Skip to content

Focus Term: Railbanking


Blog
“From Rails to Trails”: The Origin Story of America’s Beloved Pathways 
October 09, 2025

“From Rails to Trails” is a documentary by filmmaker Dan Protess that airs on PBS.org that explores the origins of America’s trails movement.

Marianne Fowler of Rails to Trails Conservancy, Co-Founder of RTC Peter Harnik, rail-trail advocate and author Karen-Lee Ryan, and current RTC President Ryan Chao | Photo by Ben Kolak
Blog
A Look at Railbanked Trails Across America
October 07, 2025

Congress passed an amendment to the National Trails Systems Act that enshrined railbanking—preserving railway corridors in perpetuity.

Iowa's Sauk Rail Trail | Photo by TrailLink user yiams
resource
Maryland State Transportation Trails Strategic Plan
September 25, 2025
The Maryland State Transportation Trails Strategic Plan has been developed collaboratively by the Maryland Department of Transportation, the Department of Natural Resources, state agency partners, stakeholders, and the public to strengthen the transportation trails network across the state, guide project selection for shared use paths, and offer municipalities and trail advocates tools to overcome common […]
Blog
The Very Real Challenges Facing America’s Trails
September 10, 2025

New actions being taken at the federal level seek to undermine—or even eliminate—the crucial funding sources and corridor preservation law that make trails and active transportation networks possible. Rails to Trails Conservancy will continue working to protect the federal programs that make it possible for the country to create, connect and maintain its trails.

Texas' A-train Rail Trail | Photo courtesy Denton County Transportation Authority
resource
Valuation of Railroad Right of Way
November 12, 2024
This document from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provides support to grantees when real estate programs require the acquisition of real property interest owned by a railroad. It explains and outlines the necessity of developing a clear and understandable appraisal scope of work and describes the methodologies that may be most appropriate in arriving at […]
Blog
Notice: Upcoming Railroad Abandonment in Pike County, Kentucky
August 06, 2024

On or about July 11, 2024, CSX Transportation filed for the abandonment of 5.1 miles of track in Pike County, Kentucky.

Photo courtesy Getty Images
Blog
Missouri’s Rock Island Trail State Park: Building Miles and Momentum
July 09, 2024

The Katy Trail State Park and Rock Island Trail State Park would form a trail loop of almost 450 miles—something unique to the world.

Groundbreaking in Owensville, Missouri, along the developing Rock Island Trail State Park | Photo courtesy Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park
Blog
Pennsylvania’s Armstrong Trails
July 09, 2024

Pennsylvania’s Armstrong Trails is a 52.5-mile route—connecting more than a dozen communities in Armstrong, Clarion and Westmoreland counties.

Armstrong Trails board members | Photo by Chris Ziegler
resource
Great American Rail-Trail Route Assessment 2024
May 07, 2024
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY THE GREAT AMERICAN RAIL-TRAIL VISION Imagine pedaling across the entire country on a safe, seamless and scenic pathway—or walking a local trail that connects you to historic routes from coast to coast. You’re enthralled in the experience of exploring America’s heritage—its potential, its beauty and bounty, its people and places. Consider the intimacy […]
Nebraska’s Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail | Photo by TrailLink user mbcallawa
Blog
Notice: Upcoming Railroad Abandonment in Bronx County, New York
April 25, 2023

On or about April 11, 2023, CSX Transportation filed for the abandonment of 0.77 mile of track in Bronx County, New York. We are providing this information because it presents an opportunity to develop a real regional asset: a multi-use trail that can accommodate hikers, bikers, equestrians and other appropriate uses.

Photo courtesy Getty Images