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Focus Term: Tourism and Economic Development


Blog
Nevada’s River Mountains Loop Trail
May 05, 2023

The River Mountains Loop Trail (RMLT) is a 35-mile paved path that zips through a wild fusion of landscapes—mountains, desert and lake views.

View of Lake Mead along the River Mountains Loop Trail | Photo by John Holman
Blog
Of History and Industry: The Legacy of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
March 14, 2023

“This towpath has made it so much easier for people to feel comfortable riding their bikes to a lot of places,” DevahD said. “You can shop off the towpath. You can eat off the towpath. You can play off the towpath. It can’t get any better than this.”

Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath | Photo by Jason Cohn
Blog
Big Bike Country: Experiencing Montana’s Bitterroot and Milwaukee Trails
March 14, 2023

Users of the 51-mile Bitterroot Trail can sometimes forget to look past the road traffic and noise to fully appreciate the surrounding area bursting with history and natural beauty.

Montana's Bitterroot Trail | Photo by Robert Annis
Blog
10 Great Places of Learning Along the Great American Rail-Trail
November 04, 2022

The Great American Rail-Trail® and its hosts trails connect to many places of learning, history and culture where students can take a break from the grind of classwork and explore. Here are some of our favorites.

National Trails Interpretive Center in Casper, Wyoming | Photo by Amy Kapp
Blog
Trailside: Richmond’s (Haunted?) Poe Museum and the Legacy of a Gothic Literary Master
October 28, 2022

To celebrate Halloween this year, let’s shine a light on a 100-year cultural attraction in Richmond, The Poe Museum, which sits just a block from the 52-mile Virginia Capital Trail and pays homage to one of America’s greatest gothic writers: Edgar Allan Poe.

The Poe Museum and its famous kitty ambassadors, Edgar and Pluto, near the Virginia Capital Trail in Richmond | Photo courtesy The Poe Museum
Blog
Check Out These Historical Haunted Houses and Buildings—Trailside
October 28, 2022

Explore Haunted Houses and Buildings along America’s trails. Discover rich histories and ghostly tales this Halloween season.

White House at Halloween | Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks
Blog
Kentucky’s Dawkins Line Rail Trail
May 13, 2022

Dawkins Line Rail Trail is Kentucky’s longest rail-trail. The 36-mile crushed-stone path is open to bicyclists, hikers and horseback riders.

Kentucky's Dawkins Line Rail Trail | Photo by Tamara Hicks
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Economic Potential of the Great American Rail-Trail Report
May 01, 2022
As the Great American Rail-Trail® is completed, it has the potential to amplify the benefits—on a mass scale—that trails provide. In addition to offering places for physical activity and recreation, connecting diverse communities with safe walking and biking routes, and promoting a closer connection to nature, the Great American will serve as a catalyst for economic […]
Blog
California’s Napa Valley Vine Trail
April 12, 2022

As California’s Napa Valley Vine Trail grows to reach its ultimate 47-mile potential, community members and visitors realize the beauty of connectivity and accessibility.

California's Napa Valley Vine Trail in Yountville | Courtesy Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition
Blog
Maine’s Eastern Trail
March 15, 2022

Maine’s Eastern Trail is a 28.8 mile rail-trail. Allowed activities include walking, running, biking, inline skating, fishing and skiing.

The Scarborough bridge on Maine's Eastern Trail | Courtesy Eastern Trail Alliance