The 2014 Inductee to the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame Is…
What do you think makes a great rail-trail?
We feel it’s much more than just the trail itself. For most people, the scenery is the big draw. Rail-trails can transport us to some of America’s most beautiful places—along rivers, through forests and mountain ranges and far from the maddening crowd.
But what about the wonderful trailside communities, shops, B&Bs and restaurants? And compelling information about the rail corridor’s history? Or the enormous utility of the trail because it connects to schools and parks and work places? Or the passionate and generous volunteer group that keeps the trail maintained?
It’s these extra details—the tales beyond the trail—that separate a great trail from a trail worthy of induction into Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Rail-Trail Hall of Fame.
Which brings us to some good news. RTC is very pleased to announce that the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail is to be the latest inductee.
The Virginia Creeper, which runs 34 miles through Grayson and Washington counties in Virginia’s southwest, is one of the region’s most prominent recreational draws, and is credited for the economic rejuvenation of a number of local communities that were suffering from the decline of some industries that had supported the region.
And the success of the Virginia Creeper is now inspiring the creation of new rail-trail plans throughout the region as business leaders and advocates see concrete proof that not only are destination trails loved and appreciated by local residents, they are also valuable economic assets whose benefits spread throughout the community.
RTC’s own president, Keith Laughlin, rode the Virginia Creeper a little while back—and to this day still raves about the experience. “It’s a truly beautiful part of the world,” he remembers. “In addition to the remarkable scenery, those mountains of southern Appalachia are rich with a fascinating railroad history that adds an extra dimension to rail-trails like the Creeper. And towns like Damascus and Abingdon have done a wonderful job of welcoming visitors and making the trail an integral part of their communities.”
RTC began formally recognizing exemplary rail-trails around the country in 2007. The first Rail-Trail Hall of Fame inductees were the Great Allegheny Passage (Pa./Md.), the Katy Trail State Park (Mo.) and the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail (Fla.). The most recent addition was the Greenbrier River Trail in West Virginia.
Deservedly, the Virginia Creeper finds itself in good company as the 27th inductee into the Hall of Fame.
Hall of Fame inductees are selected on merits such as scenic value, high use, trail and trailside amenities, historical significance, excellence in management and maintenance of facility, community connections and geographic distribution. The Virginia Creeper is a model in each of these areas.
To learn more about this wonderful rail-trail, check out our own Laura Stark’s great Trail of the Month feature on the Virginia Creeper. And for those in the area, stay tuned; we’ll be hosting an RTC Hall of Fame celebration and induction ceremony along the Virginia Creeper later this year.
