.3 million users in 2024, TrailLink continues to play an important role in defining outdoor recreation—delivering trusted trail information and inspiring millions of Americans to explore, connect and find joy in the outdoors.”
Powering Millions of Trail Moments
TrailLink, RTC’s national trails website and app, inspires and empowers millions of people to get outside and experience the power of trails. With interactive maps, detailed descriptions, captivating photos and firsthand reviews of multiuse trails, TrailLink is the ultimate guide for every step of your trail adventure.
During FY 2024, TrailLink connected 5.3 million visitors with 5,565 trails totaling 42,241 miles.
Discover your next trail adventure with TrailLink!
“I am just so glad TrailLink exists! I’m new to cycling and am looking for trails in my area and it’s been really helpful. I have way more options than I would have known about without TrailLink!” — TrailLink user elisegonzalez44
“Riding on the trails has been an incredible family experience. Being in nature together and away from screens is a real bonding experience. I’ve also loved seeing our state from a new perspective. I’ve learned more about our history.” — TrailLink user aimee25
Joy and Impact: Celebrate Trails Day 2024
Celebrate Trails Day—an annual event on the fourth Saturday of April—highlights the meaningful influence that even one day on the trail can have on our lives, underscoring the value of having safe, connected outdoor spaces in our communities. On Celebrate Trails Day 2024 on April 27, more than 20,000 people across America joined one of 240+ events—including group bike rides, runs, festivals and volunteer cleanups—or enjoyed the day on the trail with family and friends. Participants reported spending an average of 102 active minutes outside on the day of the celebration, approximately 30% more time than on a typical day.
Learn more about the impact of Celebrate Trails Day 2024.
Read the press release.
“I see more than a day outside. I see myself connecting with nature and feeling at ease. I feel my body getting stronger and reaching new goals. And I will continue to take up space outside especially on trails and bring others along with me!”
SPOTLIGHT PARTNER: Athletic Brewing Company
As the premier sponsor of Celebrate Trails Day 2024, Athletic Brewing Company joined RTC in inviting everyone outside across the United States to experience the joy and everyday benefits of trails. Athletic Brewing Company is passionate about positively impacting their customers’ lifestyle, while greatly impacting communities and the environment for the better, and helps give back to the outdoors through their Two for the Trails program.
“We see more than a day outside. We see appreciation for nature fueling a future where more people access clean, safe outdoor spaces through conservation and restoration. And we say cheers to it (with a refreshing brew in hand).”
—Athletic Brewing Company, the 2024 Premier Sponsor of Celebrate Trails Day
National Hall of Fame
RTC’s 2024 Hall of Fame inductee, Ke Ala Hele Makālae on the Hawaiian island of Kaua‘i, is frequently hailed as an example of a successful collaboration between government, private and community groups. Stretching for 8 miles, from Lydgate Beach Park to Ahihi Point, the trail offers a safe, paved and scenic space for exercise and transportation, as well as opportunities for people to gather insight into local culture, ecology and history through interpretive signage.
Learn more about this trail, chosen for the Hall of Fame by a national vote, in Rails to Trails’ Fall 2024 feature sstory.
RTC Vice President of Development
“RTC’s national influence isn’t by chance—it is the result of thousands of people choosing to act. Our members and supporters fuel this movement with their commitment, helping us build, connect and safeguard the trail networks that matter most.”
Changemakers for Trails
In 2024, RTC introduced a new initiative to help more people become advocates for trails, walking and biking across the country. The process to build public and political support for trails is participatory, but can feel out of reach for many people who aren’t deeply involved in the work of influencing policy. RTC’s Changemakers for Trails program is designed to build the skills and confidence of everyone who wants to see more trails, more connected walking and biking routes, and better trail maintenance in their communities with a vision of creating a groundswell of visible support for this infrastructure as key federal, state and local policy decisions are made in the coming years and beyond. To date, hundreds of people have participated in trainings, adding their voice as we send a resounding message that trail networks are essential infrastructure for America.
RTC Vice President of Communications
“There is unmatched potential in trail networks to make walking and biking part of our everyday lives, unlocking all of the good that happens when we are active outside, in the places where we live. That’s why RTC is uniting everyone in a common appreciation for trails—and the impact of connecting trails in our communities.”
Spotlight: Rails to Trails magazine
Our flagship quarterly national publication highlights America’s remarkable trails and trail networks, with a focus on the challenges communities face in their development and the impact they have across the country.
Rail-Trail Champion: Sarah Clark Stuart
In October, RTC honored Sarah Clark Stuart as the 2024 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion for her visionary leadership on the Circuit Trails network, which will eventually connect across 860 miles in Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey. Central to the progress of the Circuit Trails, Stuart’s advocacy, ingenuity and determination have made it safer and more accessible for millions of people to walk and bike across the region. In her time as chair of the Circuit Trails Coalition, Stuart led the strategy to develop more than 150 miles of trails and secure $240 million in funds to advance the trail network.
2024 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion
“Trails are transportation assets and facilities. It’s very much … about bringing a safe and accessible asset to many neighborhoods that don’t have that kind of open space now.”
Trail Moments
“The main thing is you share certain things in common. You’re all riding bikes, and people are in good moods because they’re on vacation and aren’t burdened down by things like work and politics or any of the things that get us cross with each other. People are just good-spirited.”
SPOTLIGHT: The Fellowship of the Trail
Ken Silbert had no idea a group trail ride several years ago would lead to lasting friendships. During the 70-miles-plus journey through northern Idaho’s stunning landscapes, he bonded with fellow cyclists from across the country. Now 82, Ken says his dedication to biking and these annual trips help him stay fit and feel connected.
Read more about Ken’s journey and the incredible friendships he’s made.
Read our collection of Trail Moments stories submitted by and featuring people from across the United States.
Organizational Excellence
At Rails to Trails Conservancy, we are driven by the desire to be bold, inclusive, transformative and compassionate in all facets of our work, to achieve our goals of creating a nation where trails connect everyone, everywhere. Our experienced and passionate team, guided by a group of nationally renowned leaders and visionaries in their fields, has served as the national voice for the trail movement for nearly four decades.
RTC Chief Operating Officer
“RTC strives to be a place of innovation and collaboration—it’s in our values. We work together toward a shared goal of providing opportunities for all Americans to have access to trails and the positive benefits that come with them.”
Finances
RTC is a nonprofit organization working to build a nation connected by trails. Our work is supported by our dedicated members and a grassroots community more than 1 million strong.
Below is a summary of RTC’s activities and changes in net assets for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024.
Revenue
Expenses
