Their dream of reconnecting America with ribbons of green is taking shape all across the nation. More than 10,000 miles of open rail-trails are linking cities to the countryside and countless communities to each other. And with each new trail and every new mile, individual trails are transforming themselves into interconnected trail networks and opening up new opportunities for transportation and close-to-home recreation. For a dozen years, RTC has promoted its vision of an interconnected trail system across the country, and today it is becoming a reality.
These trails appeal to a wide range of users, including walkers, bicyclists, skaters, cross-country skiers, people with disabilities, and equestrians. In urban and suburban areas, rail-trails connect neighborhoods to businesses and congested areas to open spaces. In rural areas, rail-trails also provide excellent habitat for wildlife. And, by revitalizing abandoned railroad corridors into trails, RTC protects precious open space and preserves a piece of America's railroad heritage as a legacy for future generations.
Published in cooperation with the RTC, these regional destination guides to U.S. rail-trails examine states and regions, highlighting the "top" trails -- those that are most popular, provide the greatest recreational opportunities, or are otherwise of special interest -- with detailed narratives, maps, photos, and sidebars.
In addition to these "top" trails, all of the other rail-trails in theregion are described with summary information on how to get there, best times to visit, recreational activities, wildlife viewing, wheelchair access, and historic sites. Less
Reflow text when sidebars are open.
