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 […]

This webinar explains how communities can use unobligated federal transportation funds—especially through the August redistribution process—to advance trail projects. Speakers Stephanie Pollack and Derek Shooster highlight how formula funds work, what makes a project eligible for redistribution, and why timing and readiness matter. They emphasize building strong partnerships with MPOs and state DOTs to position […]

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, […]

This TrailNation Spotlight series highlights innovative trail network development across the country and fosters 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 just the first in a series of deep dives we’ll take […]

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 […]

Climate change and disaster recovery has had a significant impact on our environment—affecting various aspects of human life, including outdoor recreational activities. The impacts of climate change are affecting the quality and accessibility of multiuse trails and it is essential to take action to make these trails and greenways more resilient.  Climate change is a […]

Executive Summary: In West Virginia, an incredible opportunity awaits. The 238-mile Parkersburg to Pittsburgh (P2P) rail-trail is already nearly 80 percent complete; just a few short gaps exist in West Virginia to unlock a contiguous 150-miles-plus stretch of the rail-trail from Parkersburg to the state’s border with Pennsylvania. Completing these short gaps in Wood, Harrison […]