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.

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!

Ian Mackay formally started his Great American Rail-Trail ride from the National Mall to the C&O Canal Towpath trailhead in Georgetown.

Megan Gray, equestrian on the trail: If you have lost yourself somewhere —I promise you that trails will help you find yourself again.

@vanessa_chav: It is paramount to reject exclusionary narratives and advocate for access to the outdoors for all. It is a basic human right.”

@vanessa_chav: It is paramount to reject exclusionary narratives and advocate for access to the outdoors for all. It is a basic human right.”

RTC was drooling over the chance to collaborate with Noodle, rescue dog and star of @NoodsterScootser, and her family, who have helped her adapt to the outdoors after being found with a spinal cord injury.

Swap out a car trip for a trail trip to decrease your carbon footprint. The best part—it will help us feel better, too.

Janine Brobst has always been competitive, cruising ahead of her husband John during their bike rides together—even uphill. Today, at 91 she still beats her husband, six years her junior, and keeps up with her daughter who’s a spry 69. John pedals behind on his recumbent and they all meet up together at designated points along the route.

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.