As 2020 draws to a close—a year of extreme changes and challenges—it is with incredible appreciation that we reflect on the collective impact of our movement across the country.

I lost that connection during the pandemic, and I have realized that rediscovering the trails around me—my #TrailMoments—makes me feel whole and like the world will be ok.

Some 110 years later, thanks to the efforts of four southern Vermonters, the Manchester Rail Trail guides visitors on the remarkable journey of that marble from quarries in Dorset to the finishing mill in Manchester to New York City.

RTC interviewed Vasu Sojitra, a professional athlete, and a diversity, equity and inclusion strategist. It was an awesome and eye-opening conversation about his time on the trail—his favorite #TrailMoments—and how we can all make outdoor spaces more inclusive and accessible.

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 a Pennsylvania rail-trail that’s part of three vast regional trail systems.

One of Los Alamos County’s most popular pathways, the Canyon Rim Trail, provides an easy—and easy to reach—option in the heart of the community, packing a lot of wonder into its 2.5 miles.

Throughout this year, as we’ve continued to galvanize the trails movement in a virtual world, the movement itself has inspired us—in particular, the stories so many have shared of the moments of joy, respite, healing and strength they have found on the trail. The impact of our work in this time has brought urgency and focus to our path forward.

In October, a new slate of 30 trails in 25 states were ushered into the ranks of top outdoor destinations as 2020’s National Recreation Trails by U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

Common outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, running and cycling can be done safely in the fall and winter. Here are few tips from the experts.

The outdoors always brings me pleasure and relaxation, but this year it means more than ever. I explored new places and identified new flora and fauna.