September 2026 Newsletter

RTC’s TrailNation™ Collaborative is a multidisciplinary learning community for anyone interested in working in trail and active transportation. Join the email list.

New Resource: Trail Tourism Toolkit

What if the trail isn’t just a destination, but the foundation for a stronger local economy, vibrant community and memorable visitor experiences? Rails to Trails Conservancy has launched the Trail Tourism Toolkit, a new resource designed to help communities think beyond the trail itself and focus on the ecosystem that turns trail users into customers, patrons and future advocates. The most successful trail communities understand that trail tourism doesn’t begin after the ribbon cutting. It begins when communities intentionally shape the experiences, partnerships and places that surround the trail. While a trail may attract visitors, it is the broader ecosystem of businesses, amenities, community identity and social connections that encourages people to stay longer, spend more, return often and share their experiences with others.

The Trail Tourism Toolkit helps communities:

Whether your community is just beginning to explore trail tourism or looking to maximize the impact of an existing trail network, this toolkit offers practical guidance to help chart the next step forward.

What to Expect From the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Continuing Resolution

RTC’s policy team recently published a report for the REI Cooperative Action Fund assessing the impact of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on active transportation. The report looks at what worked and what did not, identifies lessons learned, and recommends next steps for communities and advocates to maximize current and future investment opportunities.

The latest news on the future of transportation legislation is that Congress has extended most of the IIJA through Dec. 11. This extends the time for congressional negotiations on the next federal transportation bill—opening a new window to influence the congressional decisions that will determine the resources and policies needed to develop trails, walking and biking infrastructure throughout the country. We are asking the public to push Congress to ensure the next surface transportation law delivers connected trails, walking and biking infrastructure Americans demand and deserve. You can read and share our statement here.

Rails to Trails Publishes FY 2025 TrADE Report

RTC has released the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Transportation Alternatives Data Exchange (TrADE) report. TrADE is the nation’s go-to transportation funding data source for trails and active transportation, tracking spending from the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) program for tens of thousands of projects. You can download the report and learn more about TASA on RTC’s TrADE web portal.

Looking for more resources? Check out recent TrailNation™ Collaborative webinars in our resource library.

2026 TrailNation Collaborative Events: Advancing Trail Networks for People, Communities and Change

In 2026, TrailNation™ Collaborative learning events will bring together trail champions, planners, community leaders, and advocates for timely conversations about what it takes to build and sustain trail networks amid shifting social, environmental, funding and economic conditions. 

TrADE Talk: Transportation Alternatives Lessons Learned and Future Guidance
Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026 | Register Here

Recognizing National Preparedness Month: Build Back Better: How to rebuild trail infrastructure for resilience after disaster (1.0 AICP CM)
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | Register Here

Beyond ADA: Accessibility, Dignity and Choice on Multiuse Trails (1.0 AICP CM)
Save the Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026

Preparing for 2027 State Legislative Sessions
Wednesday, November 18, 2026

Trails and Housing: Tools for Resilient, Inclusive Communities (1.0 AICP CM)
Wednesday, December 9, 2026

Are there webinar or working group topics you’d like to see covered through the TrailNation Collaborative this year? Email us at trailnationcollaborative@railstotrails.org to share your ideas!

Find registration links for all sessions at railstotrails.org/webinars.

Funding Opportunities

Climate Ride: Justice and Access Grants
Deadline: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026
Climate Ride is seeking nominations for its 2026 Justice and Access Grants program, providing $5,000 in support to organizations working to advance environmental justice and increase access to the outdoors. Climate Ride is particularly interested in projects led by and serving historically overlooked or underrepresented groups, as well as projects that are just getting started.

National Park Service: Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP)
Deadline: Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026
State governments and Native American Tribal governments are eligible to apply for up to $10 million in funding for outdoor recreation across the country. Eligible activities include land and water acquisition as well as capital improvement projects that increase community access to the outdoors.

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund: Local Impact Grants
Deadline: Rolling Applications
The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund is accepting applications from municipalities, public institutions and nonprofits located in communities with retail locations to provide up to $5,000 toward specific projects and programs that advance conservation and connect new audiences to the outdoors. Applications are rolling. To apply and view a full list of terms and limitations, click on the link above.

Get more information about funding sources for trails and active transportation on RTC’s Federal Funding for Trails resources page.

Resources and Inspiration

Smart Growth America: Complete Streets, Stronger Economies
Smart Growth America recently published this report outlining the economic and social impact of active transportation in six diverse communities across America, including guidance for maximizing the positive impact of complete streets investments, lessons learned and actionable takeaways for communities looking to replicate successful models.

America Walks and Nondrivers Alliance: Week Without Driving
Join America Walks and Nondrivers Alliance in advocating for active transportation through their annual nationwide event, Week Without Driving. Whether you’re an individual or community leader or you’re working with a public agency, the website has a variety of resources and tools for advocating and organizing improved active transportation in your community. Thursday, Oct. 1–Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026

APBP: Call for Webinar Proposals
The Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) is now accepting proposals for its 2027 monthly webinar series. APBP’s webinar series offers a wide range of topics related to active transportation. The deadline to submit a proposal is Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. Visit APBP’s website to learn more about the webinar series, review the guidelines and submit your proposal.

RTC: In Case You Missed It: Webinars From the Archive
Miss a recent webinar or online dialogue? You can find free access to all our recent RTC virtual events in the webinar archive or resource library on our website! This includes our “Innovative State Legislative Approaches” and “State DOT Engagement” sessions with RTC’s policy team as well as recordings of the 2025 TrailNation Summit plenary sessions! 

Other Events You Won’t Want to Miss!

APBP: Planning Complete Streets for Neurodivergence
Wednesday, Sept. 16, Fees Apply

Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals: How 11th Street Bridge Park Connects Recreation and Community
Wednesday, Sept. 23

Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals: Food and Culture Along the Trail
Wednesday, Sept. 30

American Trails: Urban Feasibility and Breaking Down Barriers
Thursday, Oct. 1

Safe Routes to School: Safe Routes to School National Conference
Minneapolis, Minn.
Tuesday, Oct. 20–Thursday, Oct. 22

Tools for Collaborative Members

Get access to all the resources you need to create a vibrant trail network for your community—from funding opportunities to technical assistance.