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Prescott Circle Trail | Photo by Cindy Barks
Rails to Trails Magazine
Rails to Trails magazine is dedicated to exploring America’s remarkable rail-trails and trail-networks, with a focus on the opportunities they provide and the impact they have in communities nationwide. The magazine is a benefit of membership to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), which is $22 a year, $5 of which supports the magazine. In addition to the magazine, members receive discounts on RTC gifts and publications. The magazine is published four times a year—three in print, one digital—by RTC. Subscribe now to get special features on remarkable rail-trails and trail-networks while also supporting our work.
Latest Issue of Rails to Trails Magazine
Fall 2023 Issue
Celebrating the rail-trail movement—from the early sparks to the momentum of today, to new chapters yet upon us—that's the theme of this, our Fall 2023 issue of Rails to Trails.
In this issue, we:
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Take a look at the vision for the Sun Corridor Trail, a 1,500-mile project to connect people across Arizona and Southern Nevada and create a boon for outdoor tourism.
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Hear from Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, the 2023 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion, about his passion for bicycling and his leadership in developing the state’s growing network of trails—magnifying the benefits they’re bringing to people and places.
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Find out how Maryland’s Road to Freedom Trail will call attention to the individuals, stories and events that shaped the historic Black community of East Towson.
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Examine the evolution and impact of the Illinois Prairie Path—an early influential project of the rail-trail movement that’s since been woven into the fabric of generations of residents in western Chicago.
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Explore the connectivity and cultural connections at the heart of the California Sacramento River Trail and Sacramento River Rail Trail, RTC’s 2023 Hall of Fame inductees.
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Learn more about Orville and Wilbur Wright’s early passion for bicycles—and how this helped influence the first powered flight in history. And get to know the incredible achievements of their unsung sibling—Katharine!)
- And much more!
Features from Rails to Trails Magazine


Cover Story
From Dream to National Treasure: The Great American Rail-Trail
05/08/19 by Laura Stark,Brandi Horton
Illustration by Anderson Design Group
Green Issue Digital Features
Rails to Trails magazine is pleased to present our Green Issue each year, featuring a collection of amazing videos and slideshows highlighting America’s trails.
2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023

Equity and Experience: Celebrating Joy and Connections in America’s Neighborhoods
Across America, there is growing recognition that everyone deserves to be able to safely walk, bike and be active outside right where they live—and that close-to-home access to the outdoors is fundamental to our well-being.
In neighborhoods nationwide, community leaders, residents and trail advocates are coming together to envision brighter futures, and trails are at the heart of those plans. They’re working to deliver trails to more people, while reconnecting residents to new opportunities for joy, healthy living and economic vitality.
In this all-multimedia issue, Rails to Trails magazine takes a closer look at the leadership, public investment and community collaboration that is fueling efforts to create and connect trails—and bring this essential infrastructure to communities that have long been disinvested and under-resourced. Through these stories, we’ll celebrate the impact that these trail systems have, inspiring deeper connections between neighbors and to the outdoors.
Watch our latest video feature:
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Our members always have plenty to say (and write) about Rails to Trails—and we're always eager to hear it! If you enjoyed or have comments on a recent issue of the magazine, please submit a short letter to our editor. If we can—we’ll print it in the next edition! You can also contact us for former issues and articles of Rails to Trails not listed in the archive. Don't forget to check out our TrailBlog for more stories.