View five leaf-peeping destinations along the Great American Rail-Tail, a 3,700-mile developing cross country trail.

For me, the positive impact that going car-free has on air quality, reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing traffic congestion far outweighs the benefits of owning a car.

Over the past two decades, the Greenway of Greater Grand Forks has attracted more and more uses, and Greendahl said she often gets requests for new features, such as more river access points.

No matter your architectural penchant—you’re sure to find a building to gawk at while traversing these rail-trail architecture highlights.

As a longtime resident of Hyattsville, Maryland, I watched as the Anacostia River Trail (ART) was expanded and finally completed. It meanders along the Anacostia River from Bladensburg, Maryland, to D.C.’s Wharf area, about 12 miles one way. This is my favorite local trail—and it’s only 2 miles from my house!

In June 2021, my husband, Pat, and I began our trek on the Great American Rail-Trail® in Seattle, Washington, at the western end of the 3,700-mile developing route.

The popular Maine trail to join elite group as 36th inductee in Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s national Rail-Trail Hall of Fame

Aptly named for the moss-draped oaks along the route, the woodsy sections of the Spanish Moss Trail provide a cool respite in the South Carolina summers.

Kaw Point Park is one of the many highlights on Kansas City’s 15-mile Riverfront Heritage Trail. Along the way, the bike/pedestrian pathway takes in not just the two rivers, but two states, three counties, three cities, countless neighborhoods, bustling retail centers and vast industrial areas.

Riverfront Heritage Trail is 15 miles. While much of the trail is flat, the bluffs along the Missouri and Kansas rivers have gentle climbs.