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Focus Term: Economic Impact


Blog
Examining the W&OD Trail as a Beloved Northern Virginia Asset and National Model
October 08, 2024

Stretching for 45 miles in Northern Virginia—the W&OD Trail has been a mainstay for millions of people over five decades.

One of the earliest rail-trails to influence Congress, the W&OD Trail in Northern Virginia is today a national model for the country, receiving millions of visitors each year. | Photo by Albert Ting
Blog
Georgia’s Firefly Trail Shines Brightly
September 06, 2024

Georgia’s Firefly Trail is a planned 39-mile route is steadily realized with “model mile” sections that demonstrate the pathway’s potential.

Winterville stop along the Ticket to Ride event supporting Georgia's Firefly Trail | Photo courtesy Firefly Trail, Inc.
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
Blog
Five Years Of Progress On Great American Rail-Trail Elevates National Impact Of Active Transportation Infrastructure
May 08, 2024

RTC marked 5th anniversary of the Great American Rail-Trail alongside Warrior Expeditions, REI Co-op, members of Congress and state officials.

Warrior Expeditions bike ride to commemorate 5th anniversary of Great American Rail-Trail | Photo by Mariah Miranda Photography
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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
American Icon: The Great American Rail-Trail Is on Its Way to Fulfilling a Cross-Country Vision
May 07, 2024

Five years after launch, the Great American Rail-Trail is on its way to fulfilling a cross-country vision. See updates across the route.

Eastern Continental Divide tunnel along the Great Allegheny Passage (gaptrail.org) | Photo courtesy Dave Majors
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Unlocking the Economic & Community Development Potential of IHTC Trails
August 01, 2023
A region brimming with great trails makes for an appealing outdoor destination. That is why the Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition (IHTC) is working to complete and connect a system of shared use trails across 51 counties in western Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia, eastern Ohio, and southwest New York. IHTC’s vision is that this “Industrial Heartland” […]
Ohio's Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail | Photo by Renee Rosensteel
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Heritage Rail Trail County Park: 2022 User Survey And Economic Impact Analysis
May 01, 2023
This report was made possible through support from the York County Economic Alliance Trail Town Program, York County Department of Parks and Recreation, and the York County Rail Trail Authority. Trail Towns Program is a collaborative process with outreach to local governments, residents, and business owners in order for each town to reach its potential […]
Blog
New Study Illustrates Economic Potential of the Great American Rail-Trail
May 17, 2022

Great American Rail-Trail, the nation’s first cross-country multiuse trail, will unlock more than $229 million in spending each year.

Wyoming's Casper Rail Trail | Photo Courtesy of Platte River Rail Trail Trust
Blog
Regional Trail Network Creates New Recreation and Active Transportation Access for Millions of Bay Area Residents, With Potential Statewide Economic Impact of $6.6 Billion Annually
January 12, 2022

RTC calls for $2 billion investment in connected trails and active transportation infrastructure, advancing regional trail network.

San Francisco Bay Trail | Photo by Cindy Barks