Trail Blog by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Georgia's Silver Comet Trail | Photo by Seth Holladay

The Build Back Better Act Could Create New Opportunities for Trail and Active Transportation Funding

Posted 11/06/21 by Patrick Wojahn in Policy | Tagged with Ecology and Environment, Equity, Federal, Funding, Mode Shift, Tourism and Economic Development, Tourism and Economic Stimulus, TrailsTransform

Assuming the Build Back Better Act moves through the Senate without any additional changes, the current language includes programs that address critical transportation and infrastructure issues, such as economic development, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and equity.

Iowa's High Trestle Trail | Photo by TrailLink user dj123_45

Top 10 Trails in Iowa

Posted 11/05/21 by Laura Stark in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Iowa, Top10, Trail Destinations

In 1856, the first trains to ever cross the mighty Mississippi River entered Davenport, Iowa, ushering in a new wave of east-west travel across the burgeoning nation. Today, Iowa offers more than 900 miles of trail built along former railroad corridors, a result of its long history of leadership in trail development, including being the first state in the nation to put the Railbanking Act of 1983 to use. Looking forward, many of these routes are being utilized for the Great American Rail-Trail™, a developing 3,700-mile route across the country. Some of these amazing rail-trails are highlighted below along with other outstanding multiuse trails that showcase the beautiful terrain and welcoming communities of the state.

Photo by Hunter Franklin, courtesy Facebook.com/dollsheadtrail

Eight Creepy Cool Trailside Attractions

Posted 10/27/21 by Amy Kapp in America's Trails | Tagged with COVID-19, District Of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, History Happened Here, Maryland, Ohio, Trail Destinations

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy editorial team really loves Halloween. And while this year may not see the normal amount of costume- and candy-filled events due to safety measures surrounding COVID-19—we still thought we’d present this list of some of our favorite creepy trailside attractions for some much-needed levity (no pun intended?) and fun!

Part of the developing Louisiana Bootlace Trail Network, New Orleans’ Wisner Trail is nestled between two popular recreational amenities: City Park and Bayou St. John. Photo by Jennifer Ruley, courtesy City of New Orleans.

Close Ties: Louisiana Bootlace Trail Network

Posted 10/26/21 by Chez Chesak in America's Trails | Tagged with Connected Systems, Featured Magazine Articles, Funding, Hall of Fame, Louisiana, Tourism , Trail Destinations

Trail advocates in Louisiana are coming together with a vision to create a 100-miles-plus trail network loop that will lace together a dozen parishes on a route connecting Baton Rouge and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Tennessee's Chattanooga Riverwalk | Photo by TrailLink user pnmcveigh

Top 10 Trails in Tennessee

Posted 10/20/21 by Shelby Deering in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Tennessee, Top10, Trail Destinations

Tennessee’s state slogan is, “Tennessee: America at Its Best.” Although this isn’t as quippy as one of the many quotes shared by famous Tennessean Dolly Parton, it really does describe the state’s trails and stunning natural areas. From the magnificent Smoky Mountains to the Appalachian Trail to impressively expansive assets like the Cumberland Park State Trail system, Tennessee has plenty of nature to go around. Its rail-trails and greenways run their course through these picturesque surroundings and, equally, pay homage to urban areas where they can be found. Here are 10 of our favorite trails in this Southern state.

Mississippi's Longleaf Trace | Photo by Jake Lynch

Top 10 Trails in Mississippi

Posted 10/20/21 by Amy Grisak in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Mississippi, Top10, Trail Destinations

Mississippi trails beckon bicyclists and walkers year ‘round—even in January and February when an extra jacket might be needed—and every walk or ride is a new experience with the ever-changing leaves, flowers and wildlife discovered along the way. Flat terrain or rolling hills make up most of the landscape, with thick pine or hardwood forests keeping even the hot days more bearable. Lush wetlands enhance the Southern feel. Whether traveling through trail-friendly towns, or stretching your legs on longer excursions, these well-established trails are the perfect ways to take advantage of these idyllic areas.

Trail Moments with Latinx Hikers Co-Founder, Adriana Garcia

Posted 10/15/21 by Adriana Garcia in Trail Use | Tagged with Trail Moments, Walkability and Bikeability, Why Use Trails?

Most of the time it was just me & my brother riding our bikes to & from our destinations, but sometimes I got to venture off alone. That’s when I learned the most about myself: that I was independent, I liked being around people but also liked having my space, I loved being in water, working with my hands, & I loved wandering the trails & being alone with my thoughts & dreams.

Left to Right: Waides Ashmon III, Ashley Jones, MaShant Ashmon, Ian Mackay and Vasu Sojitraa | Graphic by RTC

Here Is Some Inspiration to Keep Up or Create Your #TrailMoments Momentum!

Posted 10/14/21 by Suzanne Matyas in Trail Use | Tagged with Encouraging Trail Use, Health and Active Living, How-to, Trail Moments, Walkability and Bikeability, Why Use Trails?

We all know how difficult it can be to create or maintain healthy habits! That’s why the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy team launched our #TrailMoments 21-Day Challenge—so an entire community could band together and keep each other motivated.

Reimagining Public Spaces

Posted 10/12/21 by Ryan Chao in America's Trails | Tagged with COVID-19, Demand for Trails, Featured Magazine Articles, Health and Active Living, Mode Shift, Route of the Badger, Trail Moments, TrailNation, Walkability and Bikeability, Why Use Trails?

Last year, when the team at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) was elbow deep in defining the elements of our next strategic plan, a global pandemic had upended the world, and calls for justice were bringing focus to the deep and far-reaching impact of racial inequities. In that moment, we explored the strengths of our movement, our role in bringing solutions to these significant social challenges and the opportunities ahead. What we found captured our imagination and brought reason for hope.

Chief Ladiga Trail | Photo by Ed and Jenn Coleman

Top 10 Trails in Alabama

Posted 10/08/21 by Cindy Barks in America's Trails | Tagged with Alabama, Best Of, Top10, Trail Destinations

Mention the landscapes of Alabama, and most people are apt to conjure up images of the beaches of the Gulf Shores region or the forested Talladega Mountains. And for good reason— the beaches are famous for their sugar-white sand, and the mountains offer epic views of tree-covered ridges and valleys. Still, Alabama has plenty more to offer in the terrain department. Known as the most biodiverse state east of the Mississippi River, it is also home to river deltas, coastal plains and open prairies. Fortunately, a robust system of trails offers access to Alabama’s scenic bounty. Here are 10 of our favorite trails, from the bustling cities in the north to the sand and surf in the south.

Oklahoma River Trails | Courtesy Oklahoma City Community Foundation

Oklahoma’s Oklahoma River Trails

Posted 10/06/21 by Amy Grisak in America's Trails, Health and Wellness | Tagged with Health and Active Living, Oklahoma, Trail Destinations, Trail of the Month, Walkability and Bikeability

Despite the city’s sprawling nature and 680,000 residents, it has a small-town feel, partly due to roughly 90 miles of trails through 10 connected routes. These routes, including the well-loved Oklahoma River Trails, bring people to the neighborhoods, parks, world-class attractions and the flourishing downtown region.

Oklahoma's Old Frisco Trail | Photo by TrailLink user curtandjanet

Top 10 Trails in Oklahoma

Posted 09/28/21 by Robert Annis in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Oklahoma, Top10, Trail Destinations

If you’re thinking to yourself, “Oh, what a beautiful morning … for a bike ride or a pleasant hike,” then maybe you should head to Oklahoma. Both Tulsa and Oklahoma City have terrific trail networks, where you can delve into history, enjoy some lovely scenery and get in a nice workout, all at the same time. (By the end of the year, Oklahoma City should have a completed 42-mile trail loop around the city.) Finding greenways longer than a couple of miles can be difficult outside those metropolitan areas, but we’re confident you’ll find Oklahoma’s rail-trails to be truly OK.

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