TrailNation Accelerator
Arkansas’ Razorback Regional Greenway | Photo courtesy Experience Fayetteville
Targeted Support to Bring Trail Networks to Life
The TrailNation Accelerator is a new program that builds on RTC’s signature TrailNation projects, the TrailNation Playbook, and the TrailNation Collaborative to help communities plan, connect and activate multiuse trail networks that serve people and places equitably.
Made possible with generous support from the REI Cooperative Action Fund, the TrailNation Accelerator focuses specifically on rural and small-town communities, offering targeted support to help local leaders and organizations bring their trail visions to life. Drawing on RTC’s 40+ years of experience in trail planning, development, programming, and promotion, the program provides participants with the tools, strategies, and relationships they need to move from vision to action.
What is a trail network?
Trail networks are critical components of active transportation systems, prioritizing infrastructure that is separated from vehicle traffic to create safe, convenient connections to the places communities need to —and want to—be. From access to the outdoors to neighborhood amenities, trail networks deliver an experience and purpose that is different than that of each independent trail segment.
Accelerator Cohorts
The Accelerator cohorts will be selected through an application process, with the first cohort kicking off in 2026. Cohorts will bring together small teams from up to 10 communities to participate in a mix of virtual and in-person activities over the course of 18 months. Teams will connect regularly with each other, RTC staff, and trail network leaders across the country through monthly online sessions and occasional in-person convenings
Through the Accelerator, participants will:
- Receive customized support and guidance shaped by RTC’s decades of leadership in the trails field, with technical assistance grounded in the TrailNation™ Playbook and tailored to each community’s unique goals and context.
- Engage in peer learning with other communities facing similar opportunities and challenges.
- Participate in strategy coaching to strengthen local capacity and coalition-building.
- Take part in hands-on convenings and field visits to see trail development strategies in real-world settings.
- Build stronger relationships and a professional network of peers, mentors, and national experts.
There is no cost to join the program, and financial assistance for travel to in-person convenings will be provided.
Is the TrailNation Accelerator Right for Your Community?
Are you part of a community that:
- Is located in a rural area, small town, or small city (generally under 50,000 population)?
- Is in the early stages of multi-use trail network planning, visioning, or coalition-building?
- Faces barriers to accessing planning resources or technical assistance?
- Is working to build partnerships across sectors to support trail development?
Do you need support to accelerate:
- A community-driven vision for a connected trail network?
- Local capacity to plan, promote, and implement trail projects?
- Collaboration across agencies, organizations, and residents?
Apply For Accelerator Program
Apply today to join the first cohort of Accelerator communities.
Deadline to Apply: Applications are due on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. EST
Before you consider applying, please review the application instructions.
Questions? Contact Kelly Pack at kellyp@railstotrails.org.
