This webinar explored the growing social connection crisis in North America and positioned trails as critical social infrastructure, not just transportation or recreation assets. Speakers from Rails to Trails Conservancy, the U.S. Chamber of Connection, and Toronto’s Bentway shared research, real-world examples, and strategies showing how thoughtfully designed and programmed trails can rebuild trust, belonging, and well-being. The conversation […]

The Virginia Creeper Trail is a critical economic asset in Southwest Virginia, serving as a powerful engine for tourism, small business activity, and economic resilience across Washington, Grayson, Smyth, and Russell counties. This 34-mile trail saw over 348,400 single uses in 2023, representing more than 112,600 visitors coming to the region to use the Virginia […]

Railbanking, established in 1983 as an amendment to the National Trails System Act, is the foundational law making possible thousands of miles of rail-trails nationwide. Recently, a bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would effectively destroy the viability of railbanking going forward, resulting in fragmented and lost corridors—and poses a threat […]

Join us for a new TrailNation Spotlight series highlighting innovative trail network development across the country and foster peer-to-peer learning. These concise, high-impact sessions offer a unique opportunity to hear from trail network innovators, explore successful strategies, and build momentum for this infrastructure across the country. This is the third in a series of deep […]

Join us for a new TrailNation Spotlight series highlighting innovative trail network development across the country and foster peer-to-peer learning. These concise, high-impact sessions offer a unique opportunity to hear from trail network innovators, explore successful strategies, and build momentum for this infrastructure across the country. This is the second in a series of deep […]

Rails to Trails Conservancy is hosting a two-part series on the role of trails and active transportation in economic development. This first session focused on showcasing the economic impact of trails and their important role in tourism, outdoor recreation, livability, and more. This session was moderated by RTC’s Senior Director of Government Relations, Scott Goldstein, […]

View the impact of Celebrate Trails Day 2025 in this infographic of participation statistics, direct impact and why people use trails. 2025 By The Numbers: “Trails bring people together and recognize the importance of not only exercise, but the culture and history of a location.” —2025 Participant, Abingdon, MD Direct Impact: Ways People Rely on […]

Trail-Oriented Development (TrOD) is an innovative planning approach that integrates multiuse trails with residential and commercial development to create walkable, bike-friendly communities that enhance mobility, promote healthier lifestyles, and strengthen local economies. Similar to Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), TrOD clusters businesses, housing, and other amenities around trails to foster vibrant, connected neighborhoods. Join the TrailNation Collaborative, […]

As natural disasters become more frequent and severe, trails are playing an increasingly vital role in planning, recovery, and resiliency. From serving as alternative evacuation routes to critical drivers of economic recovery, trails are emerging as essential infrastructure in times of crisis. In this session, attendees heard real-world examples of trails serving as critical infrastructure […]

Trail-oriented Development (TrOD) is a planning approach that clusters residential and commercial spaces around trails, creating walkable, human-scaled environments designed for active transportation, recreation, and business growth. Central Indiana features a growing network of trails, including the Monon Trail and Fall Creek Trail, with vibrant areas like Broad Ripple and Carmel Midtown successfully embracing TrOD […]