Trail Blog by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Winter Biking — Commuting in cold weather doesn't have to mean big bucks for new gear

Posted 01/09/13 by Jake Lynch in Trail Use | Tagged with How-to, Trail Use Tips

I discovered biking to work (or the shops or your friend's house) in the winter is really not much different from riding in the other seasons. And it doesn't cost much to buy a few essential items that will keep you warm during those winter rides.

Photo of Red Cedar State Trail © philipschwarzphotography.wordpress.com

When Snow Hits the Rail-Trail, Swap Your Wheels for Skis

Posted 12/17/12 by Laura Stark in America's Trails, Trail Use | Tagged with Minnesota, Winter Uses, Wisconsin

The snow brings with it the opportunity to cross-country ski, snowshoe, or just take a good old fashioned trek in snow boots through a pristine and sparking new landscape.

Shooting Star Rail Trail a Lifeline in Southern Minnesota

Posted 12/07/12 by Laura Stark in America's Trails, Trail Use | Tagged with Demand for Trails, Minnesota, Tourism and Economic Stimulus

The Shooting Star State Trail in southern Minnesota could be coined the "Superstar Trail" for the beneficial impact it has had on the small communities along its route.

Photo of a local coffee shop beside the section of Frisco Trail along active rail line © City of Fayetteville

In Fayetteville, Arkansas, Business is Booming Around Urban Trails Network

Posted 11/28/12 by Jake Lynch in America's Trails, Trail Use | Tagged with Arkansas, Rail-with-Trail, Tourism and Economic Stimulus

The third largest city in a state that was this year judged the least bike-friendly state in America, Fayetteville, Arkansas has for the past decade put an urban trails system, and bike and walkability, at the heart of its development plans.

Photo of Compton Creek Bike Path © TrailLink.com, Photo below © Hub City Teens

In Los Angeles, Locals Show Some Love For Compton Creek Bike Path

Posted 11/28/12 by Jake Lynch in Trail Use, Taking Action | Tagged with California, Community Events, Local Organizing, Schools and Young People, Urban Pathways

The urban environment of Compton, Los Angeles, provides a strong example of why Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's (RTC) Urban Pathways Initiative is such urgent and important work.

New Thanksgiving Traditions Form Along America's Rail-Trails

Posted 11/26/12 by Jake Lynch in Trail Use | Tagged with Community Events, Connecticut, Encouraging Trail Use, Health and Active Living

We are all familiar with the traditions of the Thanksgiving holiday - the food, football on TV, catching up with friends, and the leftovers, of course. But it is great to see energetic Americans starting new traditions, creating their own Thanksgiving rituals that add to the spirit of togetherness that the holiday is all about.

Hit Your Local Rail-Trail for a Thanksgiving Fun Run

Posted 11/20/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in America's Trails, Trail Use | Tagged with Best Of, Community Events, Encouraging Trail Use, Health and Active Living

Thanksgiving fun runs are a great way to spend time with family and friends outdoors, and many are in support of noteworthy charities and trail organizations.

In D.C., Met Branch Community All About a Good Time

Posted 11/14/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Trail Use | Tagged with Community Events, District Of Columbia, Health and Active Living, Local Organizing, Urban Pathways

It was wonderful to see our efforts on the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) in Washington D.C. over the past five years bloom into an energetic and supportive trail community.

Waves of Change, and Unchanging Ways

Posted 11/06/12 by Herb Hiller in America's Trails, Trail Use | Tagged with Florida, Trail Businesses

My friend Ted and I recently completed a 250-mile journey by train and trail from West Palm Beach to Key West. We experienced waves of change juxtaposed with unchanging ways. Who knew you could now ride commuter rail through South Florida? Who knew that next to Miami International Airport, two lines by next year will converge with Amtrak, Greyhound, public bus, rental car stations and a bike facility with showers at the mammoth new $1.7 billion Miami Intermodal Center?

Trails Mean Business

Posted 11/02/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Trail Use, America's Trails, Success Stories | Tagged with Case Studies, Facts and FIgures, Overcoming Opposition, Tourism and Economic Stimulus

Last year, Americans spent $81 billion on bicycling gear and trips, a sizable chunk of the total outdoor recreation industry which accounts for $646 billion in spending each year.

Outside St. Louis, Rail-With-Trail Boosts Capacity of Transit System

Posted 10/17/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Trail Use, Building Trails | Tagged with Connected Systems, Missouri, Rail-with-Trail, Urban Pathways

In St. Clair County, Ill., on the outskirts of St. Louis, Mo., the county transit district continues to extend its heralded MetroBikeLink Trail, a paved, multi-use trail that provides a fast and efficient connection from local neighborhoods to the metro stations.

Powerful Story of N.Z. Rail-Trail Rejuvenating Rural Communities

Posted 09/28/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Success Stories, Trail Use | Tagged with Overcoming Opposition, Statements of Support, Tourism and Economic Stimulus

This wonderful video from the folks at Path Less Pedaled demonstrates that the power of rail-trails is universal.

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