Posts by Amy Grisak

Oregon's Crown Zellerbach Trail | Photo by Dale Latham

Oregon’s Crown Zellerbach Trail

Posted 11/15/22 by Amy Grisak in America's Trails | Tagged with Heritage and Restoration, History Happened Here, Local Organizing, Oregon, Trail of the Month

Winding 25 miles through the northwest corner of Oregon, the Crown Zellerbach Trail (affectionately nicknamed the Crown Z Trail) serves as a rolling journey into history, introducing visitors to the home of the region’s First Peoples, the legacy of the area’s railroad and timber industries and intriguing geological events.

Idaho's Weiser River Trail | Photo by Mike Beavers

Idaho’s Weiser River National Recreation Trail

Posted 06/13/22 by Amy Grisak in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Idaho, Local Organizing, Maintenance and Volunteers, Trail Destinations, Trail of the Month

When someone says “Idaho,” most people think of potatoes, but the Weiser River National Recreation Trail demonstrates there is so much more to the landscape and the people. Traveling 84 miles—from forested terrain through canyons and onto the high prairie in the west-central part of the state—there is an ever-changing beauty that evokes an appreciation of the region and the forward-thinking individuals who sought to preserve the corridor.

California's Napa Valley Vine Trail in Yountville | Courtesy Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition

California’s Napa Valley Vine Trail

Posted 04/12/22 by Amy Grisak in America's Trails | Tagged with Art, BATC, Bike Commuting, California, Connected Systems, Cross-Sector Collaboration, Demand for Trails, Health and Active Living, Local Organizing, Mode Shift, Tourism , Tourism and Economic Development, Trail Businesses, Trail Communities, Trail Destinations, Trail of the Month, TrailNation, Walkability and Bikeability, Why Use Trails?

It’s remarkable how a single trail brings together an entire region. As California’s Napa Valley Vine Trail grows to reach its ultimate 47-mile potential, community members and visitors realize the beauty of connectivity and accessibility.

Vermont's Island Line Rail Trail | Photo by Traillink user sluberry

Top 10 Trails in Vermont

Posted 12/15/21 by Amy Grisak in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Top10, Trail Destinations, Vermont

Regardless of the season, Vermonters make the most of their trails. From spring when the wildflowers abound to the stunning autumn display of the hardwood forests, traveling by trail is a part of life. And during the winter, it doesn’t matter if there are feet of snow on the ground because many of the trails are plowed or groomed for cross-country skis, snowshoes or fat-tired bikes. Exploring these routes gives trail users the most eye-catching paths leading from home into town, or venturing into the bucolic Vermont landscape that is rich in cultural history and natural beauty.

Nevada's Historic Railroad Trail | Photo by Traillink User gayinspandex

Top 10 Trails in Nevada

Posted 12/09/21 by Amy Grisak in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Nevada, Top10, Trail Destinations

It doesn’t take long to realize that Nevada is more than glittering lights. Exploring its trails opens up a world that exists in a land many view solely as an arid, harsh environment. While the unique beauty of the desert dominates much of the landscape, there is still so much more to see, including forests, rivers and stunning lakes. Many routes provide opportunities to easily navigate through the urban footprint ultimately finding peace in the wide-open spaces.

Kentucky's Big Four Bridge | Photo by TrailLink user karenestepp

Top 10 Trails in Kentucky

Posted 11/18/21 by Amy Grisak in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Kentucky, Top10, Trail Destinations

From the rolling green pastures of Kentucky horse country to mountain hollows and the banks of peaceful waterways, Kentucky’s rail-trails offer an incredible diversity of experiences. Long-distance riders and runners find a myriad of excellent connections, and there are nearly limitless options for a family ride or casual stroll. Many of the former railroads used in these projects hauled lumber or coal from the mountains, and traveling these routes is like a step back in time for history lovers. While it’s impossible to pick a favorite among the multitude of trails, this “Top 10” list offers an indication of why Kentucky deserves recognition for world-class recreation.

Mississippi's Longleaf Trace | Photo by Jake Lynch

Top 10 Trails in Mississippi

Posted 10/20/21 by Amy Grisak in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Mississippi, Top10, Trail Destinations

Mississippi trails beckon bicyclists and walkers year ‘round—even in January and February when an extra jacket might be needed—and every walk or ride is a new experience with the ever-changing leaves, flowers and wildlife discovered along the way. Flat terrain or rolling hills make up most of the landscape, with thick pine or hardwood forests keeping even the hot days more bearable. Lush wetlands enhance the Southern feel. Whether traveling through trail-friendly towns, or stretching your legs on longer excursions, these well-established trails are the perfect ways to take advantage of these idyllic areas.

Oklahoma River Trails | Courtesy Oklahoma City Community Foundation

Oklahoma’s Oklahoma River Trails

Posted 10/06/21 by Amy Grisak in America's Trails, Health and Wellness | Tagged with Health and Active Living, Oklahoma, Trail Destinations, Trail of the Month, Walkability and Bikeability

Despite the city’s sprawling nature and 680,000 residents, it has a small-town feel, partly due to roughly 90 miles of trails through 10 connected routes. These routes, including the well-loved Oklahoma River Trails, bring people to the neighborhoods, parks, world-class attractions and the flourishing downtown region.

Montana's Headwaters Trail System | Photo by Scott Stark

Top 10 Trails in Montana

Posted 05/06/21 by Amy Grisak in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Great American Rail-Trail, Montana, Top10, Trail Destinations, TrailNation

Montana has plenty of room to roam. With roughly 30-million acres of state and federal lands, choosing the path less traveled is a distinct possibility. Wide open spaces take you through rolling grasslands and bucolic farmland, and past peaceful waterways within sight of, if not surrounded by, spectacular mountains. And the trails within towns, such as the former Milwaukee Road that is now part of the Riverfront Trail in Missoula, give users opportunities to explore the nuances of neighborhoods and natural areas within these more populated, but rarely crowded, regions. With continual improvements on the trail systems throughout the state every year, here is a handful of our current favorites.