trail moments

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?

Megan Gray | Photo by Jovanka Novakovic, courtesy RTC

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.

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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!)

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.

Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail | Courtesy of Chelsea Murphy

Trail Moments | Tips for Outdoor Outings With Your Kids

Posted 08/04/22 by Chelsea Murphy in Trail Use | Tagged with Gear, How-to, Trail Moments, Trail Use Tips

As someone who has hiked, biked, skied, climbed and simply enjoyed being outside in nature and beyond with her family, Chelsea Murphy had a lot of fun stories and wisdom to share. Check out what she’s learned from their many experiences and her takeaways for planning your own #TrailMoments with kids!

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 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.

Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail | Courtesy of Chelsea Murphy

Trail Moments | A Conversation With Chelsea Murphy of She Colors Nature

Posted 06/10/22 by Chelsea Murphy in America's Trails, Trail Use | Tagged with Encouraging Trail Use, Equity, Great American Rail-Trail, Health and Active Living, Trail Moments, Walkability and Bikeability, Washington, Why Use Trails?

Recently, we were able to sit down with Chelsea Murphy to talk about her Trail Moments. Chelsea is a self-proclaimed “adventure mom,” who simply loves getting outdoors and inspiring others to do the same through sharing her experiences on She Colors Nature and building a welcoming community.

Keith Russell leading a bird walk at Philadelphia's Discovery Center | Photo by Gregory Walker

Trail Moments | By Sight & Sound: Tips for Birding Beginners

Posted 05/30/22 by Keith Russell in Trail Use | Tagged with Encouraging Trail Use, Gear, How-to, Trail Moments, Trail Use Tips, Why Use Trails?, Wild and Wonderful

I love birding for many reasons. In addition to exposing us to the wonder and beauty of birds and the natural world, birding can help us become better listeners and observers, as well as more careful and detailed thinkers.

New Jersey's Henry Hudson Trail | Photo by Avery Harmon

Trail Moments | Safe Trails Save Lives

Posted 05/17/22 by Stephen Dunn in America's Trails, Taking Action | Tagged with Repairs and Trail Safety, Demand for Trails, Local Organizing, New Jersey, Trail Moments, Transportation Alternatives, Walkability and Bikeability, Why Use Trails?

In New Jersey, where I live, 82% of fatalities are on state, county and municipal roads. A disproportionate number of these deaths are pedestrians or cyclists, and members of vulnerable populations.