Take an American Adventure on 10 Presidential Pathways
When you think of a trail experience, what likely comes to mind are towering trees, beautiful rivers and other bucolic scenery. But what about U.S. presidents? You may not think of many connections at first between our country’s commanders in chief and the trails you hike and bike, but as it turns out, there are quite a few!
Just in time for Presidents’ Day, here are 10 multiuse trails that share ties with some notable U.S. heads of state.
Heritage Rail Trail County Park (Pennsylvania)
Running just over 27 miles through southern Pennsylvania communities like Glen Rock and New Freedom, Heritage Rail Trail County Park has a longstanding railroad history that’s still alive and well. The Hall of Fame rail-trail parallels the active Northern Central Railway, which provides rides aboard a replica Civil War-era steam locomotive featuring performances by costumed historical figures.
A highlight along both train and trail is the Hanover Junction Railroad Station in Seven Valleys, where President Lincoln visited en route to give the Gettysburg Address. Poetically, his funeral train traversed these tracks a mere two years later. Today, you can visit the museum at the station which has been carefully restored to its former 1863 glory.
RELATED: Trail of the Month on Pennsylvania’s Heritage Rail Trail County Park and Maryland’s Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail (Sept. 2015)
Caperton Trail (West Virginia)
West Virginia’s 6-mile Caperton Trail connects Morgantown and Star City and is part of the larger, seamlessly connected Mon River Rail-Trail System, another stellar entry in the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame. In addition to serving as an important community amenity—providing access to a college campus, downtown parks and local businesses—it also holds a remarkably poignant memorial in honor of President John F. Kennedy.
Kennedy’s victory here in the 1960 Primary Election helped propel him to the presidency. In acknowledgement of its important role, the president said of the state, “I would not have some of the responsibilities which I now bear, if it had not been for the people of West Virginia.” Found trailside in Star City’s Edith Barill Riverfront Park, you’ll see the monument depicting Kennedy and his son, a young JFK Jr., saluting him in bronze. For even more feels, the monument features a quote from the late president: “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.”
RELATED: Trail of the Month on West Virginia’s Mon River Rail-Trail System (Sept. 2020)
El Cajon Trail (California)
President Richard Nixon was born in Yorba Linda, California, about 35 miles southeast of Los Angeles. The city is home to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum and the 4-mile El Cajon Trail, which passes right behind this tribute to our 37th president. After viewing suburban neighborhoods and greenspace during your walk or ride, pull over from the asphalt trail to visit notable exhibits, which include Nixon’s birthplace and childhood home and his very own presidential helicopter.
Grant’s Trail (Missouri)
President Ulysses S. Grant contributed greatly to American history through his service as a general during the Civil War and his eight years as president. Today, he continues to be remembered through Missouri landmarks. Grant’s Trail, named after the 18th president, comes in at just over 10 miles and connects the towns of Lemay and Kirkwood. Along the asphalt route, there’s Grant’s Farm in St. Louis, a fun-for-the-whole-family destination that showcases the 1850s log cabin Grant built and plenty of animals to visit as well. On the trail, you’ll also view White Haven, where Grant lived with his family.
RELATED: Trail of the Month on Missouri’s Grant’s Trail (Nov. 2012)
West Branch Trail (Ohio)
In Canton, Ohio, the West Branch Trail provides access to many local points of interest that commemorate President William McKinley’s legacy along its 4.5-mile asphalt and crushed-stone path. The 25th president’s hometown features McKinley Memorial Park, where you’ll find the William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum. It contains a gallery filled with the former president’s prized possessions and campaign memorabilia, along with “The Street of Shops,” a historically accurate trip to a Main Street of the 19th century. The park is also home to McKinley’s final resting place.
Mount Vernon Trail (Virginia)
The Mount Vernon Trail winds 18 miles through the stomping grounds of our nation’s first president, George Washington. Linking together Theodore Roosevelt Island and George Washington’s estate, Mount Vernon, this asphalt and boardwalk trail has no shortage of historical sites.
After stopping by Washington’s grand home, complete with exhibits, his farm and even a blacksmith shop, make your way over to the National Mall trails just across the river in Washington, D.C. It’s where you’ll discover even more presidential history through memorials including the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. For a rolling tour of American history, the National Mall is also the beginning of an iconic journey across the country along the Great American Rail-Trail®, a signature project of RTC traversing 12 states between Washington, D.C., and Washington State.
RELATED: 16 Historic Highlights Along the Route of the Great American Rail-Trail
Route of the Hiawatha (Idaho)
Idaho’s 15-mile Route of the Hiawatha is idyllic for nature enthusiasts and history buffs with its 10 train tunnels, seven trestles and stunning views of the Bitterroot Mountains. This Hall of Fame rail-trail also holds a presidential connection. The trail’s St. Paul Pass, otherwise known as the Taft Tunnel, was named after nearby Taft, Montana. According to lore, President William Howard Taft stopped at the town’s work camp while serving as Secretary of War. He didn’t have great things to say about the town (something about it being a “sewer of sin”), so as a nod to this less-than-glowing review, the town pointedly named itself Taft, now immortalized in the accompanying Taft Tunnel as well.
RELATED: Trail of the Month on Idaho’s Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes and Route of the Hiawatha (Oct. 2010)
Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath (Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C.)
For an epic trail experience packed with miles of beautiful scenery and lots of history, look no further than the connected duo of the Great Allegheny Passage (gaptrail.org) and the C&O Canal Towpath. Together, they provide the ability to travel off-road for 333 miles, all the way from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. The GAP is also a host trail for the 3,700-miles-plus cross-country Great American Rail-Trail.
Winding through Maryland, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., this route features several nods to presidential history. While you traverse the GAP in Confluence, Pennsylvania, you’ll be exploring the same land that a young George Washington did as a surveyor. And the C&O Canal Towpath follows the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal; Washington devoted much of his life to building a canal along the Potomac River—a project that would serve as the precursor to the C&O Canal.
RELATED: How the Great Allegheny Passage Transformed a Region
Arkansas River Trail (Arkansas)
Our 42nd president, Bill Clinton, has roots in Arkansas, having served as the state’s governor before becoming president. His hometown of Little Rock is also home to the 21-mile Arkansas River Trail. Running through Little Rock and North Little Rock, the asphalt trail extends to the William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum. Before going to the library, stop by the accompanying 13-acre William E. “Bill” Clark Presidential Park Wetlands for a dose of nature, then enjoy historical exhibits, including the presidential limousine and an exact replica of the Oval Office as it was during Clinton’s terms.
RELATED: Trail of the Month on Arkansas’ Southwest Trail (Dec. 2018)
Hoover Nature Trail (Iowa)
There aren’t a ton of people with the last name of “Hoover,” so it should come as no surprise that this eastern Iowa trail is named after 31st President Herbert Hoover. He was born in West Branch, which is one of the 16 towns that the Hoover Nature Trail connects. Throughout its 27 miles, wooded scenery, bluffs and prairies dot the landscape. While you’re in town, be sure to stop by the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, filled with items that represent his time before, during and after office.
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