Rails to Trails Conservancy

08/28/2026

08/27/2026

We hope everyone let the dogs out—on the trail—today.

For many people, the best part of hitting the trail is sharing the experience with their canine companions. From watching squirrels to sniffing grass and enjoying some exercise, it’s a paw-fect way to spend time together.

To help you have the best time with your bestest buddy while sharing the trail with others, here are some tips for practicing good trail etiquette with your dog 🐾💚.

08/25/2026

Congratulations to Bisbee Bikeways in Arizona and all who have helped make this groundbreaking possible! This trail will help create a safe walkable and bikeable route for the local community and be an important piece of an effort to develop a larger trail network, helping to better connect the area, spur tourism and economic activity, promote physical activity and provide other quality-of-life benefits.

Through our TrailNation Accelerator program—which helps communities plan and activate multiuse trail networks, specifically rural and small towns—we are proud to be supporting this vision for improved connectivity and bicyclist/pedestrian safety, and we are thrilled about this step forward for the Lavender Pit Shared Use Path!

08/25/2026

Team RTC was proud to speak at and sponsor Bike Utah's annual Bike Summit!

While in Utah, we were thrilled to discuss advocating for trails, connect with partners, and also screen "From Rails to Trails—a PBS documentary about the origin story of America’s trails movement, by producers Dan Protess and RTC Co-Founder Peter Harnik.

Special thanks also to Hugh Van Waganon from Wasatch Front Regional Council and Mayor Dirk Burton from West Jordan City Hall for participating in our panel after the documentary!

08/24/2026

Today’s trail-spiration: Thermal Belt Rail Trail!

Stretching through the foothills of western North Carolina, this 13+ mile trail offers a scenic ride or walk through wooded landscapes, welcoming towns and local history. Along the way, explore the Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park, cross paths with the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail and enjoy easy access to parks, pickleball courts and more.

Want to see more of the trail? Explore photos, user reviews, its map, information and more for free on TrailLink: https://www.traillink.com/trail/thermal-belt-rail-trail/.

📷 Photo of the trail courtesy of TrailLink user maddoxfour

08/24/2026

The Prairie Trails Club, along with community members, will celebrate the opening of a new one-mile trail extension through North Judson and the town’s designation as an official American Discovery…

08/24/2026

Do you have any trailside favorites?

Trails can lead us to more than scenic views—they can introduce us to the art, history and unexpected attractions that make a place special.

Our team visited some of our favorite trailside attractions across the country—check out this one in Pittsburgh and watch the full video at RailsToTrails.org/GreenIssue2026.

08/21/2026

Want to get outside more this summer?

For decades, we’ve been connecting people with trails near them and nationwide. With TrailLink, RTC’s trail-finder website and app, you can explore 40,000+ miles of multiuse trails, their maps, photos and reviews submitted by users, helpful descriptions and more—for free.

Find your trail adventure with TrailLink: TrailLink.com.

08/20/2026

Announcing America’s newest Hall of Fame trail…

After tallying thousands of votes from people around the country, we are thrilled to unveil that Virginia’s Mount Vernon Trail is this year’s Hall of Fame inductee!

Winding 18.5 miles just outside our nation’s capital, the Mount Vernon Trail offers a unique combination of American history, iconic scenery and wildlife. In addition to providing a way to connect locally and to iconic sites like George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate and Theodore Roosevelt Island, the route also helps connect larger trail systems, including the region’s Capital Trail Network, Northern Virginia’s trail system, and the multi-state East Coast Greenway. The trail’s origin story is one of community activism and volunteerism, which carries forward to the present, with thousands of volunteers working year-round to steward, promote and activate the trail—all of which are essential ingredients for a world-class trail and a valued community asset. Thank you to Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail and all who help make this trail so extraordinary. �

RTC has been honoring the nation’s preeminent multiuse trails through our Hall of Fame since 2007. During this monumental year, as we reflect on RTC’s 40th and America’s 250th and celebrate what makes our country special, three exceptional nominated trails were in the running to receive this national honor.

Thank you to the amazing teams behind the 2026 nominees—and to everyone who supported them by participating in the Hall of Fame vote!��Learn more the Mount Vernon Trail and RTC’s : RailsToTrails.org/HallofFame.

08/19/2026

“The Heritage Trail is one of Wheeling’s greatest assets because it truly supports the way people live, work and play in our city. It connects neighborhoods, provides safe and accessible recreation opportunities and enhances the quality of life for our residents.

At the same time, it serves as an important draw for visitors, strengthening tourism and supporting local businesses. What makes it even more special is that it was born from our industrial heritage through a rails-to-trails transformation, a powerful example of how Wheeling continues to build on its past to create a vibrant future.” - Assistant City Manager William Lanham, Wheeling, WV

As Congress works to create the next major transportation bill, you can join us and our partners in telling elected officials that safe walking and biking options are essential to communities nationwide. Learn how + take action: keepamericaactive.org.