16 Historic Highlights Along the Route of the Great American Rail-Trail. Rail-trails are the perfect way for us to connect to each other, our communities and our cultural heritage. Unique in makeup and geography, each trail that’s hosting the 3,700-miles-plus preferred route of the Great American Rail-Trail has many stories to tell—some as old as, or far older than, our country itself. Both well known and lesser known, the histories found along the route demonstrate why the “Great American” is a true national treasure.

Imagine what’s possible with a trail that connects the country. That vision will become a reality thanks to the Great American Rail-Trail, a signature project of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the organization’s most ambitious TrailNation™ project yet.

Here’s a short list of five Rail-Trails at national monuments that’ll help you reach, explore and admire some of these incredible places.

While every trail offers its own unique experience, there are some that are so extraordinary that they truly rise to the top.

With more than 400 in the National Park System, we wanted to share this great list of five rail-trails in America’s National Parks.