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National Trails Interpretive Center in Casper, Wyoming | Photo by Amy Kapp

10 Great Places of Learning Along the Great American Rail-Trail

Posted 11/04/22 by Zach Zimmerman in Trail Use | Tagged with Best Of, Great American Rail-Trail, History Happened Here, Top10, Tourism , Trail Destinations, Trail Use Tips, Why Use Trails?

The Great American Rail-Trail® and its hosts trails connect to many places of learning, history and culture where students can take a break from the grind of classwork and explore. Here are some of our favorites.

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge connecting Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska | Photo by Matthew Nissen

20 Iconic Bike and Pedestrian Bridges in America

Posted 06/08/22 by Amy Kapp in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Circuit Trails, Connected Systems, Florida, Great American Rail-Trail, IHTC, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Top10, Trail Destinations, TrailNation, Washington

Across the country, bridges are literally serving as gateways for communities to achieve critical strides in active transportation, conservation and economic development. Here, we take a look at 20 iconic bridges and trestles in the United States (in no particular order) that have played—or are playing—transformative connectivity roles in their regions.

Alaska's Waterfront Trail | Photo Courtesy City of Seward

Top 10 Trails in Alaska

Posted 12/15/21 by Laura Stark in America's Trails | Tagged with Alaska, Best Of, Top10, Trail Destinations

With rugged peaks, sparkling seas and verdant forests, Alaska is unparalleled in natural beauty. Holding more than half of America’s national park land by area, as well as numerous wildlife refuges, national forests, state parks and other outdoor assets, opportunities to recreate in the state are nearly boundless.

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.

Hawaii's Ke Ala Hele Makalae | Photo by Kevin Clark

Top 10 Trails in Hawaii

Posted 12/14/21 by Suzanne Matyas in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Hawaii, Top10, Trail Destinations

With its picturesque beaches, lush tropics, diverse wildlife, and dramatic mountains and volcanos, it’s no wonder Hawaii is considered to be “like no place on Earth.” More than 1,500 years ago, Polynesians sailed to and first began settling on this breathtaking archipelago of more than 130 islands in the Pacific Ocean. Today, the six main Hawaiian Islands—Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu and Kauai—offer trails and parks that allow you to explore the state’s variety of landscapes, history and rich culture. Grouped by island, here is an assortment of greenways and rail-trails that you’ll want to say “hi!” (but not “bye”) to in the Aloha State.

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.

Washington, D.C.'s Metropolitan Branch Trail | Photo by India Kea

Top 10 Trails in Washington, DC

Posted 12/02/21 by Amy Kapp in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Capital Trails Coalition, District Of Columbia, Great American Rail-Trail, Top10, Trail Destinations, TrailNation

It’s to be expected that our nation’s capital would contain some of the most renowned landmarks and green spaces in America—connecting us to our history and heritage, and celebrating the many people and diverse cultures that make up America. But D.C. has a lot treasures to discover—not least of which are its rail-trails and multiuse pathways, which provide linkages, large and small, to many of the communities, rich recreational opportunities and iconic places and spaces D.C. is known for. What’s more: D.C.’s trails are playing a key role in the Capital Trails Coalition, which is in the process of connecting the entire metropolitan region with an equitably distributed 800-mile trail network!

Massachusetts' Mass Central Rail Trail | Milo Bateman

Top 10 Trails in Massachusetts

Posted 12/02/21 by Ally Neutze in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Massachusetts, Top10, Trail Destinations

Home to America’s first railroad, it should come as no surprise that Massachusetts is teeming with rail-trails and railroad history. While the Bay State’s capital of Boston attracts many visitors, its 93 multiuse trails totaling 461 miles draw visitors to every corner of the state. Massachusetts is also a growing hub for interconnected trail systems, including the Coastal Trails Network, Landline Network, Vision 88, New England Rail-Trail Network and East Coast Greenway, which are linking existing trails and closing gaps across the state, region and Eastern seaboard. Whether you’re looking for a long, leisurely ride around Cape Cod or a short cruise through one of the state’s bustling cities, Massachusetts has so much to offer all trail users.

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.

South Dakota's George S. Mickelson Trail | Photo by Keith Laughlin

Top 10 Trails In South Dakota

Posted 11/12/21 by Cindy Barks in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, South Dakota, Top10, Trail Destinations

Despite its somewhat under-the-radar locale in the very center of the United States, South Dakota has plenty of claims to fame when it comes to notable sights. In fact, several of the state’s best-known attractions also happen to be some of the nation’s most iconic images. From the starkly beautiful sandstone buttes of the Badlands National Park to the herds of bison and cathedral-like rock spires of the Black Hills, South Dakota’s famous places are sure to resonate. The state is also home to sprawling prairies, fertile farmland and glacial lakes. And through it all—from the mountains of the Black Hills in the west to the rivers and grasslands in the east—a growing network of trails provides wonderful access to South Dakota’s treasures. Here are 10 of our favorites.

Iowa's High Trestle Trail | Photo by TrailLink user dj123_45

Top 10 Trails in Iowa

Posted 11/05/21 by Laura Stark in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Iowa, Top10, Trail Destinations

In 1856, the first trains to ever cross the mighty Mississippi River entered Davenport, Iowa, ushering in a new wave of east-west travel across the burgeoning nation. Today, Iowa offers more than 900 miles of trail built along former railroad corridors, a result of its long history of leadership in trail development, including being the first state in the nation to put the Railbanking Act of 1983 to use. Looking forward, many of these routes are being utilized for the Great American Rail-Trail™, a developing 3,700-mile route across the country. Some of these amazing rail-trails are highlighted below along with other outstanding multiuse trails that showcase the beautiful terrain and welcoming communities of the state.

Nebraska's Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge | Photo courtesy Visit Omaha

Top 10 Trails in Nebraska

Posted 10/27/21 by Cory Matteson in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Great American Rail-Trail, Nebraska, Top10, Trail Destinations

Nebraska is a key connector for the Great American Rail-Trail™, with over half of the 591 miles of the preferred route in the state already developed. Those trails include one of the longest in the country—as well as a collection of rail-trails that let users experience the cities, towns, farmland, prairies and everything else that makes the Great Plains unique. Including the wind. As one cyclist put it to me a few years ago when I was writing about the Chief Standing Bear Trail, “The wind is our mountain.”