This week, we released compelling new findings about what happens when we connect trails and active transportation.

The bottom line: When more people are able to walk and bike where they want to go, we save billions in health-care costs and we generate significant economic returns. All with public investment that’s far less than the cost of investing in roads and highways.

Download the report and learn how Trails Transform America.

As Congress begins to address our transportation future, we can take bold steps to transform America with safe, connected trail and active transportation networks.

We have an incredible opportunity to transform America by connecting trail and active transportation networks to shape our transportation future.

Take action now: Tell Congress to make wise investments in trails, walking and biking in the next transportation bill.

What better way to visit one of America's most spectacular sites than by trail? Arizona's Grand Canyon Greenway Trail offers tremendous views of its namesake, by foot or by bike, with access to the National Park's many amenities. This 13-mile trail system gives visitors a chance to connect with one of the most popular national parks in America in an up-close-and-personal way.

Visit Arizona's Grand Canyon Greenway Trail, the October Trail of the Month.

Last month, RTC and our local partners in Ohio celebrated the opening of a 2.4-mile stretch of the Heartland Trail. This marked the first new trail miles to be added to the Great American Rail-Trail in the Buckeye State since the cross-country route was announced in May.

“We are all grateful for the local leadership that Rails-to-Trails of Wayne County brings to Ohio’s trails and now the Great American Rail-Trail," RTC's Eric Oberg said at the event. "Every mile counts as we work to connect the nation by trail, bringing new opportunities for tourism, economic development, and transportation to the communities these trails connect."

Learn more from the Daily Record from Wooster, Ohio.

More from the Great American Rail-Trail

• Explore our interactive map.
• Be a part of the movement: Sign the Great American Rail-Trail Pledge.
  
  

  Sign the Pledge

Trails do more than just connect points on a map—these pathways we all love can connect us in so many other ways.

Ryan Chao shares a heartwarming story from a recent tour and brings home the message that trails bring out the best in all of us.

Trailside with Ryan Chao is a monthly feature from RTC's president with perspectives on trails and the communities they connect.

RTC was invited to Bogotá, Colombia—a dynamic mega-city on the crest of the active-transportation wave—to lend our assistance in the planning of the country’s first rail-trail project.

RTC's Liz Thorstensen and Eric Oberg experienced some of the city's progressive bike- and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, celebrated the country's women's bicycling revolution and shared our expertise and advice with the city’s renowned Mayor Enrique Peñalosa and Colombian President Iván Duque Márquez.

Learn more on the TrailBlog.

Our supporters have spoken and we have a winner for the cover of our 2020 Rail-Trail Calendar, featuring fantastic trails that host the Great American Rail-Trail!

See the cover and pre-order your 2020 calendar today! When they're printed, we'll send you one of your very own!

Just in time for the Halloween season, we're getting in the spirit of things. Ten terrifying tales from the trail are just a click away—if you dare! Mmmwwaahahahahaha!

The United States boasts more than 24,000 open miles of rail-trails—more than any other country in the world. But thousands more miles are waiting worldwide.

Here are seven international rail-trails to add to your adventure list.

With space at a premium in urban areas, cities are increasingly creating greenspace on existing infrastructure—something we know a thing or two about.

"The idea of building parks on infrastructure can be traced to the rails-to-trails movement, which for four decades has transformed abandoned rail corridors into walking and biking paths. Nationally, 2,150 rail trails cover 24,143 miles, according to the website of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization."

Read how cities are getting creative about greenspace projects in the New York Times

The eye-popping colors and crisp air of fall make it a delightful time to visit trails. Share your autumnal adventures with others by posting your photos on TrailLink.com. The process is easy: Just log in, find your trail on the website and click the blue “Submit Photo” button. Newly submitted photos appear on TrailLink’s homepage and may also be featured on TrailLink’s Facebook page. It's a fun opportunity to promote your favorite trail and inspire other travelers!

For inspiration, check out these dazzling fall photos in the Trail Traveler blog.

Download the TrailLink app.

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

• Sign up for the Trail Expert Network.
• Visit our Trail-Building Toolbox.

Great articles and gorgeous photos from the trails you love.

Beautiful photos from the trail to your desktop.

Download your wallpaper today!