Experience Trails
Learn more about how to enjoy your trail experience below or visit TrailLink for trail-specific information.
Iowa's High Trestle Trail | Photo by Trailink user jguttormsson
Across the country, trails are part of the fabric of the American landscape. While trails are loved as places for people to enjoy the outdoors, connecting with friends and family, they also deliver countless benefits to the communities they serve. Since its founding in 1986, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) has played a central role in the massive growth of the trails and active transportation movement—a movement that has grown thanks to trail advocates and trail users alike.
As the national voice of the trails movement, RTC shines a spotlight on the entire trails experience—encouraging people to make trail use part of their daily life, celebrating exemplary trails and the heroes who make them possible, providing resources for people to find and access trails, and inspiring movement.
COVID-19
As the situation with COVID-19 rapidly evolves, RTC will be offering insights and information about ways to be physically active and well during this time of social distancing. We will also be sharing details about what trail managers are doing to keep communities safe and perspectives on the long-term impacts of the illness on the trails movement and the communities we all serve.
Celebrate Trails Day
Save the Date: April 22, 2023
Hosted on the third Saturday of April, Celebrate Trails Day is an annual spring celebration of America’s trails. Started by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in 2013, the celebration encourages people all across the country to get outside and enjoy the nation’s exceptional trails and trail systems.
As people seek out spaces near their homes to be active at a safe physical distance, trails have proven to be so important. We want to capture trail moments—moments of joy, moments of solitude, moments for exercise and self-care.
Great American Rail-Trail
The Great American Rail-Trail promises an all-new American experience. Through 12 states and the District of Columbia, the trail will directly serve nearly 50 million people within 50 miles of the route. Consider the economic opportunities and the benefits for communities along the route of a multiuse trail that stretches more than 3,700 miles between Washington and Washington.
TrailLink by RTC
Join the millions of trail lovers who use TrailLink, the ultimate trail-finder app. TrailLink is RTC's trail-finder website and companion TrailLink mobile apps, mapping over 40,000+ miles of multiuse trails.
Share the Trail
Be nice. Trails are for everyone.
Remember, every amazing trail experience begins with you! Watch our award-winning video series to learn the six Golden Rules of trail use—you can help make every trip safe and fun for everyone.
Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champions Award
Since 2011, the Doppelt family has funded the Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champions Award, which honors supporters who have made significant contributions to the rail-trail movement through their work, volunteerism or support.
Rail-Trail Hall of Fame
Since 2007, RTC has recognized rail-trails around the country through the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame, honoring scenic value, high use, trail and trailside amenities, historical significance, excellence in management and community connections.
Our 19 sojourns in six states and Washington, D.C., infused the regions they toured with a total of approximately $2 million—helping to fuel trailside businesses and powering the local economies.
2,000+
Rail-Trails in U.S.
24,000+
Miles of Rail-Trails
40,000
Miles of Multiuse Trail
50
States with Rail-Trails
