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Delaware's Georgetown-Lewes Trail | Photo by TrailLink user James McGinnis

Top 10 Trails in Delaware

Posted 06/21/21 by Robert Annis in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Delaware, Top10, Trail Destinations

Dubbed “the Small Wonder” by the state’s inhabitants, Delaware’s rail-trails certainly reflect that moniker; the longest one is only 10 miles long. But given that the entire state is roughly the same size as the city of Anchorage, Alaska, it’s also completely understandable. Luckily, what the trails lack in length, they make up for in history, beauty and fun. Delaware named cycling as its official state sport in 2014, and, a year later, was named one of the most bike-friendly states in the country by the League of American Bicyclists. Will you be exclaiming “Dela-WOW!” after exploring the state on these rail-trails? Well no, because no one actually talks like that. But you’re sure to enjoy all its wonders, big and small.

Graphic courtesy RTC

Miranda’s #TrailMoments from Along the Great American Rail-Trail

Posted 06/17/21 by Miranda Webster in America's Trails, Trail Use | Tagged with Biking, Great American Rail-Trail, Trail Destinations, Trail Moments, Trail Use Tips, TrailNation, Virginia, Washington, Why Use Trails?

We love that Miranda inspires people to feel more connected to the outdoors… and we REALLY love that she was able to share her experiences from along an epic 3,700-mile route that will connect the country by trail! Watch to learn about her Trail Moments, and check out her other great content by following Miranda on social media.

Washington's Burke-Gilman Trail | Photo by Ervin Vice

Top 10 Trails in Washington State

Posted 06/15/21 by Gene Bisbee in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Top10, Trail Destinations, Washington

The Evergreen State might be known for its precipitation, but locals know that there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear! Waterproof clothing extends the outdoor season just about year-round in Washington State, where more than 1,000 miles of trails pass through forests and span deep gorges in the west, and cross the wide-open spaces in the arid east. Many trails also serve as alternative transportation hubs in and around major cities. Here are some of the most popular, in no particular order.

White River State Trail | Photo by TrailLink user lkgatu

Wisconsin’s White River State Trail

Posted 06/14/21 by Shelby Deering in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Connected Systems, Route of the Badger, Trail Destinations, Trail of the Month, TrailNation, Wisconsin

Although Wisconsin has its fair share of urban destinations, like Madison and Milwaukee, to see the true nature of the state, one has to get off the beaten path—literally. That’s where the White River State Trail comes in.

Capital Crescent Trail in Washington, D.C. | Photo by Jon Lowenstein

History Along the Great American Rail-Trail: A Kick-Off With the Creators

Posted 06/14/21 by Amy Kapp in America's Trails | Tagged with Great American Rail-Trail, History Happened Here, Trail Destinations, TrailNation

In 2019, TrailLink.com™, RTC’s national trail-finder website, embarked on an ambitious historical exploration of the developing Great American Rail-Trail, with a goal to shine a light on the people, landmarks and innovations that encapsulate this iconic 3,700-mile route between Washington, D.C., and Washington State.

Arizona's Prescott Peavine National Recreational Trail | Photo by Cindy Barks

Top 10 Trails in Arizona

Posted 06/08/21 by Cindy Barks in America's Trails | Tagged with Arizona, Best Of, Top10, Trail Destinations

From the vast chasm of the Grand Canyon to the cactus/tumbleweed landscape of the Sonoran Desert, Arizona’s trails are big on both views and culture. In fact, if it’s iconic scenes of the American West you’re after, the Grand Canyon State’s trails are among the best places to find them. Along with the classic desert and canyon terrain that Arizona is famous for, the top trails take in canal-side settings through metropolitan areas and railroad routes that once served rural communities. Here are 10 of our favorite trails for savoring the vistas and soaking up the history.

Volunteers participate in a sacred corn planting in 2019, sowing the seeds by hand. | Photo by Alex Matzke, courtesy Bold Nebraska

The Legacy of White Buffalo Girl, and the Resiliency of a People

Posted 06/04/21 by Scott Stark in America's Trails | Tagged with Featured Magazine Articles, Great American Rail-Trail, Heritage and Restoration, History Happened Here, Local Organizing, Nebraska

In Laurel Hill Cemetery just outside the town of Neligh, Nebraska, stands a gravestone. The gravesite represents grief, suffering and a historic injustice. This final resting place marked the end of a short life but the beginning of a generations-long story. Here lies White Buffalo Girl.

Rhode Island's Blackstone River Greenway | Photo by Milo Bateman

Top 10 Trails in Rhode Island

Posted 06/01/21 by Laura Stark in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Rhode Island, Top10, Trail Destinations

With nearly 80 miles of open rail-trail, Rhode Island’s pathways offer a delightfully eclectic mix of small-town charm and big city vibrancy, remote wooded ponds and wide ocean views, industrial heritage and backcountry beauty. Even better, our smallest state is part of two of the largest trail projects in the country: the East Coast Greenway, stretching more than 3,000 miles from Maine to Florida, and the burgeoning six-state New England Rail-Trail Network.

South Carolina's Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail | Photo by Barry Peters

Top 10 Trails in South Carolina

Posted 05/24/21 by Robert Annis in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, South Carolina, Top10, Trail Destinations

If you can’t decide whether to visit a still forest or coastal beach, a bustling city or more rural environments, South Carolina has you covered. Thanks to the Palmetto State’s trail system, you can often experience it all on one greenway. Best of all, exploring by foot or by bike means you’ll have an even better excuse to sample the cuisine South Carolina is known for. You’ll find plenty opportunities to refuel along the state’s trails, from small stands hawking boiled peanuts to Carolina barbecue joints to restaurants serving the incredible low-country specialties inspired by the Gullah Geechee, one of the oldest and culturally rich African American populations in the nation.

Connecticut's Charter Oak Greenway | Photo by TrailLink user ctaci

Top 10 Trails in Connecticut

Posted 05/17/21 by Gene Bisbee in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Connecticut, Top10, Trail Destinations

Railroads and canals both played huge roles in Connecticut’s early economic development. Today those corridors serve as trails for bicyclists, walkers, equestrians and others seeking quality time outdoors. Many are heavily wooded, creating shade on hot summer days and colorful displays in the fall. They also provide alternative transportation opportunities for commuters in the Constitution State’s largest cities. Long-distance travelers will find 98 trail miles of the 3,000-mile-long East Coast Greenway within the state’s borders, as well as segments of the New England Rail-Trail Spine Network.

MaShanta Ashmon on Michigan's Clinton River Park Trail | Photo by Rachel Walker | Graphic by RTC

Finding Health, Healing and Hope on the Trail

Posted 05/13/21 by Laura Stark in America's Trails, Health and Wellness | Tagged with COVID-19, Health and Active Living, Michigan, Trail Moments, Why Use Trails?

After a long day of being in the house, sitting in front of a computer for seven hours, the only thing I wanted to do was close down my Zoom and go outside and ride my bike. I think that kept me sane. It truly gave me something to look forward to.