TrailNation Accelerator

Targeted Support to Bring
Trail Networks to Life

The TrailNation Accelerator is a new program that builds on RTC’s signature TrailNation projects, the TrailNation Playbook, and the TrailNation Collaborative to help communities plan, connect and activate multiuse trail networks that serve people and places equitably. 

Made possible with generous support from the REI Cooperative Action Fund, the TrailNation Accelerator focuses specifically on rural and small-town communities, offering targeted support to help local leaders and organizations bring their trail visions to life. Drawing on RTC’s 40+ years of experience in trail planning, development, programming, and promotion, the program provides participants with the tools, strategies, and relationships they need to move from vision to action.

The TrailNation Accelerator is delivered through a year‑long cohort experience that brings local leaders and trail champions together to learn, plan and take action. Participating teams engage in a shared learning environment—combining virtual convenings, peer exchange, and customized support—so they can learn from one another while advancing trail network priorities rooted in their own local context.

2026 Accelerator Cohort

This year’s cohort brings together eight rural and small‑town teams that are ready to connect people and places through trail networks. These teams represent diverse geographies and ambitious visions for trail connectivity. The descriptions below highlight each team’s current focus area—the trail network opportunity they will explore, refine, and advance as part of their yearlong TrailNation Accelerator experience.

• Douglas and Bisbee / Sun Corridor Trail – Arizona
  Cohort Members: City of Douglas, Bisbee Bikeways, Sun Corridor Trail Alliance
  Focus: Exploring connected shared-use paths and active transportation network opportunities in Cochise County linking Douglas, Bisbee and surrounding communities as part of the larger Sun Corridor Trail vision. The effort will examine corridors and routes for shared use paths, bicycle facilities, and safe pedestrian routes that strengthen connections between communities. This work builds on existing regional mobility plans and investments to improve community health and safety, support tourism and local economic development, and advance long-term connectivity.
• Helena–West Helena – Arkansas
  Cohort Members: City of Helena-West Helena, studioDRIFT
  Focus: Connecting Helena–West Helena to the Delta Heritage Trail and Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail. This project aims to improve safe active transportation routes, expand recreation access, and catalyze economic revitalization in an historic and beautiful but under-resourced community situated on the banks of the Mississippi River with one of the highest poverty rates in the nation.
• Trails of the Grand Prairie (Central IL) – Illinois
  Cohort Members: Trails of the Grand Prairie
  Focus: Advancing a regional trail network vision in Central and East Central Illinois that supports trail connectivity through communities including Danville, Oakwood, and other Kickapoo Rail Trail towns, while developing new rail trails, enhancing natural areas along trail corridors, and fostering economic development in participating trail communities.
• Van Buren / Poplar Bluff – Missouri
  Cohort Members: Van Buren Trails Coalition, Poplar Bluff Trails Coalition, Ozark Trail Association, National Park Service RTCA Program
  Focus: Closing critical gaps in the Ozark Trail system and creating local connections to public lands. The effort seeks to strengthen regional partnerships and explore a multi-county trail network vision to boost outdoor recreation and tourism.
• Beaverhead Trails / Dillon – Montana
  Cohort Members: Beaverhead Trails Coalition, City of Dillon, Beaverhead Bikes
  Focus: Development of a comprehensive trail network in and around Dillon, including connections along highways and public lands. The project focuses on active transportation and recreation to improve safety and expand access for a growing rural population.
• Johnson County Trails – Tennessee
  Cohort Members: Johnson County Trails Association, First Tennessee Development District, Johnson County Tourism Office
  Focus: A county-wide master plan to connect communities in Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia with nearly 100 miles of multi-use trails. The vision builds on decades of grassroots advocacy and aims to strengthen regional connectivity and economic development.
• TREAD / Mansfield Branch Line Trail (Douglas County) – Washington
  Cohort Members: TREAD, City of Mansfield, local stakeholders
  Focus: Planning a contiguous trail corridor and bypass route to improve recreation access in rural areas with limited public lands. Leveraging unique corridor opportunities, including the Mansfield Branch Line Trail, this vision will increase town-to-trail connections.
• Central WV Trail (Lewis and Braxton Counties) – West Virginia
  Cohort Members: Lewis County Economic Development Authority, Braxton County Development Authority, WV TRAIL
  Focus: A multi-county initiative to link towns, tourist destinations, and existing trails—including the Elk River Rail and Water Trails—into a regional network that supports economic development and outdoor recreation.

Looking Ahead

Together, these eight communities are taking steps to strengthen local trail connectivity and build the partnerships and know-how needed for long-term success. Through the TrailNation Accelerator, they’ll gain resources and support to accelerate progress on their trail network priorities. Check back for stories from the cohort as they work toward their goals and share what they’re learning along the way.

Questions? Contact Kelly Pack at kellyp@railstotrails.org