Laura Stark
Laura Stark is the senior editor for Rails to Trails Conservancy, responsible for highlighting trails and the people working hard to support them across America.
Related Posts
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A Taste of the Great American Rail-Trail
May 08, 2025
As the Great American Rail-Trail® journeys 3,700 miles across the country, it serves as a singular connector for the diversity of cultures, history and traditions found in every community it touches. Those differences are perhaps most tangibly experienced through food—something so universal yet so significantly shaped by where we are and who we’re surrounded by. […]
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Trail Moments: In Piedmont, Alabama, a Slice of Pizza Comes With a Side of Adventure
April 24, 2025
In the rural northeastern Alabama city of Piedmont, folks on the Chief Ladiga Trail will probably smell the Pinhoti Pizza Company before they see it. Located at the intersection of the trail and Main Street, the restaurant sits at the very heart of the community. Although opened in November 2024, it has the welcoming feel […]
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Trail Moments: An Appalachian Trail Journey
February 01, 2025
Pastel colored dawns, trees silhouetted on mountain peaks, birds perched and watching … one look at Mary Lynn Munro’s watercolor sketches from the trail and you feel the emotional tug to be on that journey with her. “My love for the outdoors probably came from my growing up in Maryland just outside of Washington, D.C., […]
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Trail Moments: Jack Perme’s Journey to Help Others With Ataxia
December 31, 2024
Anyone seeing Jack Perme cruising down the trail this past summer, pedaling his trike with a huge smile spreading across his face on an adventure from Maine to Ohio, might not realize just how special this moment was. “It was very liberating, because I had to stop riding bikes when I was about 12 or […]
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Celebrating 2024’s New Rail-Trails
December 02, 2024
As 2024 takes its final bow, we applaud the new rail-trails that have made their debuts this year, joining more than 2,400 others already being enjoyed across America. Here, we spotlight just a few of these exciting pathways that are helping communities thrive and making a difference in people’s lives. High Trestle Trail to Raccoon […]
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A View From Our 2024 Hall of Fame Inductee: Ke Ala Hele Makālae
October 15, 2024
This summer, Ke Ala Hele Makālae (kauaipath.org) on the Hawaiian island of Kaua‘i was named the 2024 Rails to Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame winner by securing nearly 45% of the public vote. This exemplary group of multiuse trails is celebrated for the social, economic and quality-of-life value they bring to their communities. Learn more […]
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Trail Moments: The Fellowship of the Trail
September 20, 2024
Ken Silbert wasn’t expecting to make lifelong friends on his first Trailblazer Society ride seven years ago, but over the course of 70+ scenic miles through northern Idaho’s Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, he connected with fellow riders that he’s still in touch with today, even though they came from places like Michigan, Florida, Virginia […]
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Georgia’s Firefly Trail Shines Brightly
September 06, 2024
Dodd Ferrelle looks forward to the day he can bike from his home in Winterville to Athens with his boys for an exciting Bulldogs football game at the University of Georgia. A mere 3-mile gap separates the Firefly Trail in his community from the section in the neighboring college town—but not for long. The connection […]
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A View From … Pacific Northwest Guidebook Sneak Peek
July 26, 2024
The development of Rails to Trails Conservancy’s next guidebook is underway! Covering the Pacific Northwest region, the Pacific Northwest Guidebook will highlight dozens of top trails where you can walk, bike, run, hike and roll in Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Enjoy a sneak peek in this photo gallery at the rainforests, rolling farmland, rugged mountain […]
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Missouri’s Rock Island Trail State Park: Building Miles and Momentum
July 09, 2024
Growing up in Bland, Missouri, home to about 500 people, Bruce Sassman knows firsthand what the Rock Island Trail State Park will mean to the rural communities situated along its bucolic 144-mile stretch of corridor across the heartland of the state. Incorporated in 1902, the town blossomed with the coming of the Chicago and Rock […]
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Best Of: Summer Boardwalks and Pathways
June 03, 2024
Is there anything more quintessential to summertime than beaches and boardwalks? The joyful experience of a stroll along a boardwalk fills our senses: the sound of the waves and the delighted screams of thrill seekers on rides, the smell of funnel cake and taste of ice cream, the feeling of sun-warmed skin and sand between […]
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10 Unique Lodgings Along the Great American Rail-Trail
April 15, 2024
As it unfurls across 3,700 miles of the nation’s varied landscapes, the Great American Rail-Trail® connects us to our shared culture and heritage. In addition to the innumerable historical sites, museums, parks and other attractions along the way, travelers taking this epic route between Washington, D.C., and Washington State will find unique places to stay […]
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You Can Get to These Eco-Friendly Stadiums by Trail
April 08, 2024
There’s no denying that Americans love a good game, with more than 150 million combined attendees annually at major league baseball, football, basketball, soccer and hockey games. With going to sports events being such a popular pastime, venues that embrace sustainability can serve as important role models for positive change. Here we’ve spotlighted several members […]
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Five Far-Out Trails for Viewing the 2024 Solar Eclipse
March 20, 2024
During the celestial spectacle on April 8, 2024, the moon will pass between the sun and Earth, plunging a swath of the world into temporary mid-day darkness. This total solar eclipse is a not-to-miss moment—with the next one not occurring in the continental United States again until 2044! As the moon’s shadow moves across the […]
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Here Are Five Fantastic New Rail-Trails That Opened in 2023
December 11, 2023
At the close of 2023, America now boasts more than 25,000 miles of open rail-trails, where people flock to enjoy time with family and friends, experience nature and access places in their neighborhoods and beyond. Here we spotlight a handful of the exciting new pathways that made their debut in 2023. These five trails join the ranks […]
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Plan These Top 10 Summer Trail Experiences With TrailLink
August 08, 2023
Summer speaks to outdoor adventure like no other, and what better way to connect us to those precious moments of joy—the feel of sand between your toes, the cool splash of water, the warm kiss of sun on your skin—than a trail? As the season draws to a close, take the opportunity to catch our […]
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A Celebration of Completion for Vermont’s Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
July 17, 2023
After more than two decades of effort and an infusion of cash from the state legislature in 2020, Vermont’s Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) is finally complete. The state’s $2.8 million in funding, matched by $11.3 million in federal dollars, was championed by Governor Phil Scott and brought the 93-mile route a long way from the days […]
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Trail Moments | Adventure for All: Advocating for Accessible Outdoor Spaces
May 04, 2023
What’s next after venturing 2,500 miles on the Continental Divide Trail in the central United States? If you’re adventurer extraordinaire Quinn Brett, you continue that journey into the wilderness of the Canadian Rockies on an epic 600-mile route that extends north of the U.S.-Canada border between Alberta and British Columbia, crisscrossing the divide more than 30 times. “The whole […]
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Trail Moments | Biking Through Triumphs and Troubles
March 15, 2023
Biking 5,000 miles in a year would be an impressive feat for anyone. For longtime partners Joe Rebar and Carol Walter—77 and 65, respectively—that’s their goal everysix monthsof the riding season. “We usually start around April 15th, weather permitting, and we bike up until the first snowfall in October,” explained Joe. “And we’ll bike every day, […]
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Seven Sensational New Rail-Trails to Celebrate in 2022
December 21, 2022
As another year comes to a close, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is proud to showcase a handful of the new rail-trails that opened in 2022, bringing with them impactful changes that strengthened and improved the communities they connect while expanding options for people to be active outdoors—whether for recreation or transportation. Even better, when individual rail-trails like […]
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Trail Moments | Couple Celebrates Half a Century of Healthy, Happy Biking
August 04, 2022
Janine Brobst has always been competitive, cruising ahead of her husband John during their bike rides together—even uphill. Today, at 91, she still beats her husband, six years her junior, and keeps up with her daughter who’s a spry 69. John pedals behind on his recumbent and they all meet up together at designated points […]
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South Carolina’s Spanish Moss Trail
August 03, 2022
Trail of the Month: August 2022 “When the trail opened up, a group of girlfriends and I started walking religiously on it almost every day; they kept adding sections to the trail, so we would just go farther and farther.” —Rosemary Cuppia, longtime resident of Beaufort, South Carolina Aptly named for the moss-draped live oaks along the route, […]
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Trail Moments | Advice From a Mom: How to Get Kids to Love Biking
May 06, 2022
Our family once had the good fortune of traveling to Paris for my husband’s work, followed by a trip to Rhode Island for my work to ride a handful of trails for a guidebook. Guess which trip my then 7-year-old preferred? Yup, she picked biking in L’il Rhody over the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and […]
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Trail Moments | Recapturing Life on a Great American Journey
April 14, 2022
If a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, Whitney Washington’s 3,700-mile route across the country began with a few hard-earned turns of the bike wheel. She estimates that she traveled about 5 miles her first day, but as she gained strength and experience over the course of weeks and then months, […]
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North Carolina’s Trails
March 29, 2022
Trails are a vital part of North Carolina’s infrastructure, providing significant health, economic and transportation benefits and serving as the cornerstone of the state’s $28 billion outdoor recreation industry. In celebration of its status as a growing hub of trails connecting North Carolina’s communities and treasured natural and cultural assets, the state legislature designated 2023 […]
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Siete buenos consejos para andar en bicicleta en climas fríos
March 24, 2022
Read this blog in English. Cariño, hace frío afuera, pero los innumerables beneficios para la salud física y mental que conlleva andar en bicicleta no tienen por qué terminar en el invierno. No hay duda de que pedalear en áreas de nieve y hielo puede ser más desafiante, pero con una buena preparación y planificación, […]
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Trail Moments | Finding Love Feet First
February 14, 2022
“Our family journey has always included trails,” said Cece Roudabush, a newly retired teacher from Coralville, Iowa. Before her children Spencer and Haley—who were born 22 months apart—could even walk, Cece and her husband would take them for hikes in the woods strapped up in packs on their back. “Once they were able to walk, […]
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Follow Your Art: Exploring the Trailside Artwork of Bernard Williams
January 27, 2022
With bold colors, expansive images and quotes writ large across the wall, the sprawling 400-foot Marshall “Major” Taylor mural feels fitting for the larger-than-life legend who was the first Black cyclist to win a world championship. Its creator is nationally acclaimed Chicago-based artist Bernard Williams, who in addition to this piece along the city’s Major Taylor […]
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Trail Moments | Letting the Good (and Bad) Times Roll: New York Bike Shop Opens in the Midst of a Covid World
January 03, 2022
“Small town, big ideas,” proclaims the Visit Hurleyville website in large letters. The same could be said for Fortress Bikes founder Hal Simon. Originally from Long Island, the restaurateur frequented this picturesque valley in the Catskills for years before deciding to take the leap to bike rental shop owner in the summer of 2021. Although such an endeavor takes […]
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Making Connections on 2021’s New Rail-Trails
December 20, 2021
As we reflect back on 2021, one thing that many of us are grateful for are the trails in our lives that have brought us moments of solitude and peace, as well as togetherness with family and friends—playing a role in our daily routines and having a starring role in our special outings. With the growing clamor for these […]
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Top 10 Trails in Alaska
December 15, 2021
With rugged peaks, sparkling seas and verdant forests, Alaska is unparalleled in natural beauty. Holding more than half of America’s national park land by area, as well as numerous wildlife refuges, national forests, state parks and other outdoor assets, opportunities to recreate in the state are nearly boundless. A growing effort is the development of […]
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Trail Moments | Native Women Running Founder Verna Volker Gets a Running Start on Social Change
December 06, 2021
Mother. Sister. Teacher. Runner. Verna Volker plays many roles in life, but a new one is leader. As the youngest of 10 children, she chuckles that she is used to following, but a passionate calling pushed her to make a positive change in the world and in herself. As the founder of Native Women Running, Volker feels […]
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Top 10 Trails in Iowa
November 05, 2021
In 1856, the first trains to ever cross the mighty Mississippi River entered Davenport, Iowa, ushering in a new wave of east–west travel across the burgeoning nation. Today, Iowa offers more than 900 miles of trail built along former railroad corridors, a result of its long history of leadership in trail development, including being the […]
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Top 10 Trails in North Carolina
September 23, 2021
North Carolina abounds in natural beauty with its vast wilderness areas, Appalachian Mountains and scenic Atlantic coastline. Providing access to these treasured outdoor places is a growing hub of interconnected trails, including the Carolina Thread Trail, extending into neighboring South Carolina; the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, a developing 1,200-mile footpath; and the East Coast Greenway, linking communities by trail from […]
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Iowa’s Raccoon River Valley Trail
September 10, 2021
Trail of the Month: Sept. 2021 “The Raccoon River Valley Trail is now a major economic force for west-central Iowa. It connects Des Moines, the largest city in Iowa and the state capital, to some of the richest, most productive farmland in America.” —Chuck Offenburger, a former Raccoon River Valley Trail Association board member In […]
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Long-Distance Rides on Hall of Fame Rail-Trails
August 31, 2021
Here’s a fun look back at some of our previous Hall of Fame trails spanning nearly 100 miles or more. This collection of prestigious pathways—selected on merits such as scenic value, trailside amenities, historical significance and community connections—showcases some of the country’s best trail tourism destinations and long distance rides. Minnesota’s Paul Bunyan State Trail LENGTH: 119.3 […]
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Top 10 Trails in Georgia
July 22, 2021
With 200+ miles of open rail-trail—and more in the works—Georgia is the South’s preeminent trail state. Burgeoning trail networks, like the Atlanta BeltLine and Columbus’ Dragonfly Trails, in its major cities, as well as segments of the national East Coast Greenway, are a testament to the growing status of the Peach State in the trail movement. Not to be outdone by […]
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Meet the 2022 Rail-Trail Hall of Fame Nominees
July 13, 2021
I’m not gonna lie: Picking a winner for the 2022 Rail-Trail Hall of Fame is going to be tough. But we hope you will enjoy the challenge! Since 2007, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has bestowed this honor on rail-trails from across the country based on merits such as scenic value, high use, trail and trailside amenities, historical significance, excellence […]
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Top 10 Trails in Rhode Island
June 01, 2021
With nearly 80 miles of open rail-trail, trails in Rhode Island offer a delightfully eclectic mix of small-town charm and big city vibrancy, remote wooded ponds and wide ocean views, industrial heritage and backcountry beauty. Even better, our smallest state is part of two of the largest trail projects in the country: the East Coast Greenway, […]
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Trail Moments | Finding Health, Healing and Hope on the Trail
May 13, 2021
“After a long day of being in the house, sitting in front of a computer for seven hours, the only thing I wanted to do was close down my Zoom and go outside and ride my bike. I think that kept me sane. It truly gave me something to look forward to.” —MaShanta Ashmon, Michigan […]
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Great American Rail-Trail: Long-Distance Adventures
May 07, 2021
2020 may have rattled the travel industry, but one form of travel experienced an unexpected revival: trail visitation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, bicycle purchases have surged, and trail use around the country has seen a sustained uptick of more than 50% over previous years. Being outside has helped millions to cope, buoying support—and demand for—projects like […]
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Top 10 Trails in Minnesota
April 09, 2021
When it comes to rail-trails, Minnesota is a power player with more than 2,100 open miles of such pathways to explore in every corner of the state, including a half dozen rail-trails spanning more than 100 miles each. With the headwaters of the Mississippi River here and a once-thriving railroad industry carrying the state’s cornucopia of […]
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Top 10 Trails in New York
March 25, 2021
New York is famed for the vibrancy and culture of New York City, the Statue of Liberty, breathtaking Niagara Falls and the natural beauty of the Catskills, Adirondacks, two Great Lakes and the Finger Lakes. Another wonderful thing the state has going for it is its expansive trail system, including more than 100 rail-trails and the […]
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Florida’s Spring to Spring Trail
March 16, 2021
Trail of the Month: March 2021 “It’s a very diverse trail that goes through beautifully wooded areas and crosses river prairie, but also has its urban elements and a mixture of rural and suburban experiences.” —Pat Northey, former Volusia County council member The Sunshine State’s Spring to Spring Trail doesn’t hide any tricks up its sleeve; as its […]
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Idaho’s Portneuf Greenway
February 11, 2021
Trail of the Month: February 2021 “We’re trying to build a triangle that encompasses the city.” —Dan Harelson, Idaho Transportation Department For outdoor enthusiasts, it’s no mystery why Idaho places among the top 10 of states ranked by happiness, according to a 2020 survey by Wallethub that looked at factors such as emotional and physical well-being. With […]
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Top 10 Trails in New Hampshire
February 10, 2021
Vying with Maine for the most-forested state, New Hampshire is an outdoor lover’s dream, with more than 80% of the state covered by trees. Providing important access to this natural wonderland, visitors will find a plethora of trails in every corner the state—including more than 500 miles of open rail-trail—enjoyed by a diverse mix of […]
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Top 10 Trails in Missouri
January 15, 2021
From key steamboat ports to railroad hubs, Missouri has long been at the literal center of transportation in America. This rich railroad history has led to more than 450 miles of rail-trail in the state today, and its powerhouse rivers—like the Missouri and Mississippi—sport miles of scenic greenways. We highlight some of those beloved trails in […]
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Seven Hot Tips for Cold-Weather Biking
January 14, 2021
Baby, it’s cold outside—but the enumerable physical and mental health benefits that come with biking don’t have to end in winter. There’s no doubt that pedaling in areas of snow and ice can be more challenging, but with good prep and planning, bike riding can be a year-round activity. We hope these tips for cold-weather […]
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Top 10 Trails in Florida
January 01, 2021
Florida. The very name conjures up lush natural areas rich in wildlife, sandy beaches and seashells, and vibrant cities bursting with attractions. The Sunshine State’s plethora of pathways—including nearly 60 rail-trails—connect travelers to this diverse array of beautiful landscapes and unique communities. Even better, with some of the flattest geography in the United States, these […]
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2020’s Silver Lining: Six New Rail-Trails to Treasure
December 07, 2020
We love hearing about rail-trails opening in any year, but 2020 seems to have outdone itself. Among this year’s class of new rail-trails is a pathway that’s key to a 275-mile route across Michigan, a Virginia stunner with a nearly milelong railroad tunnel, a new segment of the multistate East Coast Greenway in Massachusetts, and […]
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New Mexico’s Canyon Rim Trail
December 04, 2020
Trail of the Month: Dec. 2020 New Mexico’s smallest county is also its healthiest. This fall, U.S. News released its annual rankings of the Healthiest Communities in the U.S., and Los Alamos County, covering just 109 square miles tucked into the mountains on the northern end of the state, was at the top of the list. Undoubtably, some of this vitality […]
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Five Destination Rail-Trails Newly Designated as 2020 National Recreation Trails
November 30, 2020
Although many hallmarks of traditional tourism are closed down or restricted due to COVID safety concerns, there’s still one place that remains wide open for travelers: the great outdoors. In October, a new slate of 30 trails in 25 states—including the five rail-trails highlighted here—were ushered into the ranks of top outdoor destinations as 2020’s National Recreation Trails by […]
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Texas’ Historic Battlefield Trail
November 13, 2020
Trail of the Month: Nov. 2020 “It’s accessible, it’s easy to travel, and it feels very safe. It’s for everybody!” —Belinda Reininger, the regional dean for the University of Texas School of Public Health Some revolutions begin quietly. On the cusp of the new millennium, the City of Brownsville, on the southern tip of Texas, […]
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Trail Moments | Morgantown Man Gets a Running Start to a Healthier Life on Trails
October 23, 2020
Vincent Viars is running for his life. Both his mother and one sister had suffered from heart problems and diabetes, passing away in their 60s. Another sister had triple bypass surgery and several stents. Overweight and living a sedentary lifestyle, Viars’ gnawing fear of dying grew as he approached middle age, so he decided to […]
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Tennessee’s Tweetsie Trail
October 13, 2020
Trail of the Month: October 2020 “It’s a big thrill for me to see all these people—not just young people, but a lot of older people, too—getting out because the trail provides a safe place to walk and bike.” —Dan Schumaier, Chairman, Tweetsie Trail Task Force Nestled into the recreational playground of northeastern Tennessee, a […]
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Five Top Trails That Make the Case for America’s Recreational Trails Program
September 21, 2020
Some ideas are so quintessential, so woven into the fabric of American life and the vitality of its communities, that it’s hard to imagine a time without them. Think public schools, libraries, national parks. The Recreational Trails Program (RTP)—passed in 1991—is just such a concept. Most people would be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t love trails. […]
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Mon River Rail-Trail System (West Virginia)
September 09, 2020
Trail of the Month: September 2020 “This trail is the best thing that ever happened to Morgantown.” —Jenny Selin, Morgantown city councilmember Tucked into the central Appalachian Mountains, a locally beloved rail-trail system in northern West Virginia is gaining national attention as it cruises into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame with a nearly 60% share of this […]
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Trail Moments | Philly Birder Takes Fledgling Bird Enthusiasts Under His Wing
September 01, 2020
With its fiery top, the red-headed woodpecker stood out among the new spring foliage of the northern Philadelphia park, and the sighting of such an unusual species sent a ripple of delight through the group of rookie birders that Keith Russell was leading down the path. With its vast system of parks—95% of residents live […]
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Washington, D.C., and Maryland’s Anacostia River Trail
August 13, 2020
Trail of the Month: August 2020 “The people’s relationship with the water had been severed. The trail is proving incredibly successful at building those relationships with the Anacostia River and continuing to draw more and more attention to it.” —Bob Patten, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Just beyond the iconic monuments and museums that make up […]
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Eight Urban Experiences Along the Great American Rail-Trail
August 10, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has turned vacation planning on its head. With concerns about travel, reduced household budgets and many businesses closed, most people are foregoing traditional vacations and staying close to home for the foreseeable future. For those seeking adventure, exercise, stress relief and all the things that vacations typically bring, that means exploring the […]
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Pennsylvania’s Tacony Creek Trail
June 09, 2020
Trail of the Month: June 2020 “Once people get on a trail and get next to water, it’s much easier to talk to them about…being good water stewards.” —Julie Slavet, the executive director for Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership Philadelphia is tucked between two major rivers, the Delaware to the east and the Schuylkill to the west; […]
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Tapping into Federal Funding: Five Trail Tales of Success
May 28, 2020
For nearly three decades, Transportation Alternatives (TA) has been the largest source of federal funding for trails and active transportation, providing more than $15 billion for more than 36,000 projects. The lifeblood of the trail movement since its inception in 1991 (initially known as Transportation Enhancements, or TE), this funding stream has resulted in innumerable health, economic, […]
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Montana’s Milwaukee Road Rail-Trail (Thompson Park)
May 11, 2020
Trail of the Month: May 2020 “Where the railroad used to go through, we have two tunnels and a trestle. When I’m shuttling people to the rail-trail, you tell them that and they get excited, like they’re going to Disneyland.” —Gina Evans, owner of Butte-based Linked Adventures Thompson Park beckons on the southern outskirts of […]
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Four Rail-Trails That Are Part of Transformative Environmental Clean-up Projects
April 21, 2020
In honor of Earth Day’s 50th Anniversary this year, Rails to Trails magazine is highlighting four rail-trails that have had a transformative Cinderella story, going from industrial dumping grounds to beloved community assets. Largely powered by citizen activism, the environmental recovery of these tarnished areas has given them new life as valuable transportation corridors, flourishing habitat for wildlife […]
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New Hampshire’s Londonderry Rail Trail
April 06, 2020
Trail of the Month: April 2020 “The trail itself is the heartbeat; it serves as a focal point to form a community around.” — Melanie Davis, trailside business owner In the midst of the coronoavirus pandemic, communities are embracing their trails more than ever as places to get outside, exercise and relieve stress—albeit at a safe 6-foot distance. […]
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Nebraska and Iowa’s Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
March 10, 2020
Trail of the Month: March 2020 Floating sinuously over America’s longest waterway, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge straddles the Missouri River between bustling Omaha—Nebraska’s largest city—and the quieter-feeling hometown of Council Bluffs, Iowa. The graceful structure, once hotly debated, played a transformational role in the riverfront’s redevelopment and continues to serve as a catalyst for upcoming projects. […]
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Outdoor Adventures Along the Great American Rail-Trail
February 27, 2020
In the heyday of trains, thousands of miles of railway crisscrossed the country, an arterial network of timber and steel nourishing rural communities and urban powerhouses alike. When rail started losing prominence with the rise of motor vehicles, many railway corridors fell into disuse. Flashforward many decades and these abandoned lines were given new life […]
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Nine Romantic Trail Destinations That Will Make You Swoon
February 10, 2020
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we thought it was a great time to bust out this list of top romantic trails in the United States, chosen for their “swoon-worthy” romantic views, date-worthy amenities and just plain good old-fashioned charm. (And with Celebrate Trails Day just around the corner—you can never have too many great ideas […]
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Eight Scenic State Parks for RV Camping Along the Great American Rail-Trail
January 29, 2020
The new year is here, and 2020 stretches before us like open road. Where to go for spring break, summer vacation or a fall leaf-peeping excursion? Along the Great American Rail-Trail®, the possibilities for adventure seem endless. To experience a trail of such length—the Great American spans more than 3,700 miles—some may prefer to hop in […]
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Illinois’ MCT Goshen Trail
January 13, 2020
Trail of the Month: January 2020 “This is one of the ways in which we can tie our citizens together and create a future which is healthier and more vibrant.” —Taulby Roach, president and CEO of Bi-State Development Nestled in southwestern Illinois, across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, lies the MCT Trails system, an […]
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A View From … Michigan’s Great Lake-to-Lake Trail
December 20, 2019
It’s no secret that Michigan is a great trail state, hosting more than 2,400 miles of rail-trails, and exciting developing trail network projects like the Great Lake-to-Lake Trails, which is building momentum. The initiative includes plans for five developing routes connecting dozens of trails across the state. Showcased below are just a few of the many […]
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Greet the New Rail-Trails of 2019
December 16, 2019
On the cusp of a new decade—hello 2020!—the rail-trail movement continues to thrive and bring benefits to millions of people across the country. For more than 30 years, RTC has stood shoulder to shoulder with local and state trail partners to grow the nation’s trails, preserving America’s heritage and inspiring movement in its communities. Today, […]
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West Virginia and Pennsylvania’s Parkersburg to Pittsburgh Corridor
December 05, 2019
The P2P: It’s a small acronym that holds a world of promise. Extending from Parkersburg to Pittsburgh (P2P), the developing 238.5-mile route connecting northern West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania by trail would be a game changer for the dozens of small, rural Appalachian towns that have seen the Cinderella story of the highly successful Great Allegheny Passage (gaptrail.org) so […]
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The Great American Rail-Trail Experience: Connections to Our National Scenic and Historic Trails
November 12, 2019
America’s rich tapestry of National Historic Trails and National Scenic Trails provides immersive opportunities to learn about the country’s extraordinary story and experience its diverse and breathtaking landscapes in unforgettable ways. Now, a new multiuse pathway intersects a dozen of these iconic national treasures on a developing route spanning more than 3,700 miles between Washington, D.C., and Washington State. […]
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Massachusetts and New Hampshire’s Nashua River Rail Trail
November 08, 2019
Trail of the Month: November 2019 “The other day, I rode my bicycle up into Nashua. I figure riding there and back, I rode about 25 miles! I really, really enjoyed it and, on my way back, I stopped in Pepperell and got a root beer float.” —Marion Stoddart, member of the Friends of the Nashua River […]
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Arizona’s Grand Canyon Greenway Trail
October 16, 2019
Trail of the Month: October 2019 “People talk about how enjoyable it is that this trail is available and allows them to get out and really experience the canyon.“ —Chuck Flink, president of Greenways, Inc. In Grand Canyon National Park, which sees more than 6 million visitors each year, the park’s greenway trail system offers a […]
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Seven Bucket List Rail-Trail Destinations Around the World
September 27, 2019
With more than 24,000 open miles of rail-trails to explore—more than any other country in the world—trail lovers in America are a pretty lucky bunch. But the rail-trail movement is not limited to our borders. Thousands more miles of rail-trails are available all across the globe. For World Tourism Day, we thought we’d take a […]
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Michigan’s Falling Waters Trail
September 11, 2019
Trail of the Month: September 2019 “Throughout the week, there are always people out using it.” —Kyle Lewis, trail manager for Jackson County Parks Michigan’s Falling Waters Trail serves as a beloved community connector, linking the outskirts of the vibrant City of Jackson to the picturesque Village of Concord, which brims with Victorian homes. Though this destination rail-trail […]
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Four Long-Distance Rides Along the Great American Rail-Trail
August 09, 2019
What better way to experience the beauty of America’s amazingly diverse landscapes than by bicycle? When complete, the Great American Rail-Trail will span some 3,700 miles across 12 states and the District of Columbia, but more than half the route is ready to ride now. Here are four sections of the Great American that span 100 miles […]
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Mississippi’s Tanglefoot Trail
August 06, 2019
Trail of the Month: August 2019 “We’re seeing people from all over the place, including other countries, who would never have heard of us had it not been for the trail.“ —Bob McGee, a local bicyclist Something new came to northeast Mississippi in 2013, winding through a handful of sleepy towns nestled into the bucolic […]
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50 Great Rail-Trails in 50 States
July 18, 2019
Since the 1960s, Americans have created more than 2,100 rail-trails all across the country. These popular recreation and transportation routes traverse urban, suburban and rural landscapes, with many preserving historical landmarks, serving as wildlife corridors and connecting parks and other well-loved community assets. Here are snapshots of some of our favorite rail-trail experiences from all […]
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Florida’s Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail
July 15, 2019
Trail of the Month: July 2019 “These regional trails bring people to the area for longer periods of time… so it’s an economic boost to the area.” —Samantha Browne, bureau chief of Florida’s Office of Greenways and Trails Two hours north of Disney World, Palatka serves as something of a Magic Kingdom for outdoor recreation with a handful of scenic, […]
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Pathways for Patriots: 10 Rail-Trails with American Revolution Sites
July 03, 2019
The Fourth of July is a holiday celebrated with barbecues, fireworks and family. It is also a time to reflect on our country’s history, and what better way to do that than by exploring a historical rail-trail? From battle sites to hidden histories, rail-trails are an accessible way to celebrate our nation’s birthday and uncover […]
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Wyoming’s Platte River Trail
June 07, 2019
Trail of the Month: June 2019 “Our trail system has become so strong that it’s become a feature that appeals to our voters.” —Tim Cortez, the parks and recreation director for Casper A pleasant stroll along Casper’s North Platte River would have been unimaginable 50 years ago. The oil refineries and other industries that had […]
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From Dream to National Treasure: The Great American Rail-Trail
May 08, 2019
It was an idea that changed the world. The creation of Yellowstone National Park nearly 150 years ago established that a country’s iconic natural wonders could be preserved for all to enjoy. Today, a new bold vision again presents itself: The Great American Rail-Trail aims to create a multiuse path across the country, separated from roads for its […]
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A View From … The Great American Rail-Trail
January 23, 2019
Imagine what’s possible with a trail that connects the country. Imagine … pedaling across the entire country on a safe, seamless and scenic pathway—or walking a local trail that connects along historic routes. That vision will become a reality thanks to the Great American Rail-Trail, a signature project of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) and the organization’s […]
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Alaska’s Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
January 15, 2019
Trail of the Month: January 2019 “The trail gives you a little snippet of what Alaska is like.” —Eric Oberg, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy With views of the rugged Chugach Mountains and tidal inlets, Alaska’s Tony Knowles Coastal Trail offers a breathtaking experience unlike any other rail-trail in the country. Want to see a moose? They’re common along this […]
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Meet America’s New Rail-Trails of 2018
December 17, 2018
This year was an exciting one for the rail-trail movement; as 2018 comes to a close, nearly 2,100 rail-trails are now open across the country. These trails add value in so many ways—increasing our mobility, improving our health, spurring economic development, protecting our environment and creating powerful connections within and between communities. Please join us […]
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Kansas’ Flint Hills Trail State Park
November 13, 2018
Trail of the Month: November 2018 “Kansas is the heart of America, and people will be pleasantly surprised by what they find here.” —Linda Craghead, interim secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Nestled into the gentle greens and golds of a vast prairie, rolling under leafy branches arched overhead like cathedral rooftops, […]
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Nine Cool Rail-Trails in Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail
October 24, 2018
“A national trail is a gateway into nature’s secret beauties,” wrote former Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall, a key champion of the National Trail System Act of 1968, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail, one of 11 National Scenic Trails made possible by that legislation, is the embodiment of this sentiment, spanning […]
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Colorado’s Mineral Belt Trail
October 15, 2018
Trail of the Month: October 2018 “I felt like Luke Skywalker zipping through the forests of Endor on a speeder.” —TrailLink user Kevin Yen Leadville residents jokingly refer to Denverites as “low landers.” Colorado’s two-mile-high city, nicknamed Cloud City, certainly has a heavenly rail-trail. Forming a nearly 12-mile paved loop around the city, the Mineral Belt Trail offers spectacular […]
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Georgia’s Augusta Canal Trail
August 13, 2018
Trail of the Month: August 2018 “On the trail, you get the sense that you’re out in this nature preserve.” —Rebecca Rogers, marketing and public relations director for the Augusta Canal Authority Like the fabled yellow brick road, Georgia’s Augusta Canal Trail unfolds with a soft orange hue and unexpected delights with every footstep or turn of […]
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Four Friends, Five Days, and 372 Miles: A Journey on the Ohio to Erie Trail
July 30, 2018
It was an epic journey for an epic pathway: This summer, three friends from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) and another pal pedaled the length of the Ohio to Erie Trail, which runs right down the middle of Ohio at a diagonal from the shores of Lake Erie to the mighty Ohio River. Although still a work in […]
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Ohio to Erie Trail Photo Essay
July 21, 2018
Experience the Ohio to Erie Trail, as told through the eyes of four friends who pedaled more than 350 miles on the pathway, which spans Ohio from the shores of Lake Erie to the mighty Ohio River. Although still a work in progress, most of the expansive project is complete, linking more than a dozen trails and […]
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Wyoming’s North Pathway
July 12, 2018
Trail of the Month: July 2018 “You see families out there with little kids having the time of their lives.” —Brian Schilling, the pathways coordinator for the Town of Jackson and Teton County Tucked into Wyoming’s scenic northwestern corner, the North Pathway is what summer vacations are made for. From the charming town of Jackson—the gateway to […]
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Meet the Newest National Recreation Trails (Hint: Six Are Rail-Trails!)
June 01, 2018
This summer, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced 19 new National Recreation Trails in 17 states. Showcased here are six rail-trails now joining the ranks of more than 1,000 National Recreation Trails designated across the country. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act, which established National Recreation Trails […]
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West Virginia and Pennsylvania’s Parkersburg to Pittsburgh Corridor
April 16, 2018
Trail of the Month: April 2018 “As we become a bigger trail system, we’ll become a tourist destination.” —Ella Belling, executive director of Mon River Trails Conservancy in Morgantown, West Virginia The P2P: It’s a small acronym that holds a world of promise. Extending from Parkersburg to Pittsburgh (P2P), the developing 238.5-mile route connecting northern West Virginia and […]
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Indiana’s Erie Lackawanna Trail
March 16, 2018
Trail of the Month: March 2018 “From one town to the next, we’re all the same here. We don’t care where one trail ends and another begins.” —Mark Heintz, administrator for the parks and recreation department of Hammond Northwest Indiana’s Erie Lackawanna Trail offers an experience of beautiful contrasts. The region boasts sandy dunes, a glimmering Great […]
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Pennsylvania’s D&L Trail
January 17, 2018
Trail of the Month: January 2018 “You’ll see waterfalls along the side and lots of animal life. It’s serene and beautiful.” If you’re only planning to take one bike trip this year, eastern Pennsylvania’s D&L Trail is not only at the top of our list, but also ranks in the top 10 most-viewed trails on TrailLink.com by trail users—and […]
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A View From … The National Trails System
January 03, 2018
In 2018, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act, which provided an incredible legacy for all Americans. The 1968 law allowed for the establishment of long-distance National Scenic Trails (spanning more than 100 miles) and National Recreation Trails, which can be found in all 50 states. An additional category—National Historic Trails—was […]
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Nine Hot New Rail-Trails in 2017
December 11, 2017
Say hello to the newest batch of rail-trails! As 2017 wraps up, we end the year with more than 2,000 such trails all across the American landscape. We’ve highlighted a few of these remarkable new pathways here—which are connecting people with each other and nature, providing new opportunities for physical activity and active transportation, and […]
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Wisconsin’s Oak Leaf Trail
December 05, 2017
Trail of the Month: December 2017 “It’s a jewel of southeast Wisconsin. The more it connects, the better it gets.” You might suspect that Wisconsin’s longest paved trail unfurls unimpeded through the state’s rural countryside or perhaps spins out beneath the trees of the northern woodlands, but you’d be wrong. The Oak Leaf Trail, covering a […]
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Ohio’s Simon Kenton Trail
October 13, 2017
Trail of the Month: October 2017 “Springfield is beginning to define itself with great outdoor opportunities.” Western Ohio’s Simon Kenton Trail, named for an 18th-century frontiersman (and friend of Daniel Boone), offers the perfect opportunity for today’s travelers to do their own exploring of the state’s scenic woodlands and rural landscapes on a 35-mile adventure stretching from […]
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A View From … New England in Autumn
October 13, 2017
In the northernmost reaches of New England, nature’s autumn spectacle begins to whisper through the trees of Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire in late September before peaking mid-October. Fall comes later to the states farther south—Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island—generally arriving in mid-October and lasting to early November. The region has an abundance of extraordinary rail-trails […]
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Nebraska’s Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail
September 12, 2017
Trail of the Month: September 2017 “The Cowboy Trail complete…would be a wonderful asset for our state.” Adventurers, take out your bucket lists and write this one down. Nebraska’s Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail offers an authentic Old West experience, small towns with genuine, friendly people and picturesque landscapes of the High Plains and pristine prairie. At […]
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Louisiana’s Tammany Trace
August 16, 2017
Trail of the Month: August 2017 “You’re not far from civilization, but you don’t hear the noise.” The Tammany Trace is a Southern belle nestled in the pristine natural surroundings of the Northshore across a vast lake from vibrant New Orleans. Spanning 27 miles, the paved pathway crosses a number of small creeks and bayous on more […]
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New Jersey’s Cape May County Trail Network
August 01, 2017
Planned 30-mile trail network to connect major South Jersey destinations South New Jersey’s Cape May County offers an outdoor recreation mecca within easy driving distance of Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Down its center, a handful of existing paved trails are planned to be patched together with new rail-trails and other multiuse trails […]
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Massachusetts’ Cape Cod Rail Trail
July 06, 2017
Trail of the Month: July 2017 “The trail is part of the culture here.” Nestled in an iconic vacation destination about 75 miles down the coast from Boston, the flavor of the Cape Cod Rail Trail is pure summertime: sun-warmed beaches, sparkling waves, refreshing swimming holes and state park campsites nestled among the pines and oaks. The […]
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A View From … The Great Trail in Canada
June 28, 2017
It’s a fitting way for Canada to celebrate its 150th birthday: In 2017, The Great Trail will be fully connected, enabling people to cross the country on a series of greenways, waterways and on-road routes to experience Canada’s rugged wilderness, rural beauty, historical attractions, vibrant cities and charming small towns up close. The nearly 15,000-mile route, formerly […]
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Maryland and Washington, D.C.’s Capital Crescent Trail
June 13, 2017
Trail of the Month: June 2017 “You’re going through the woods and then you’re in Georgetown. There’s a magical element in that.” Forming an emerald arc around the northern and western borders of the District of Columbia, the Capital Crescent Trail connects Washington to its Maryland suburbs. The pathway is so lushly wooded that, at times, it […]
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California’s Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
May 12, 2017
Trail of the Month: May 2017 “It makes us feel connected to our community and the natural beauty. It reminds us of why we live here and why we love it.” Summer excursions don’t come much better than this: 18 miles of smooth, paved trail ringside to California’s stunning Monterey Bay, in some places so […]
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10 Great Rail-Trails for Dog Walking
April 10, 2017
Want to enjoy a great rail-trail, but don’t want to leave your furry friend behind? Here you’ll find a list of tail-friendly trails across the country. For older dogs, the gentle grade of a converted railbed makes for an easy stroll, and many of the trails below connect to dog parks or other open spaces […]
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10 Trails Named After Influential Women
March 08, 2017
One of the early pioneers of the rail-trail movement was May Theilgaard Watts, a naturalist and writer who in 1963 penned a letter to the editor of the Chicago Tribune calling for the transformation of a disused Chicago rail line into a multi-use pathway. Watts’ letter would inspire a grassroots effort to develop the Illinois Prairie Path, one of […]
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Connecticut’s Hop River State Park Trail
January 19, 2017
Trail of the Month: January 2017 “This has been a great place for a kid to grow up.” It’s hard to pick a favorite season to experience the Hop River State Park Trail, set amidst the dense forests of Eastern Connecticut. Sections of the 20-mile rail-trail dive through steep rock cuts that seep moisture, giving the […]
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10 Rail-Trail Winter Wonderlands
December 20, 2016
When the snow hits, many trail enthusiasts stow their running shoes or tuck their bikes into the back of the garage, missing an opportunity to enjoy winter rail-trails in a completely different way. This winter, those who love biking may want to give fat-tire bikes a try; these specialized bikes handle like mountain bikes but […]
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Missouri’s Rock Island Trail State Park
December 05, 2016
Trail of the Month: December 2016 “Rail-trails of this scale are few and far between anymore.” Just in time for the holidays, a stunning new rail-trail has arrived in Missouri. Opening Dec. 10, the 47.5-mile Rock Island Trail State Park is notable for its length—and its connection to an even longer trail: the renowned Katy Trail […]
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Washington’s Ferry County Rail Trail
October 10, 2016
Trail of the Month: October 2016 “It’s rugged territory, and the rail-trail offers a beautiful wilderness experience.” It sounds too good to be true. Northeast Washington’s Ferry County Rail Trail winds through a forested valley carved by the pristine Kettle River, passes through an otherworldly rock tunnel and crosses a 770-foot trestle that skims over a vast […]
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A View From … The Industrial Heartland Trails Network
September 13, 2016
This article is from the Fall 2016 issue of Rails to Trails magazine, which is hitting mailboxes in late September. It has been republished here in an edited format. “I Heart Trails” is an appropriate slogan for the developing Industrial Heartland Trails Network, a collection of nearly three dozen pathways featuring scenic wilderness, dramatic railroad tunnels and […]
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Seven Wonders of the Ohio to Erie Trail
July 14, 2016
The developing Ohio to Erie Trail crosses the Buckeye State at a diagonal like a prized sash, featuring some of the best sights and experiences Ohio has to offer. Here’s a quick, guided tour of some of the major highlights. Enjoy! 1. Cuyahoga River Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Cuyahoga River—once so polluted it […]
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Iowa’s High Trestle Trail
July 14, 2016
Trail of the Month: July 2016 “The first time I saw it, I got goosebumps.” Like the entrance to an alien starship, the fantastical channel of blue lights along the signature bridge of central Iowa’s High Trestle Trail beckons curious travelers to explore. Wrapped in 43 twisting diamond-shaped steel ribs lined with LED lights, the bridge is […]
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Ohio’s Ohio & Erie Canalway Towpath Trail
June 09, 2016
Trail of the Month: June 2016 “What German and Irish workers dug by hand 180 year ago is still here today.” Like a virtual rolling history book, remnants of an early-19th century canal unfold along the Ohio & Erie Canalway Towpath Trail as it journeys 85 miles through an eclectic panoply of landscapes in northeastern Ohio. Down […]
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Tennessee’s Shelby Farms Greenline
May 16, 2016
Trail of the Month: May 2016 “It all works beautifully. Everyone can use it for free and as equals … ” Memphis is singing a new song to the tune of a bike bell. The Home of the Blues, once settling near the bottom of lists ranking pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly cities, is climbing its way […]
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5 Amazing Rail-Trail Destinations for Your Bucket List
April 12, 2016
Rio Grande Trail (Colorado) The Rio Grande Trail is quintessential Colorado, featuring a sparkling river, rustling aspens and scented pines against a backdrop of towering mountains. Even better, this bounty of beauty is easily accessible, with several communities dotting the route and a relatively gentle slope (no more than 4 percent) running downhill from the famed ski […]
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Colorado’s Rio Grande Trail
April 11, 2016
Trail of the Month: April 2016 “It’s become a destination … You see everybody using it.” The windswept beauty of sage brush and scrub oaks, richly scented forests of ponderosa and spruce, verdant crops and ranchlands ringed in jagged mountains and crystal clear rivers: These are the visual postcards of Colorado. The beloved Rio Grande Trail traverses […]
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Six Great Things You’ll See on the North Bend Rail Trail
April 04, 2016
Winding under lush tree canopies and through rocky cuts in the hillsides of the Appalachian region, the North Bend Rail Trail exemplifies “Wild and Wonderful” West Virginia. For those who seek adventure on this remote and pristine pathway but who are a little hesitant to go it alone, RTC’s 2016 West Virginia Sojourn provides a stress-free way to explore […]
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New York’s Hudson Valley Trail Network
March 17, 2016
Trail of the Month: March 2016 “The Walkway, when it opened, was just an unparalleled success. It instantly became a beloved community asset.” The morning wind playfully tousles Fred Schaeffer’s hair as he stands in quiet wonder on the Walkway Over the Hudson—something he’s done for nearly a decade of mornings since the trail opened. The view […]
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South Carolina’s Greenville Health System Swamp Rabbit Trail
February 14, 2016
Trail of the Month: February 2016 “It has really been an economic boon, not just to Greenville and Travelers Rest, but to the whole county.” At the doorstep to the Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina, the Swamp Rabbit Trail has become so integrated into the culture of its trailside towns that its iconic rabbit has become the […]
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Oregon’s Banks-Vernonia State Trail
January 19, 2016
Trail of the Month: January 2016 “It’s close to a major metro area, so lots of people can access the trail, yet you still have this pristine recreational experience.” A thread of black in an emerald blanket, the Banks-Vernonia State Trail weaves its way between two peaceful towns in the foothills of Northwest Oregon’s Coast Range, less […]
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Florida’s Snake Creek Trail
November 17, 2015
Trail of the Month: November 2015 Neighborhood trails don’t come much nicer than the Snake Creek Trail in southeast Florida. While not a rail-trail, the paved 6.5-mile route offers a similar easy and level riding experience along a pleasant, palm-tree-dotted canal connecting North Miami Beach and Miami Gardens (home of the Miami Dolphins). Not only does the […]
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Minnesota’s Midtown Greenway
October 16, 2015
Trail of the Month: October 2015 “If you imagine a bicycling transportation utopia, we have largely achieved that along the Midtown Greenway.” Hearing words like “trench” and “urban” to describe Minneapolis’ Midtown Greenway, one might picture drab gray, straight lines and impenetrable crowds; however, the walls to either side of the trail are sloped and filled […]
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10 Great Hiking and Walking Trails
September 30, 2015
Rail-trails are great places to walk, providing incredible backdrops for people to get to work and school, hang with family and friends, and reach great community destinations. In honor of Trails, Parks and Outdoor Spots month, here’s a list of 10 great walking and hiking trails across America (in no particular order). 1. Manitou Incline (Colorado) […]
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Pennsylvania’s Heritage Rail Trail County Park and Maryland’s Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail
September 18, 2015
Trail of the Month: September 2015 “It’s an economic driver that encourages exercise and makes people feel emotionally revived.” The visionary Grand History Trail began rather humbly. Nearly a decade ago, Don Gogniat was sitting at a meeting of the York County Rail Trail Authority, and as he listened to those around him talking about […]
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Five Great Rail-Trails for Family Camping
July 16, 2015
School is out, summer is in, and it’s time to take the kids on a vacay. Below are five great options for a weekend camping and biking trip! And our list is by no means exhaustive; check our trail-finder website, TrailLink.com, if you need to find something closer to home. At a leisurely pace with lots […]
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Virginia’s New River Trail State Park
July 13, 2015
Trail of the Month: July 2015 “The feeling in the community is very positive and appreciative of the New River Trail. It draws tourism that greatly enhances our towns.” Nestled in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Highlands, the New River Trail State Park offers 57 miles of green. With most of the trail running under a lush canopy of […]
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Florida’s Sanibel Island Shared-Use Paths
June 15, 2015
Trail of the Month: June 2015 “It’s truly part of our transportation network.” Sun, sea, and sandy beaches: Florida’s Sanibel Island is a summer sanctuary. Better yet, the island’s extensive shared-use path system—totaling 24 paved miles—provides access to it all: beaches, a wildlife refuge and rehabilitation center, a historical lighthouse and village, a renowned seashell museum, […]
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Nebraska’s MoPac Trail East and West
May 12, 2015
Trail of the Month: May 2015 “I think you’d be pleasantly surprised if you came here and experienced the trail opportunities that Lincoln offers.” If you had to name a city with a longstanding and thriving trail culture, Lincoln, Nebraska, may not come to mind, but perhaps it should. The city currently boasts 131 miles […]
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Nevada’s Lower Las Vegas Wash Trail
April 10, 2015
Trail of the Month: April 2015 “Trails are the great equalizer. It’s the simplest thing to do: Put on shoes, go outdoors, and find a trail to get healthy.” Las Vegas: The name conjures up bright lights, flamboyant shows, glitzy hotels and casinos that never close, but a growing outdoor movement is changing that perception. […]
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Top 5 Attractions on the Montour Trail
March 31, 2015
With a length of 55 miles, there’s a lot to love on western Pennsylvania’s Montour Trail. Our top five attractions for this rail-trail located just outside of Pittsburgh are included below. Join RTC this June 21-26 to check them out yourself, plus lots more, on the famed Great Allegheny Passage during our Pennsylvania Rail-Trail Sojourn. And hats […]
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Pennsylvania’s Montour Trail
March 16, 2015
Trail of the Month: March 2015 “The Montour Trail has a huge volunteer base that does everything from A to Z … They do incredible work and take everything to the next level.” In terms of rail-trail mileage, Pennsylvania dominates, but in a crowded field, the Montour Trail—which forms a 55-mile arc around western Pittsburgh—is a […]
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Top 10 Attractions on the Mon River Trails (Sojourner’s Guide)
March 09, 2015
Writing the “Trail of the Month” feature presents an eternal struggle: what to include and what to leave out? Each month, we choose an exemplary trail jam-packed with amazing sights and fun things to explore. As narrowing down the unique experiences on February’s designee—West Virginia’s Mon River Trails—was especially challenging, we’re presenting you with a […]
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West Virginia’s Mon River Trails
February 11, 2015
Trail of the Month: February 2015 “I can’t imagine Morgantown without the rail-trail … I think it adds so much to the community.” “Wild and Wonderful” is West Virginia’s slogan, but the same could be said of the Mon River Trail system in the north-central part of the state. The beauty of the trail network […]
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Wisconsin’s Kinnickinnic River Trail
January 13, 2015
Trail of the Month: January 2015 “It’s just the beginning of something that will be even more wonderful.” The story of Milwaukee’s Kinnickinnic River Trail is the story of its eponymous river; paralleling each other through the city’s south side, the fate of the two is intimately intertwined. The KK River Trail, as it’s known locally, is […]
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New York’s Erie Canalway Trail
October 01, 2012
Erie Canalway Trail: October 2012 Trail of the Month President Thomas Jefferson once said the idea for the Erie Canal was a “little short of madness,” yet when it first opened in 1825, the waterway was deemed the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” It’s no wonder, as constructing a water route spanning the entire state […]
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