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Focus Term: Railbanking


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
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
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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
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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
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
Blog
Notice: Upcoming Railroad Abandonment in Vanderburgh County, Indiana
October 07, 2022

On or about Sept. 29, 2022, Norfolk Southern Railway Company filed for the abandonment of 0.24 miles of track in the City of Evansville in Vanderburgh County, Indiana.

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Great American Rail-Trail Route Assessment Report 2022
May 11, 2022
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 […]