Wyoming
Platte River Trail in Wyoming | Photo by Mike McLemore
Wyoming trails have the potential to host an incredible stretch of the Great American Rail-Trail route, with the state’s unique landscapes and already world-renowned outdoor recreation assets. Working closely with state and local officials and trail developers, RTC has identified a preferred route through the state that prioritizes opportunities for economic development and stretches from Casper, Wyoming, to Livingston, Montana. Important community connectors, such as the developing Casper Rail Trail, Al’s Way in Glenrock and the Platte River Trail with its pioneer history, are helping to build momentum for statewide trail development.
While its topography presents a challenge for trail builders, Wyoming has recently made a statewide commitment to trails and active transportation that supports the completion of the Great American route and further enhances the state’s outdoor tourism economy.
Support a Multiuse Trail Connection through Powell, Park County, and Beyond!
Powell, Wyoming, has the potential to be a host community to a trail across the country that will be used by local residents and long-distance travelers alike.
The Great American Rail-Trail® connects Washington, D.C., and Washington state across 12 states, including Wyoming. It’s over 50% complete right now, with more than 2,000 miles completed on the ground. Powell lies along one of the remaining gaps in the route. Filling the trail gap will help give Powell residents a safe pathway to walk, bike, and roll, and it will give people another reason to visit and contribute to the Powell economy. Wyoming stands to see more than $13 million in annual visitor spending when the Great American Rail-Trail is complete—and Powell is ripe to benefit from that.
Now is the time for Powell and Park County to invest in a trail system that connects communities throughout the county with benefits for residents and visitors alike.
Sign the petition to encourage the City of Powell and Park County to invest in connecting a multiuse trail through Powell and beyond.
The “Great American” Route Through Wyoming
RTC’s route analysis defines the preferred route of the Great American Rail-Trail through Wyoming as 509 miles. While only 17 miles of the route are complete, the state’s 2017 report on active transportation—including trails—recommended a minimum investment of $10 million annually. Citing the Great American Rail-Trail, the report offers optimism for the trail’s future development in the state. Click the links below to view full trail descriptions of Wyoming’s host trails on TrailLink.com.
Trails Along the Route
• Douglas Trail System
• Al’s Way
• Casper Rail Trail
• Platte River Trail
• East Bighorn River Trail
• Greybull River Walk
• Beck Lake Park Trail
Gateway Trail
Casper Rail Trail
Spanning 6 miles, the Casper Rail Trail is an important connector in one of the largest cities in Wyoming. Cutting east-west across the community, the paved pathway provides access to cultural attractions such as a science center, contemporary art museum, the county library and a park honoring war veterans.
Route Reveal Celebration
Completing the Great American Rail-Trail: Catalyst Initiatives in Wyoming
In every state along the preferred route of the Great American, needs for completing the trail vary. To spur trail completion, RTC has identified initial catalyst initiatives—projects or challenges that would most benefit from RTC’s national breadth of resources. (View the complete list of catalyst initiatives and criteria here.) Through these initiatives, RTC will support local and state partners, investing time, expertise and organizational resources in specific projects that are critical to the ultimate completion of the Great American Rail-Trail.
Great American Rail-Trail Gap #63: Glenrock to Evansville
In its final report of statewide trail and active transportation recommendations, the Wyoming Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force recommends that completing a trail between Glenrock and Evansville should be a priority as part of the Great American Rail-Trail. RTC will provide technical and planning assistance to Platte River Trails, Wyoming Pathways and Wyoming State Parks to determine ownership of the former rail line; engage with property owners and stakeholders; determine who will own and maintain the trail after completion; implement cost estimation; complete a feasibility study; pursue public funding; and provide design, engineering and construction assistance.
Wyoming stories along the Great American Rail-Trail
Great American Rail-Trail Preferred Route
