Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) celebrated a 70% increase in funding alongside policy changes that support equity, connectivity and maintenance priorities.

To this day, I have had numerous visits to this trail, with my family, friends and other community members alongside me, biking, walking and hiking.

The 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail, named after the South Dakota governor who championed the trail before dying in a plane crash in 1993, was officially dedicated in the midst of much fanfare in 1998.

Here are six tips that will help make every trip safe and fun for everyone.

Hal Hiemstra was a pivotal figure in the active transportation movement and served as Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s vice president of national policy in the 1990s.

Trails were mostly relaxing for me and my dad. There were no cars. Navigating was easy. People were friendly. It was common for someone to come up and start talking to us while we were taking a break on a bench.

Here’s a Top 10 bucket list of trail experiences for fun in the sun. You can find options for other great summer outings on TrailLink™.

The 14.5-mile Pennsy Greenway now connects two counties in two states (Cook County, Illinois, and Lake County, Indiana), as well as the communities of Lansing, Illinois, and Indiana’s Munster and Schererville along the way.

I ride for several reasons. First, it gives me an opportunity to mentally prepare for my day as a teacher, and time to unwind from the day and focus on my family at home. Second, I enjoy getting a workout in without having to put in additional time at a gym.