A Resource for Planners, Agencies and Advocates on Trails Along Active Railroad Corridors Rails-with-trails are safe, common, and increasing in number. These are the standout findings of America’s Rails-with-Trail Report, a defining new study on the development of multi-use trails alongside active freight, passenger and tourist rail lines. Rails-with-trails are valuable assets in providing safe transportation networks […]

This is a Multi-purpose Recreational Trail Easement Agreement between the Franklin County Metro Parks and Camp Chase Railroad Company for a multi-use trail adjacent to the CCRA rail line. The railroad will provide access to the right-of-way, and the park district will build and maintain the trail, including fencing. Created by Franklin County Metropolitan Park District

This 2012 lease renewal between Union Pacific Railroad and the Rockford Park District defines the premise of use and property agreements between the railroad and the Rock River Recreation Path in Rockford, Illinois. The city is required to indemnify Union Pacific from damages and provide proof of liability insurance at an amount determined by the […]

This 2011 report from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy discusses preliminary considerations and strategies in the process of developing a trail along a waterway. Topics include land ownership, developing an agreement, owner use, liability, maintenance, public safety and other considerations. The report includes sample cooperative agreements between water districts and local jurisdictions for trail development.

The City of San Jose Reflective Striping Specifications outlines the specifications, requirements and execution of retro-reflective thermoplastic pavement striping for the City of San Jose trail system. Created by the City of San Jose

This April 2010 draft lease agreement between the city of Columbus, Ohio, Recreation and Parks Department and Franklin County, Ohio, regional parks system MetroParks is part of an agreement in which MetroParks assumes maintenance responsibility for maintenance of trails within the city of Columbus. Created by the City of Columbus

This 2009 License Agreement between St. Louis and Lake Counties Regional Railroad Authority and the City of Duluth outlines the agreements of a 20 year lease ($1 per year) for the Duluth Lakewalk in Minnesota. This agreement details all aspects of trail development, including construction specifications, materials preferences and shared access agreements. Specifically mentioned is […]

This sample resolution produced by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy provides a template to use with government entities you would like to support your trail project.

You can take various approaches when working with people who may oppose your rail-trail project. In general, you should always stress the benefits of rail-trails and keep adjacent landowners involved in the process. Here are 10 techniques you may find helpful.

Although the general public thinks of a corridor as being “owned” by a railroad, in reality the average rail right-of-way is often a hodgepodge of conflicting ownership interests, which may begin to unravel upon abandonment of the right-of-way. The railroad may own outright some portions of the corridor (which were acquired in “fee simple”), while […]