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America’s Trails


Blog
16 Historic Highlights Along the Route of the Great American Rail-Trail
May 08, 2019

16 Historic Highlights Along the Route of the Great American Rail-Trail. Rail-trails are the perfect way for us to connect to each other, our communities and our cultural heritage. Unique in makeup and geography, each trail that’s hosting the 3,700-miles-plus preferred route of the Great American Rail-Trail has many stories to tell—some as old as, or far older than, our country itself. Both well known and lesser known, the histories found along the route demonstrate why the “Great American” is a true national treasure.

Pony Express station at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center | Photo courtesy Bureau of Land Management | CC by 2.0
Blog
At the Heart of It: Trails and Public Spaces
May 03, 2019

A privilege of my job is to visit trails and public spaces across the country and meet inspiring supporters and leaders.

Richmond Greenway in California | Photo courtesy Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Blog
New York’s Warren County Bikeway
April 16, 2019

The Warren County Bikeway runs 10 miles between Glens Falls and Lake George, about an hour’s drive north of Albany.

Warren County Bikeway | Photo courtesy Eric Pfau
Blog
Step to It: Seven Ways to Spice Up Your Walks
March 13, 2019

Looking to spice up your walk? Check out these seven ideas! Then lace up your sneakers … and get ready to ramble!

Black family walking in woods - Photo courtesy iStock by Getty Images
Blog
Illinois’ Hennepin Canal Parkway
March 11, 2019

Now, with its 112-year history, the Hennepin Canal Parkway seems a natural for its latest chapter—as a “gateway trail” in the nearly 4,000-mile Great American Rail-Trail, a cross-country route planned by Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) to stretch across the United States, from Washington, D.C., to Washington State.

Lift bridge, Hennepin Canal, night view | Courtesy of Hennepin Hundred
Blog
Pennsylvania’s Mahoning Shadow Trail
February 12, 2019

Learn how the legendary groundhog Punxsutawney Phil helped create the Pennsylvania’s Mahoning Shadow Trail in RTC’s trail of the month feature.

Photo by Jeff London
Blog
A View From … The Great American Rail-Trail
January 23, 2019

Imagine what’s possible with a trail that connects the country. That vision will become a reality thanks to the Great American Rail-Trail, a signature project of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the organization’s most ambitious TrailNation™ project yet.

Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail in Washington | Photo by TrailLink user biggerdawg
Blog
Alaska’s Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
January 15, 2019

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. Learn more in our Trail of the Month feature.

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail | Photo by Jody O. Photos, courtesy Visit Anchorage
Blog
Meet America’s New Rail-Trails of 2018
December 17, 2018

2018 was an exciting one for the rail-trail movement. Here are new Rail-Trails of 2018, totally nearly 2,100 rail-trails across the country.

Ribbon cutting ceremony for the launch of phase 1 of the Wasson Way rail-trail in Cincinnati, Ohio | Photo courtesy City of Cincinnati
Blog
Eight Critical Wins for TrailNation in 2018
December 05, 2018

Here is a spotlight on some of the critical TrailNation project advances we made in 2018—and how they are bringing to life our vision of trails at the heart of healthy, thriving communities.

Baltimore, Maryland | Photo by Side A Photography