Imagine what’s possible with a trail that connects the country
The Great American Experience
The Great American Rail-Trail promises an all-new American experience. The preferred route connects 125+ existing rail-trails, greenways and other multiuse paths through 12 states and the District of Columbia, spanning more than 3,700 miles. These trails are hosting the Great American through their communities, making possible this grand vision of a nation connected by trails. And with more than 52% of the route already on the ground, now is the time to experience the Great American Rail-Trail!
Share Your #GRTAmerican Experience!
Right now, more than half of the 3,700-mile Great American Rail-Trail is already complete. That means that the 130+ existing trails currently hosting the route are just waiting for you to visit!
That’s why, from Aug. 21 to Sept. 30, we’re challenging you to explore, ride, hike, play, run, stroll, roll, unwind, enjoy, connect, experience the Great American Rail-Trail—and share it with the world! With every experience you share, you’ll be helping to tell the story of America’s trail while inspiring others to get out and do the same. Plus, we’ll be featuring your experiences and giving away limited-edition Great American Rail-Trail T-shirts!
Ready to experience the Great American—and win a T-shirt? Here’s how:
1. Find an existing trail along the Great American Rail-Trail preferred route.
2. Share a photo of yourself on social media using #GRTAmerican. Tell us which segment of the Great American you’re experiencing and what you’re doing! We want to hear about and share your stories about this epic trail.
- Make sure to use #GRTAmerican.
- Make sure you're in the photo so take a selfie or have a friend snap a pic.
- Tag @greatamericanrailtrail on Facebook and Instagram.
- If you have a Great American Rail-Trail t-shirt, wear it!
3. We will share the best pics and give away Great American Rail-Trail t-shirts!
- We will share the best photos in our gallery and on social, and we’ll even give away Great American Rail-Trail t-shirts for the best posts!
- Don’t wait to win! Purchase a Great American Rail-Trail shirt in our store plus feel great knowing that the proceeds go to support the Great American and trails nationwide.
Check out what people are posting!
Get Ready to Hit the Trail
The Great American Rail-Trail is a signature project of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community more than 1 million strong—dedicated to connecting people and communities through a nationwide network of public trails, many from former rail lines. The “Great American” is the most ambitious project in its TrailNation™ portfolio—the organization’s initiative to encourage the rapid replication of regional trail networks across the country. Follow @greatamericanrailtrail on Facebook and Instagram.
