Trail-oriented development is a design and implementation approach that intentionally blurs the boundary between trails and nearby properties by creating and expanding adjacent amenities. Communities across the country are investing in local trails and reaping the benefits of active transportation. Whether residents use them for biking to work or walking for recreation, new trails add […]

This survey tool was developed and utilized to create a report to summarize the business impact of the Mon River Trails System (MRTS) ‐ a network of 48 miles of trails in north central West Virginia.The findings from the work are applicable for many audiences, including trail advocates, elected officials, economic development entities, and business owners. Author: RTC […]

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 […]

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 […]

During the webinar, Brandi Horton, RTC’s vice president of communications, and Suzanne Matyas, RTC’s social media and engagement strategist, will provide an overview of Celebrate Trails Day; share ways to engage; go over the tools and materials RTC provides to help our partners plan, promote and participate in the celebration; and answer any of your […]

“Someday, We’ll Bike on a Path Across America. But First, Nebraska.” (The New York Times, November 2024)

The Role of Trail Networks In communities across the country, trail networks promote equitable access to safe spaces where everyone can walk, bike, and be active outside. They strengthen local economies and enhance regional competitiveness, attracting and retaining businesses and talent by improving quality of life, creating active transportation options, and supporting sustainable development. Rails […]

Join us for a conversation about gearing up for a cross-country trail trek like the Great American Rail-Trail and what it takes to travel across the country by trail! We’ll have resources to help you think through how to prepare and what you need to know in advance—whether you’re planning a trip for Celebrate Trails […]

Join RTC, Latino Outdoors and the REI Co-op for a webinar about how your time on the trail can creating community in the outdoors, help more people come together outside and create more access to the outdoors for everyone in neighborhoods across the country. The time we spend on the trail logging miles, counting steps […]

On the fourth Saturday of every April, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) invites everyone to get outside for Celebrate Trails Day, our springtime celebration of America’s trails and trail networks. Celebrate Trails Day is more than a day outside. It’s an opportunity to grow awareness and appreciation for all the ways that trails make a difference for […]