Why Use Trails? Page 3

Washington, D.C.'s Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge | Photo by James Heilig

Trail Moments | A Journey Along the Anacostia River Trail

Posted 09/29/22 by James Heilig in Trail Use, America's Trails | Tagged with Biking, Capital Trails Coalition, District Of Columbia, ebike, Trail Destinations, Trail Moments, Trail Use Tips, TrailNation, Why Use Trails?

As a longtime resident of Hyattsville, Maryland, I watched as the Anacostia River Trail (ART) was expanded and finally completed. It meanders along the Anacostia River from Bladensburg, Maryland, to D.C.’s Wharf area, about 12 miles one way. This is my favorite local trail—and it’s only 2 miles from my house!

Ian’s ride on the Great American Rail-Trail began with a ceremony on the National Mall. | Photo by Anthony Le, courtesy RTC

World Record Holder Sets Out on 475-Mile Wheelchair Trek on the Great American Rail-Trail

Posted 09/23/22 by Amy Kapp in America's Trails, Trail Use | Tagged with Demand for Trails, Encouraging Trail Use, Equity, Great American Rail-Trail, People with Disabilities, Why Use Trails?

Ian Mackay formally started the ride accompanied by his teammates and dozens of supporters who rode alongside him in wheelchairs and on bikes from the National Mall to the C&O Canal Towpath trailhead in Georgetown. Chants of “Let’s go, Ian!” filled the background.

Megan Gray | Photo by Jovanka Novakovic, courtesy RTC

Trail Moments | Equestrian Finds Emotional Freedom on the Trail

Posted 09/20/22 by Megan Gray in Trail Use | Tagged with Great American Rail-Trail, Trail Moments, Why Use Trails?

My motto has always been “emotional freedom starts on the trail,” and it’s something I’ve trademarked for my business, as I truly believe in it. In the process of being out there on the trail—if you have lost yourself somewhere along the way—I promise you that trails will help you find yourself again. Hope is always there, and you are never, ever alone.

Photo by Micheli Oliver

#TrailMoments with Vanessa @vanessa_chav

Posted 09/14/22 by Vanessa Chavarriaga Posada in Trail Use | Tagged with Great American Rail-Trail, Trail Moments, Walkability and Bikeability, Why Use Trails?

Here, being outdoors seems associated with having the right type of gear, body, ability, partners and knowledge. I am grateful for my multicultural upbringing because it has allowed me to challenge this perception, and expand the narrative of who belongs outdoors. (Spoiler: everyone belongs outdoors!)

Along the Great Rivers Greenway trail network in St. Louis, Missouri | Photo courtesy Great Rivers Greenway

Swap Out a Car Trip for a Trail Trip With These Tips and Tricks

Posted 08/31/22 by Ryan Chao, Amy Kapp in Trail Use | Tagged with Best Of, Bike Commuting, Biking, ebike, Gear, How-to, Mode Shift, Trail Use Tips, Walkability and Bikeability, Why Use Trails?, Winter Uses

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) is embarking on an eight-week “Swap-a-Trip” challenge. Beginning Sept. 6, #TeamRTC will explore new ways to embrace active transportation by swapping car trips with walking, bicycling and other self-propelled activities—while getting the physical and mental health benefits to boot. Whether it’s to reduce your carbon footprint, or steep gas prices have got you down—we hope you will consider swapping a car trip for a walk or a bike ride. Here is a collection of tips and advice, brought to you from RTC, to change up that daily car commute or errand run while embracing trails, active transportation and a more active lifestyle.

John and Janine Brobst in Philadelphia in 1981 | Photo by David Nilsson

Trail Moments | Couple Celebrates Half a Century of Healthy, Happy Biking

Posted 08/04/22 by Laura Stark in America's Trails, Trail Use | Tagged with Biking, Trail Moments, Why Use Trails?

Janine Brobst has always been competitive, cruising ahead of her husband John during their bike rides together—even uphill. Today, at 91 she still beats her husband, six years her junior, and keeps up with her daughter who’s a spry 69. John pedals behind on his recumbent and they all meet up together at designated points along the route.

Aerial view of the Mather Trestle along South Carolina's Spanish Moss Trail | Photo courtesy of the Friends of the Spanish Moss Trail

South Carolina’s Spanish Moss Trail

Posted 08/03/22 by Laura Stark in America's Trails, Trail Use | Tagged with Best Of, Health and Active Living, South Carolina, Trail Communities, Trail Destinations, Trail of the Month, Trail Use Tips, Walkability and Bikeability, Why Use Trails?

Aptly named for the moss-draped oaks along the route, the woodsy sections of the Spanish Moss Trail provide a cool respite in the South Carolina summers. As it winds 10 miles through Beaufort County on the state’s southern coastline, numerous bridges over salt marshes and small streams provide picturesque views and the chance to see pink-hued roseate spoonbills or snowy white egrets wading in the shallows.

Biking in D.C.'s Rock Creek Park | Photo by Hayden Duncan, courtesy Victoria Yuen

Trail Moments | Swapping a Car for a Bike? Here’s What I Learned.

Posted 07/07/22 by Victoria Yuen in Trail Use | Tagged with Bike Commuting, Gear, How-to, Motorized Use, Trail Destinations, Trail Moments, Trail Use Tips, Urban Pathways, Walkability and Bikeability, Why Use Trails?

A year into our new routine, I decided to purchase my own e-bike and conquer my own fears of biking in the city. That was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. On my first day of owning the bike, I rode 30 miles by myself. Now, I can fearlessly go to the grocery store, meet up with friends, exercise and have a generally more pleasant way of getting around the city.

Hall of Fame milestone on Florida's Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail | Courtesy Carol Alexander

Trail Moments | Our Quest to Visit All of America’s Hall of Fame Rail-Trails

Posted 07/05/22 by Carol Alexander in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Great American Rail-Trail, Hall of Fame, Trail Communities, Trail Destinations, Trail Moments, Walkability and Bikeability, Why Use Trails?

For the last three years, we have concentrated on pedaling different regions of the country using two important planning tools: the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame guidebook and TrailLink.com. We have also expanded our agenda by incorporating other interests such as canoeing and geocaching. Our journey started with an F150 pickup carrying two solo canoes on the roof, bicycles and hiking attire in the truck bed, and a very comfortable 20-foot travel trailer towed behind.

Washington's Coal Creek Trail | Photo by Art Segal

Trail Moments | An Everlasting Love of Trails in the Evergreen State

Posted 06/13/22 by Art Segal in America's Trails | Tagged with Encouraging Trail Use, Trail Destinations, Trail Moments, Walkability and Bikeability, Washington, Why Use Trails?

I enjoy various types of trails, from easy and fairly level to more challenging—steeper with large tree roots and rocks—depending on how I feel on a given day, or the season and purpose of our outing. I love all kinds of trails, and my favorites range from deep forest and lakes to high mountain passes with spectacular views—such as Mt. Rainier in Washington State.