Trails Resources
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has resources for the trails community including funding resources, trail use tips, technical tips, best practices and webinars.
Photo courtesy West Virginia State Parks
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy provides resources in the form of a how-to trail-building toolbox, a webinar series with industry experts, a database of effective state funding models, a coalition in support of increased public investment in walking and bicycling, technical support and a library of best practices for rural, suburban and urban communities seeking to build trails and connect trail systems.
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Sign up for the e-list that best suits you to receive periodic messages from us. You can encourage your friends, family and fellow trail users to join too by inviting them.
eNews
Sign up for eNews if you’d like to receive our monthly newsletter—featuring news, events, stories, useful information and updates—plus learn about special offers, ways to get involved and more! Best suited for: everyone!
SIGN UP FOR ENEWSTrailNationTM Collaborative
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is launching the TrailNation™ Collaborative—a new multidisciplinary learning community that offers proven tools and methods to establish and grow trail networks across the country.
We welcome anyone interested or working in trail and active transportation or related fields to join the Collaborative now and be one of the first to learn more about the Collaborative in early 2023!
SIGN UP TO JOIN COLLABORATIVEInside Track Policy Newsletter
Sign up for The Inside Track to receive the latest updates from inside Capitol Hill, the White House and—when relevant—state legislatures. Best suited for: elected or appointed officials and their staff; advocacy organizations, businesses, industry groups and similar entities involved in the trail-related space; and trail and active transportation policy enthusiasts.
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Active Transportation Policy Hub for State an Local Funding
There are many ways to fund active transportation—trails, biking and walking—at the state level. Creativity and strong partnerships are central to an effective funding strategy. RTC's Active Transportation Policy Hub is a search tool to empower transportation advocates, legislators, government officials and their staff with information and examples of effective funding models that can be replicated to secure the investments they need locally.
Webinars
RTC's Trail Expert Network produces a free webinar series designed to help trail professionals build, manage, and promote trails.
Trail-Building Toolbox
Rail-trails are multi-purpose public paths created from former railroad corridors. They are most often flat or follow a gentle grade as they traverse urban, suburban and rural communities in America. Get all the basics for creating a vibrant rail-trail for your community, including technical tips and tried-and-true methods for generating neighborhood, political and funding support for your project by using the toolbox.
Transportation Alternatives Data Exchange (TrADE)
Understand the ins and outs of the federal Transportation Alternatives (TA) program, and learn how to apply for funding.
Partnership for Active Transportation
A unique coalition—working at the intersection of transportation, public health and community vitality—to promote greater investment in active-transportation policies and programs at the federal and state level.
Rail-Trail Stats and Info by State
Use our map to find rail-trail stats, funding levels and related info such as trail networks and blogs by state.
America's Rails-with-Trails Report
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.
Active Transportation Beyond Urban Centers Report
When we think about commuting to work, many assume that active transportation is only an option for people in the largest cities, but this report demonstrates that, in fact, active transportation is a part of life even far beyond urban centers.
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