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.
RTC's flagship initiatives—the Great American Rail-Trail™, TrailNation™ and TrailLink.com—bring that strategy to life, connecting millions of people by trail.
RTC's flagship initiative to create a multiuse trail that stretches more than 3,700 miles between Washington and Washington
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.
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.
Trail of the Month Blog Features
Pennsylvania's Pine Creek Rail Trail | Photo by Linda Stager, author of the Pine Creek Rail Trail Guidebook
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.
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