TrailNation Summit

The Only Conference Dedicated to Connecting the Nation’s Trail Networks

Rails to Trails Conservancy’s TrailNation™ Summit is where the vision of trail networks at the center of healthy, thriving communities becomes reality. October 27 – 29 in Cleveland, participants will be immersed in a learning experience designed to gain the skills and build the necessary connections with professionals and advocates from different fields, geographies, and areas of expertise to accelerate the development of country’s 150+ trail networks.

Summit at a Glance

The Summit is a one-of-a-kind gathering where attendees will gain the skills and connections needed to accelerate the pace of trail network development. Through hands-on learning, meaningful connections, and shared inspiration, you’ll leave with the tools and energy to fuel your work long after you leave.

At the TrailNation Summit, we will dive into innovative strategies for creating and expanding trail and active transportation networks, leaving participants empowered and emboldened to take the necessary actions to bring to life the impact of this infrastructure. Through dynamic mobile workshops, immersive learning opportunities, and strategic conversations, the Summit will shine a spotlight on trail networks as essential community assets, delivering transformative benefits to people and places nationwide. As part of the Summit, tailored peer-learning cohorts will provide a unique opportunity to connect with others working on similar challenges and share insights to accelerate progress in your community.

Participants in the Summit will leave inspired and equipped with the tools, strategies, and connections to accelerate network development in their regions. Most importantly, they will join a multidisciplinary community of champions and innovators dedicated to creating healthier, more inclusive, and resilient futures for all.

Together, we’ll break down barriers and uncover strategies to unlock the power of this infrastructure for the well-being of people, places and the planet.

Sponsors

The TrailNation Summit is made possible with the generous support of its sponsors.

RTC would like to extend a special thank you to Mark and Buffy Filippell, Heather and Glenn Hilliard and The Krone Family Foundation for their generous support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

People are getting excited about the Summit and the team at RTC is, too! We’ve been talking with folks across the country, answering their questions to help them decide to join us in Cleveland. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we’ve been getting.  

What will the experience be like at the Summit?   

The TrailNation Summit is designed to leave you inspired and equipped with the tools, strategies, and connections you need to accelerate trail network development for your region.   

Everyone at the Summit will be grouped with people who represent regions similar to theirs across the country, because we know that the challenges and opportunities that small towns and big cities experience are similar, but unique. These rural, suburban and urban cohort groups will move through the sessions as a team, walking away with the specific localized skills and new perspectives to empower local action.  That way, you’ll be learning alongside a community of experts, champions and innovators working to address similar situations—forging the relationships you’ll need for the long-term.  

Eligible planners can receive up to 13 AICP certification maintenance (CM) credits. 

What is a master class?

Our master classes are immersive learning sessions where we’ll unpack lessons learned and best practices alongside people working on similar projects across the country and from leaders in the field. Everyone will attend master classes with their cohorts, where you will address a range of topics from funding, community engagement and brand building, to advocacy and strategies for trail development, emphasizing applied learning and action plans—creating a road map for what’s next.  

Where is the Summit being held?  

The Hilton Downtown Cleveland will serve as the hub of the Summit where we’ll gather together for meals, plenary sessions, and master classes with experts from across the trail movement. Mobile sessions will also depart from here.  

Don’t forget to reserve your stay in our room block at the Hilton for easy access to all the Summit, and Cleveland, have to offer!  

When are sessions?  

We’ll kick the Summit off with a Welcome Reception at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, at the Hilton. On Tuesday, Oct. 28, and Wednesday, Oct. 29, programming will run from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., with breakfast and lunch provided during plenary sessions at the Hilton.  Tuesday night we’ll gather at the House of Blues for a networking reception and the TrailNation Pitch Fest to hear how select trail networks are using storytelling to position their grant proposals for success.  

What’s included in the registration cost?  

Registration costs unlock full access to the Summit including: mobile workshops, master class sessions, plenary sessions, breakfast and lunch daily, and two evening receptions to grow your networks and deepen relationships.