Trail Destinations

Top 10 Trails in Georgia

Posted 07/22/21 by Laura Stark in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Georgia, Top10, Trail Destinations

Georgia's Columbus Fall Line Trace | Photo courtesy of Dragonfly Trail Network

With 200+ miles of open rail-trail—and more in the works—Georgia is the South’s preeminent trail state. Burgeoning trail networks—like the Atlanta BeltLine and Columbus’ Dragonfly Trails—in its major cities, as well as segments of the national East Coast Greenway, are a testament to the growing status of the Peach State in the trail movement. Not to be outdone by their big-city cousins, several rural rail-trail projects are also actively being pursued, including the 39-mile Firefly Trail and 21-mile Man O’ War Railroad Recreation Trail. From urban settings bursting with cultural attractions to tranquil rides through bucolic countryside, here’s a look at some of Georgia’s best trail experiences.

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Georgia's Columbus Fall Line Trace | Photo courtesy of Dragonfly Trail Network

Top 10 Trails in Georgia

Posted 07/22/21 by Laura Stark in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Georgia, Top10, Trail Destinations

With 200+ miles of open rail-trail—and more in the works—Georgia is the South’s preeminent trail state. Burgeoning trail networks—like the Atlanta BeltLine and Columbus’ Dragonfly Trails—in its major cities, as well as segments of the national East Coast Greenway, are a testament to the growing status of the Peach State in the trail movement. Not to be outdone by their big-city cousins, several rural rail-trail projects are also actively being pursued, including the 39-mile Firefly Trail and 21-mile Man O’ War Railroad Recreation Trail. From urban settings bursting with cultural attractions to tranquil rides through bucolic countryside, here’s a look at some of Georgia’s best trail experiences.

Puerto Rico's Tunel de Guajataca | Photo by Jorge Borrelli

Top Trails in Puerto Rico

Posted 07/15/21 by Ken Bryan in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Top10, Trail Destinations

As a territory of the United States, no passport is required for Americans to visit Puerto Rico—and there are plenty of reasons to do so! The island commonwealth is known for its amazing Spanish-Caribbean culture, warm and welcoming people, beautiful outdoor spaces (including El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the national forest system), world-class beaches, 16th-century Spanish forts, pirate tales, tantalizing rums and now its rail-trails.

Graphic by RTC

Introducing the 2021 Rail-Trail Hall of Fame Nominees

Posted 07/14/21 by Dayani Guevara in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Delaware, Hall of Fame, Iowa, New Hampshire, Trail Destinations

To determine which of these nominees gets the esteemed spot, we’re holding a nationwide vote from July 30 to Aug. 6. During the voting period, it’ll be up to trail aficionados like yourself to support your top pick by voting as many times as possible and encouraging other fans to do the same. But before you cast your vote, get to know the 2021 Rail-Trail Hall of Fame nominees!

Three Rivers Greenway | Photo by Robert Annis

South Carolina’s Three Rivers Greenway

Posted 07/08/21 by Robert Annis in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Connected Systems, Demand for Trails, South Carolina, Trail Communities, Trail Destinations, Trail of the Month

While pedaling the completed 19.4 miles of South Carolina’s Three Rivers Greenway, the word “potential” keeps popping up in my mind. The greenway follows the Broad, Saluda and Congaree Rivers, and everywhere I look, people are swimming, floating and otherwise having a good time.

Idaho's Route of the Hiawatha | Photo courtesy Kenneth Baker

Top 10 Trails in Idaho

Posted 07/06/21 by Mary Terra-Berns in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Idaho, Top10, Trail Destinations

From the forested and lake-laden north to the Snake River plain in the south, Idaho offers a variety of exceptional trails for walking, jogging, bicycling, trailside fishing, snowshoeing and Nordic skiing. Urban, rural, or a bit on the wild side, Idaho has trails that are as diverse as the state’s topography. Here are a few of our favorites. Especially notable is the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, a key part of the Great American Rail-Trail™, a signature project of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy that crosses the United States from Washington D.C. to the state of Washington. The 3,700-mile route will connect people and communities by creating a nationwide network of public trails traveling through natural environments, and linking cultural and historical resources.

Utah's Red Canyon Bicycle Trail | Photo by TrailLink user acewickwire

Top 10 Trails in Utah

Posted 06/28/21 by Cindy Barks in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Top10, Trail Destinations, Utah

In a state known worldwide for its “Mighty Five” national parks, it should come as no surprise that the trails are monumental as well. Utah is home to a string of national parks that feature glowing sandstone arches, dreamlike rock hoodoos and luminous slot canyons. Accentuating all of that natural grandeur is a network of trails that takes cyclists and hikers right into the midst of the epic park scene.

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.