Featured Magazine Articles

Franco Harris supported the trails and bicycling community in many ways, including as a board member for Rails-to-Trails Conservancy from 1992 to 1997, and as the owner of the Pittsburgh Power bike racing team in the early 1990s. | Photo courtesy Governor Tom Wolf | CC BY 2.0

Remembering Franco Harris—Trails and Bicycling Advocate

Posted 06/15/23 by Cory Matteson in Trail Use | Tagged with Biking, Featured Magazine Articles, RTC in Action, Why Use Trails?

Franco Harris, who died in December 2022 at the age of 72, became an important advocate for trails and cycling, in particular. And he did so as a member of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) Board of Directors from 1992 to 1997.

A Chinese railroad worker on the developing Northern Pacific line in 1905 | Photo courtesy University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections

Remembering the Chinese Forerunners Who Built the Northern Pacific

Posted 05/05/23 by Ashley Stimpson in America's Trails | Tagged with Equity, Featured Magazine Articles, History Happened Here

On Aug. 22, 1883, the final tracks of the Northern Pacific Railway were laid when a Chinese crew from the West met an Eastern crew of mostly Irish and Slavic workers near Inde­pendence Creek, Montana.

Photo by Stephen Matera

Exploring America's E-Bike Evolution

Posted 05/04/23 by Scott Stark in Trail Use | Tagged with ebike, Encouraging Trail Use, Featured Magazine Articles, Gear, Why Use Trails?

E-bikes have gained a solid foothold since emerging in the biking world over the past two decades, and their increased usage has sparked interest and questions in the trail community. This article examines the current policies and recommendations on e-bikes, the perceptions and concerns around them, and their potential benefits.•

This Caboose greets visitors where the Katy Trail and the Rock Island Trail intersect in Windsor. | Photo courtesy Missouri Rock island Trail Inc.

10 Great Destinations Along Missouri’s Future Rock Island Trail

Posted 03/16/23 by Amy Kapp in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Connected Systems, Featured Magazine Articles, Missouri, Trail Communities, Trail Destinations

The state of Missouri is partnering with local communities and nonprofit groups to plan and develop the Rock Island Trail, which is situated along a 144-mile disused rail corridor between Windsor and Beaufort. When complete, the trail will showcase 23 communities and serve as a boon for outdoor tourism and economic development. Here are some of our favorite destinations along the developing route.

Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath | Photo by Jason Cohn

Of History and Industry: The Legacy of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail

Posted 03/14/23 by Cory Matteson in America's Trails | Tagged with Connected Systems, Featured Magazine Articles, Heritage and Restoration, IHTC, Local Organizing, Ohio, Tourism , Tourism and Economic Development

“This towpath has made it so much easier for people to feel comfortable riding their bikes to a lot of places,” DevahD said. “You can shop off the towpath. You can eat off the towpath. You can play off the towpath. It can’t get any better than this.”

Once the most thriving coal district in the U.S., Scott’s Run fell on hard times in the 1920s. Residents who were not allowed to move to the nearby New Deal community of Arthurdale banded together, forming workers alliances and cooperatives to survive. (1937) | Photo by Lewis Hine

Industrial Heartland History: Scott’s Run—the Most Diverse Coal Camp in America

Posted 02/02/23 by Ashley Stimpson in America's Trails | Tagged with Featured Magazine Articles, History Happened Here, IHTC, TrailNation, West Virginia

Take a step inside the Scott’s Run Museum in Osage, West Virginia, on a Saturday afternoon, and you’re in for a story time like no other.

Washington's Kitsap Peninsula Water Trail | Photo courtesy Visit Kitsap

Highlights of Our National Water Trails System

Posted 06/13/22 by Laura Stark in America's Trails | Tagged with Arizona, Featured Magazine Articles, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Tourism , Trail Destinations, Trail Use Tips, Washington, West Virginia, Wild and Wonderful

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the National Water Trails System, which recognizes exemplary water routes that increase access to outdoor recreation for health and wellness, promote tourism and economic development, and encourage the stewardship and protection of America’s vital rivers and waterways.

Wendy Park Bridge along the Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail | Photo by Jason Cohn

Bridge to Everywhere: Examining Signature Gateways Across America

Posted 06/09/22 by Cory Matteson in America's Trails | Tagged with BATC, Best Of, Connected Systems, Featured Magazine Articles, Great American Rail-Trail, IHTC, Trail Destinations, TrailNation

Across the United States, bridges are serving as the hallmarks, gateways and centerpieces of communities, providing connectivity that has a major impact on active transportation, tourism and economic development. Plus—there’s the view. Here, Rails to Trails spans the country to examine how bridges are transforming trails and regions.

Northern Cheyenne Monument | Courtesy Northern Cheyenne Journey Home Committee

A Path Toward Healing

Posted 06/03/22 by Scott Stark in America's Trails | Tagged with Featured Magazine Articles, Great American Rail-Trail, History Happened Here, Local Organizing

Until recently, the term generally preferred was the Northern Cheyenne Breakout, but just as the monument represents a better understanding of the events, so too does what it’s called. The Northern Cheyenne’s Tribal Council voted recently to change the name of their group focused on these events to the Northern Cheyenne Journey Home Committee. “It is a more accurate reflection of our ancestors' decision that day,” said Major Robinson, “which wasn't just to break out—it was to journey home, or die fighting to get there.”