Since 1986, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has worked to bring the power of trails to more communities across the country, serving as the national voice for the rail-trail movement.

With more than 1 million grassroots supporters, 25,000+ miles of rail-trails on the ground nationwide and more than 8,000 miles of rail-trails ready to be built, our focus is on linking these corridors—creating trail networks that connect people and places, bringing transformative benefits to communities all across the country. Our flagship initiatives—the Great American Rail-Trail™, TrailNation™ and TrailLink.com—bring that strategy to life, connecting millions of people by trail.

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Press Releases

2023  2022  2021  2020  2019  2018  2017  2016  2015-2013

2023

04/22/23
Media Advisory: Tenth Annual Celebrate Trails Day Draws Focus to Community, Climate and Well-Being Impacts of Trails Nationwide

03/14/23
Advocates Amplify Indiana Governor’s Call for $50 Million Investment in Next Level Trails Program

03/09/23
Wisconsin Bike Fed, Trek and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Call for State Legislators to Access New Federal Investments for Safe Walking, Biking and Trail Infrastructure

03/09/23
White House Budget Increases Active Transportation Connectivity Funding

03/02/23
Reconnecting Communities Grants Prioritize Walking and Biking as Essential in Addressing Barriers to Equitable Mobility and Economic Opportunity

03/02/23
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hosts Expert Roundtable to Discuss Importance of Nation’s Trails in Building Community, Encouraging People to Be Active Outside, and Inspiring Action for the Planet

02/22/23
Groups Call on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro to Prioritize Investment in State’s Active Transportation Infrastructure

02/03/23
New Federal Grants Elevate Trail and Active Transportation Systems as Essential Infrastructure in Addressing Traffic Fatalities

01/26/23
New Signage Program Celebrates History Along the Great American Rail-Trail

01/19/23
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Launches New Initiative to Accelerate the Development of America’s Walking and Biking Infrastructure

01/11/23
Sustained Demand for Trails and Active Transportation Infrastructure Evident in Federal Appropriations Bill

01/09/23
New Federal Investment Marks Big Win for Baltimore Greenway Trails Network

2022

12/21/22
New Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Data Shows Strong Demand for Places to Walk, Bike and Be Active Outside

12/15/22
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Announces Progress and Record Year in Investments Toward Completing Great American Rail-Trail^®

11/16/22
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Invests $300,000 in Community-Led Projects to Boost Safety, Connection and Inclusion on America’s Trails

09/21/22
World Record Holder, Ian Mackay, Sets Out on 475-mile Solo Trek Via Wheelchair from D.C. to Ohio on Great American Rail-Trail®

09/13/22
RTC Names Indiana State Representative Carey Hamilton 2022 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion

08/31/22
National Rails-to-Trails Conservancy to Showcase Impact of Great American Rail-Trail in Indiana over Three Days of Trail Riding and Events

08/11/22
FY22 Raise Grants Underscore Urgency to Invest in Safe, Connected Active Transportation Infrastructure for All Communities

08/11/22
Maine’s Eastern Trail Selected As One of the Nation’s Best Rail-Trails

06/10/22
As Summer Hits Its Stride, Recreate Responsibly Coalition Encourages People to Put Safety Front and Center

05/17/22
New Study Illustrates Economic Potential of the Great American Rail-Trail

05/04/22
Experts Point to Safe Spaces Away From Busy Streets, Like Trails, As Essential to Inspiring People to Be Active | Download Celebrate Trails Day 2022 Infographic

04/08/22
Significant Milestones Build Momentum for the Great American Rail-Trail® in the West

02/04/22
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Expands Board With Focus on Urban Transportation and Environmental Policy, Planning and Safety

02/02/22
New Grant Fuels Milwaukee Neighborhood Organizing to Develop Plan for 30th Street Corridor Linear Park

02/01/22
‘Great American Ride’ virtual cross-country cycling event kicks off on March 19

01/25/22
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Names Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion

01/12/22
Regional Trail Network Creates New Recreation and Active Transportation Access for Millions of Bay Area Residents, With Potential Statewide Economic Impact of $6.6 Billion Annually

2021

12/21/21
New Data Reveals Banner Year for Trail Use

12/15/21
Momentum for Great American Rail-Trail Builds With $15.6 Million in New Funding

12/14/21
National Trails Community Celebrates Historic Railbanking of the Rock Island Corridor

11/17/21
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Invests Over $300,000 to Support Community-Driven Efforts to Connect People and Places by Trail

11/06/21
New Opportunities for Trails, Walking and Biking in Congress’s Package of Infrastructure Bills

10/21/21
“Indiana’s Year of the Trails” Launches with a Powerful Message: Connected Trails are Essential to Statewide Prosperity

09/22/21
Route of the Badger Coalition Highlights Trail Network Progress in Racine County—including Future Tourism and Active Transportation Benefits to Southeast Wisconsin

09/15/21
House Committee Bolsters Active Transportation in Reconciliation Bill With Funding for Connectivity and Zero-Emission Transportation

09/03/21
#TrailMoments 21-day Challenge Kicks Off to Encourage Healthy Trail Habits

08/24/21
RTC Pushes Congress to Resolve Unfinished Business with Reconciliation Package

08/12/21
Iowa’s Raccoon River Valley Trail Inducted Into Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s National Hall of Fame

08/10/21
Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal Misses Opportunity to Prioritize Walking and Biking as Essential

08/10/21
New Outdoor Recreation Guidelines Emphasize Importance of Preparation, Inclusivity, and Shared Stewardship

06/10/21
The INVEST in America Act of 2021 Is a Major Step Forward for Active Transportation

05/26/21
Connecting America’s Active Transportation System Act Included in Senate Environment and Public Works Committee’s Surface Transportation Bill

05/13/21
As Nation Celebrates Trails, Experts Say Being Active Outside Is A Good Move for Well-Being

03/31/21
Biden Administration Infrastructure Goals Demand Robust Investment in Trails, Walking and Biking

03/16/21
RTC’s 2021 Trail Grants Program Invests $145,000 in Community Projects to Fill Critical Funding Gaps

02/16/21
Professional Cyclist Ayesha McGowan and Disability Advocate Juliette Rizzo Join Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Board

02/01/21
U.S. DOT Secretary Confirmation Aligns With “Generational Opportunity” to Make Transformative Investments in Nation’s Transportation Infrastructure

01/28/21
RTC Names Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) 2020 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion

01/27/21
‘Great American Ride’ virtual cross-country cycling event kicks off on March 20

01/27/21
The 30th Street Industrial Corridor Corporation Outlines Plan for a Shared-Use Trail in Milwaukee

2020

12/08/20
2020 Progress on Cross-Country Great American Rail-Trail Includes $4 million in New Funding and 2,000 Miles Completed

12/01/20
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Helps Trail Users to Safely Get Outside this Winter During the COVID-19 Pandemic

11/24/20
As Covid-19 Presses on, New Guidelines Help People Recreate Responsibly Outdoors this Winter

11/18/20
Historic Battlefield Trail Extension Opens, Offering Immediate and Long-term Health and Economic Boons for Cameron County

11/04/20
Federal Transportation Policy Agenda Outlines Strategy to Create Access to Jobs, Mobility and Outdoor Recreation

10/28/20
New Federal Grants Deliver Momentum for Southeast Wisconsin’s 700-mile Trail Network

10/15/20
New Report Finds 35-Mile Citywide Trail System Can Generate Millions in Economic Opportunity and Inclusive Growth in Baltimore

09/10/20
Indiana’s First Legislative Trails Caucus Summit Highlights  Critical Response to COVID-19 Crisis

08/14/20
New Miles Open on the Pennsy Greenway, Expanding Indiana’s Great American Rail-Trail Connection

08/13/20
Washington Council of Governments’ Formally Endorses National Capital Trail Network: Another Major Step Forward for Regional Trails, Walking and Biking

08/13/20
Mon River Rail-Trail System Chosen As Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s 2020 Rail-Trail Hall of Fame Inductee

07/30/20
Capital Trails Coalition Celebrates Approval of National Capital Trail Network As Major Step Forward for Trails, Walking and Biking Across Region

07/10/20
“Cowboy Trail” Connection to Chadron Moves Forward, Advancing Nebraska’s Link to National Great American Rail-Trail

07/02/2020
New Data Underscores Need for Safe Places to Walk and Bike Close to Home

06/30/20
Latest Guidelines Offer Tips for People Seeking Safe Ways to Recreate Outside this Summer

06/18/20
‘Great American Ride’ virtual event challenges cyclists to ride 3,700-mile route across America

06/06/20
Opening of first mile of “Veterans Memorial Trail,” is major step forward in Indiana’s connection to national Great American Rail-Trail

06/03/20
"INVEST in America Act" Goes Far To Deliver the Transportation Infrastructure America Needs

05/08/20
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Points to Economic Value, Progress for the Great American Rail-Trail on One-Year Anniversary of Iconic Trail’s Launch

05/07/20
RTC Points to Economic Value, Progress for the Great American Rail-Trail on Iconic Trail’s One-Year Anniversary

03/31/20
Advocates Call for Closing Streets Nationwide to Create Critical Space for Walking and Biking at a Social Distance during Covid-19 Crisis

03/18/20
RTC Outlines Blueprint for 200+ Mile Trail Between Cleveland and Pittsburgh

03/12/20
Rally at Iowa Capitol Calls for Sustained Investment in State's Trail System

03/05/20
Indiana's New Legislative Trails Caucus Focused on the Statewide Impact That Regional Trail Networks Can Deliver

02/06/20
New RTC Board Members Bring Rich Perspectives on Trails as Tools for Building Community

02/04/20
RTC’s 2020 Doppelt Fund Grants Invest $100,000 in Community Projects to Fill Critical Funding Gaps

01/29/20
RTC Statement on House Democrats’ Infrastructure Proposal: Transformative Change Is What America Needs

01/29/20
Battlefield Trail Extension Sparks Momentum For Caracara Trails Vision

01/28/20
New House Bill Will Connect America’s Active Transportation System

01/14/20
RTC applauds Gov. Kim Reynolds’ call to fund the state’s Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund

2019

12/23/19
RTC Shares Progress Toward Completing Great American Rail-Trail

12/17/19
State of Missouri Announces Historic Step for Future Rock Island Trail

12/03/19
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Releases Latest Research on Net Economic Impact of Trails in Wisconsin during Ceremony for 2019 Rail-Trail Champion Award

11/15/19
Plans advance to extend “Cowboy Trail” to Chadron, moving forward Nebraska’s portion of Great American Rail-Trail

10/15/19
New Research Finds Public Investment in Trails, Walking and Biking Infrastructure Delivers Potential Economic Benefits of $138.5 Billion Annually

10/03/19
RTC Stands with State Leadership in Ohio To Turn Trails Vision into Reality

09/26/19
RTC State Capitol Briefing Proves Overwhelming Support in Favor of Regional Trail Networks and Need for Sustained Funding

09/23/19
New miles added to Great American Rail-Trail, first in Ohio since route was announced in May

08/28/19
RTC Spotlights Transformative Impact of Regional Trail Network, Along with Need for Sustained Funding, at Quad Cities Event

07/30/19
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy on Senate Transportation Bill: It’s Time to Be Bold​

07/23/19
Mississippi’s Tanglefoot Trail Voted 2019 Rail-Trail Hall of Fame Inductee

05/30/19
RTC's 2019 Doppelt Fund Invests Over $130,000 in Projects to Connect, Strengthen Trail Systems

05/08/19
RTC Unveils Routing for Great American Rail-Trail, an Iconic 3,700-Mile Trail Connecting the Nation

04/11/19
RTC and Major Partners in Cleveland Release Study And Recommendations for Enhancing Citywide Bike Connectivity Options

02/08/19
RTC Grant Provides Critical Funding for Nebraska’s Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail

01/24/19
RTC Says Enthusiasm for Rock Island Trail Remains Strong as State Requests Extension for Railbanking Negotiations

01/23/19
RTC Commits to Bold Vision for Trail That Connects the Nation, From Washington, D.C., to Washington State

2018

11/26/18
RTC Commits to Vision of Trails at the Heart of Healthy, Thriving Communities with Announcement of President-Elect

11/02/18
Enthusiasm for Rock Island Trail Loud and Clear at Missouri State Parks Public Meetings Held This Week

10/02/18
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Names Unsung Railbanking Hero 2018 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion

09/05/18
Federal Investments in Active Transportation Fall Far Short of Growing Demand, Hampering States’ Ability to Build Connected Infrastructure

08/02/18
Cardinal Greenway Trail Voted 2018 Rail-Trail Hall of Fame Inductee

06/26/18
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Tours Missouri, Drawing Attention to the Statewide Opportunities the Rock Island Trail Can Deliver

06/01/18
TrailNation™ Summit Brings Diverse Insight on Community Impacts of Trail Networks

05/23/18
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s 2018 Doppelt Fund Grants Fill Funding Gaps for Local Trail Projects

04/24/18
With World-Class Rail-Trail Project Just 22 Miles From Completion, West Virginia Could Tap Into Multimillion Dollar Trail Tourism Economy

03/16/18
Rails-to-trails Conservancy’s “Opening Day for Trails” Celebrates Connections Trails Make Nationwide

02/12/18
Congress Needs to Shape White House Infrastructure Proposal to Prioritize Transportation Options that America Needs

01/30/18
White House Infrastructure Agenda Fails to Invest in the Transportation Americans Need

01/25/18
RTC Names Nebraska Trail Visionaries 2017 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champions

01/17/18
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy to Congress and the White House: Federal Investment in Connected Trail Networks Priority for American Economy

01/02/18
Public Officials, Advocates and National Experts Join Rails-to-Trails Conservancy at First TrailNation™ Summit

2017

08/11/17
State Capitol Steps Spill Over with Support for Rock Island Trail

07/19/17
Louisiana’s Tammany Trace Voted 2017 Rail-Trail Hall of Fame Inductee

06/27/17
New Study: Milwaukee Residents Who Could Benefit Most from Biking and Walking Facilities Disproportionately Lack Access

06/13/17
Nearly 200 Riders Join Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Sojourn, Exploring Legendary Great Allegheny Passage and Montour Trail

06/01/17
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s 2017 Doppelt Fund Grants Fill Financial Gaps Needed for Trails

03/15/17
Rails‐to‐Trails Conservancy’s “Opening Day for Trails” Unites Americans Nationwide

01/31/17
Rails-To-Trails Conservancy Available For Comment on Transportation Secretary Confirmation

01/10/17
Former Congressman Tom Petri (R-Wis.) Named 2016 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion

01/05/17
Tennessee Voters Support Increased Spending on Biking and Walking Infrastructure

2016

09/15/2016
Trail Development, Community Design Experts Available to Discuss Implications of New CDC Report, "Physical Inactivity Among Adults Aged 50 Years and Older"

06/16/2016
From Hudson Valley to Hall of Fame

03/02/2016
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hosts the 2016 Florida Sojourn

03/01/2016
Tennessee Senate Panel Gives Anti-Trails Bill “Negative” Recommendation

02/11/2016
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Announces Three New Board Members 

Looking for older press releases? Visit our Press Release Archive to view press releases dating back two or more years.