Our Work
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy works to put trails at the heart of healthy, thriving communities from coast to coast. Learn more below.
O&W Rail Trail | Photo by Anthony Le
Our TrailNation projects are redefining what it means to build trail networks and what trail networks can mean for people and places.
San Francisco Bay Trail | Photo by Cindy Barks
RTC tells the story of the impact that trails have on our communities through the Rails to Trails Magazine and our TrailBlog.
Subscribe to Magazine Read our TrailBlog
Rosendale Trestle along the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail in New York
Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champions Award
Since 2011, the Doppelt family has funded the Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champions Award, which honors supporters who have made significant contributions to the rail-trail movement through their work, volunteerism or support.
Rail-Trail Hall of Fame
Since 2007, RTC has recognized rail-trails around the country through the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame, honoring scenic value, high use, trail and trailside amenities, historical significance, excellence in management and community connections.
Since 2008, we have awarded more than $1.7 million to trails projects and provided technical assistance to trail managers, operators and friends groups.
Learn more our Trail-Building work
Photo courtesy West Virginia State Parks
Research Into Practice
RTC's research program conducts original research that advances our understanding of trail networks and the overall effects on communities, including connectivity, health, equity, environmental sustainability and economic outcomes.
GIS and Mapping
RTC has developed a first-of-its-kind suite of research and analytics tools—including online geographic information system (GIS) modeling tools, economic impact surveys, trail count programs and forecasting tools.
Since 1992, RTC has helped advocate for more than $15.6 billion in funds to support more than 54,000 trail and active transportation projects.
For over 30 years, RTC has helped shape the legal framework around rail-trails in an effort to protect and advance rail-trail development in the United States.
Building Communities
Building stronger, healthier, more connected communities is at the heart of RTC’s work—through trail programs, and walking and biking projects that bring people together in the community space that trails make possible.
Partnerships
RTC establishes strong, critical connections at the national, regional, corporate and community level—all of which play an important role in ensuring trails and trail programs are supported and promoted across America.
Launched in 2015, the Doppelt Family Trail Development Fund supports organizations and local governments that are implementing projects to build and improve multi-use trails.
Learn more about the Fund
High Trestle Trail | Photo by David V. Johnson
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About Us
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors to build healthier places for healthier people.
Learn MoreExplore the History of Rail-Trails
Check out our interactive timeline below to browse important moments in the history of RTC and trail development in America.
