Trails are an important contributor to the growing outdoor recreation economy, and a powerful asset that attracts people seeking outdoor-oriented destinations. Across the country, trail-based tourism presents incredible opportunities for communities of all sizes. During this webinar, we talk with community leaders from the Ecusta Trail in North Carolina, and the Cowboy Trail (Nebraska) along […]

How to Prepare Active Transportation Infrastructure for Future Successes Prepared for REI Cooperative Action Fund, March 2026 Authored by: Overview In 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)—also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)—was hailed as being transformative by its supporters, both for its size ($1.2 trillion, with a total of $550 billion […]

Better Transportation Alternatives Implementation Key to Narrowing Gap of Unmet Demand for Safe Routes to Walk and Bike LESSONS FROM FY 2025 More Funding Represents More Progress But Still Falls Short of Demand IIJA provides states with a nearly 70% increase to the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) on average over five years beginning in FY […]

Executive Summary THE GREAT AMERICAN RAIL-TRAIL VISION Imagine pedaling across the entire country on a safe, seamless and scenic pathway—or walking a local trail that connects you to historic routes from across the country. You’re enthralled in the experience of exploring America’s heritage—its potential, its beauty and bounty, its people and places. Consider the intimacy […]

Dear Chairmen Capito and Graves, and Ranking Members Whitehouse and Larsen: We write in strong support of the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP), and request that you extend and strengthen this program in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization. ATIIP was authorized in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) with bipartisan support. It is […]

This webinar explored the growing social connection crisis in North America and positioned trails as critical social infrastructure, not just transportation or recreation assets. Speakers from Rails to Trails Conservancy, the U.S. Chamber of Connection, and Toronto’s Bentway shared research, real-world examples, and strategies showing how thoughtfully designed and programmed trails can rebuild trust, belonging, and well-being. The conversation […]

Micromobility has transformed how Americans move through their communities, including on multiuse trails. Personal and shared mobility options such as electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes) and e-scooters (scooters)  are now common in all types of communities. Rails to Trails Conservancy offers the perspectives in this document to assist communities, trail managers and policymakers in making decisions about […]

This survey tool was developed and utilized to create a report to summarize the business impact of the Mon River Trails System (MRTS) ‐ a network of 48 miles of trails in north central West Virginia.The findings from the work are applicable for many audiences, including trail advocates, elected officials, economic development entities, and business owners. Author: RTC […]

The team at Rails to Trails Conservancy is thrilled to partner with Special Olympics for a Celebrate Trails Day session focused on strategies for creating outdoor spaces that foster inclusive opportunities for physical activity, recreation, and everyday life. This webinar explored strategies to engage people with and without intellectual disabilities (ID) in trail programming, strategies […]

Join Rails to Trails’ Changemaker for Trails campaign for our training, “Power in Numbers: Building Grassroots Partnerships in Your Community.” During this training, Changemakers heard from individuals who have been successful in activating community members and engaging key players, including elected officials to develop trail infrastructure in their region. This was an opportunity for Changemakers […]