Rails to Trails Conservancy’s fiscal year 2024 (Oct. 1, 2023–Sept. 30, 2024) Impact Report chronicles a year of our work to build, connect and expand trails and active transportation networks—core components of America’s essential infrastructure.
At Rails to Trails Conservancy, we are creating a future where trail networks are prioritized as essential to the well-being of people, places and the planet.
Encouraging and inspiring more people to use trails across the country
Guided by our Strategic Plan, the team at RTC is tapping into opportunity—and turning that opportunity into impact—to build a nation connected by trails. Last year, we:
Secured $35 million+ for projects along the 3,700-mile Great American Rail-Trail®, a signature program of RTC that will connect tens of millions of people and generate hundreds of millions each year in visitor spending for communities.
[Investment topline TK by Brandi/Kevin.]
Helped catalyze inclusive, community-driven trail network development across our 12,000-miles-plus TrailNation® footprint along with hundreds of trail advocates, local leaders and organizations, driving impactful change in rural and urban areas.
Connecting America—Neighborhood by Neighborhood, Coast to Coast
RTC’s successes are creating a dynamic where trail networks are prioritized for the long term and valued for their unique contributions to the most pressing challenges communities face related to the economy, safety and quality of life.
Five Years of Progress for the Great American Rail-Trail
Warrior Expeditions bike ride to commemorate 5th anniversary of Great American Rail-Trail | Photo by Mariah Miranda Photography
On May 8, 2024, RTC stood with partners across the country, and in Washington, D.C., with members of Congress, REI Co-op, Warrior Expeditions, and state offices of outdoor recreation to celebrate an incredible milestone for the movement—the five-year anniversary of the Great American Rail-Trail®. RTC’s signature project will connect 3,700+ miles of trails across 12 states and the nation’s capital—creating new trail access for 50 million people who live within 50 miles of the route and generating an estimated $229 million+ in annual visitor spending.
In 2024, RTC and partners raised $35 million+ for projects within the footprint and saw new trail segments completed in five states.
Patrick Harrington, Former Manager of Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources | Photo by Mariah Miranda Photography
“The route is designed to send people into small communities all across the state. That adds up to a projected $13.2 million in visitor spending every year.”
Ryan Chao, RTC President | Photo by Mariah Miranda Photography
“The Great American Rail-Trail represents the potential of active transportation infrastructure that connects the nation. It magnifies the opportunity for connected trail systems to deliver economic prosperity, quality of life and safe mobility to millions of Americans.”
Markers Elevate the Rich History of Trail Communities Across US
In 2024, RTC helped oversee the installation of 600+ historical markers, interpretive signs, emblems and trailhead signs along the Great American route to commemorate people, places and events that influenced the development of the nation. By collaboratively supporting communities in embracing their historical legacies, we create opportunities to engage people across the United States on trails, while promoting trailside tourism.
RTC’s Kevin Belle at the First Ave Trail Great American Rail-Trail historical marker | Photo courtesy RTC
TrailNation: Elevating Connected Trail Network Models in America
California’s Bay Trail | Photo by David Joel Lee
Working with hundreds of partners, RTC secured more than $268.9 million in public and private funds in 2024 for projects within our TrailNation™ footprint. Through TrailNation, RTC seeks to accelerate trail network development, investing in transformative projects and programs that create strong foundations in communities and regions, and increase access to trails across the country.
Learn more about our impact in 2024 from or Vice President of Trail Development, Liz Thorstensen.
The TrailNation portfolio includes projects ranging in size from 35 to 2,600 miles that demonstrate the outsized impact trails have on communities, spurring economic opportunity, creating safe active-transportation routes for children and families, and supporting health and conservation locally and regionally.
SPOTLIGHT: Green Access and Outdoor Activation in Baltimore
Tywanna Taylor, Glen Oaks Community Association | Photo by Ana Tantaros, Side A Photography
“The Chinquapin Run Trail will have ripple effects of positivity in our communities. This is an essential element for unifying our community, bringing together positive actions and impacts, activating the space for accessible community bonding.”
In 2024, RTC secured a match grant from the France-Merrick Foundation to support the planning of a 1.8-mile multiuse trail through Chinquapin Run Park in Baltimore, enhancing access to local green spaces and active transportation routes for thousands of Northeast residents. The trail is part of a vision to connect the area to the 35-mile Baltimore Greenway Trails Network, an RTC TrailNation project that is unlocking opportunities for active transportation, economic development and outdoor access throughout the city.
TrailNation: Powering Communities Through Peer Learning
To power boost trail development across the country in 2023, RTC launched the TrailNation Collaborative, a growing, inclusive national learning community that now comprises 8,500+ trail network visionaries, advocates, public leaders and professionals.
Through this multidisciplinary group, members come together to share experiences, tackle challenges and discuss critical and emerging topics in the movement. In 2024, RTC and the TrailNation Collaborative hosted 21 webinars for more than 2,300 participants, offering foundational information, proven methods, tools and resources to help communities advance and complete critical trail projects.
Activating Trail Communities
RTC and our national community of trail builders and advocates spark, support and nourish impactful trail development by providing …
Webinars & Training
Trail-building Toolbox
Resource Library
SPOTLIGHT: Ushering Forth Landmark Connections in the Delaware Valley
Photo by Daniel Paschall
In May 2024, to spur connections across five counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) released the draft FY 2025 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for Pennsylvania, proposing landmark funding in the amount of $200+ million for the Circuit Trails, an RTC TrailNation project that will connect 800 miles of trails in the Greater Philadelphia-Camden area. RTC called on the public to take action and demonstrate support for this investment to ensure all proposed Circuit Trails projects were included in the final TIP.
The DVRPC received the most commentsever on a draft TIP, highlighting the important and powerful role of advocacy in ensuring decision-makers understand the benefits of trails.
SPOTLIGHT: Building Miles and Momentum in Missouri
For more than a decade, RTC has been working with partners across Missouri to advocate for the completion of the 144-mile Rock Island Trail, which is poised to be a tourism magnet and economic driver for the dozens of small, rural towns across the route. We continue to support this potentially game-changing tourism asset for the state—which will eventually connect with the Katy Trail, creating a worldclass 450-miles-plus trail loop from Kansas City and St. Louis!
RTC is the nation’s foremost defender of rail-trails, protect rail-trails in America’s courts and provide expert technical assistance on legal issues. To date, we’ve been involved in more than 60 cases!
Our legal team participates in cases and proceedings that have implications for rail-trail conversions with a simple objective—protecting the legal and policy framework facilitating these conversions, particularly the federal railbanking law. The statute has helped make an estimated 196 rail-trails—totaling nearly 4,500 miles of railbanked trail—possible since 1983.
SPOTLIGHT: Preserving Rail Corridors in New Hampshire
NH Rail Trails Coalition’s Dave Topham with RTC President Ryan Chao | Photo by Tom Sexton
“The design that NHDOT has approved brings layers of negative impact to the community. It dismantles a historic railroad corridor and introduces significant safety threats. Many thousands of people are expected to use this corridor every week—whether they’re walking, biking or using ADA-compliant mobility devices.”
—Dave Topham, Member of the Committee to Save the Derry Rail Trail Tunnel
A revised proposal by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for a new exit on I-93 adversely impacts a planned trail connection between the Derry Rail Trail and the Londonderry Rail Trail in New Hampshire. In a cost-cutting measure, the NHDOT has abandoned plans for a trail tunnel underneath the exit in favor of a circuitous route that would also require people to cross a six-lane roadway.
In August 2024, the Committee to Save the Derry Rail Trail Tunnel and RTC filed a lawsuit to challenge the FHWA’s decision on the grounds that the revised plan does not comply with a federal law protecting the historical rail corridor that the trail traverses.
W&OD Trail in Arlington, Virginia | Photo by Albert Ting
Investing In America’s Active Transportation Networks
Creating vibrant, impactful trail and active transportation networks requires public policies and programs that robustly fund this infrastructure. For decades, RTC has been the voice of the trails movement on Capitol Hill and in statehouses across the country.
Investments to Seed a Strong Foundation for Trails
Kevin Mills, RTC Vice President of Policy | Photo by Joe LaCroix
“Demand for connected walking and biking infrastructure continues to grow for communities of all sizes and types due to urgent needs to prevent traffic crashes and improve access to economic opportunities.”
Big State Wins for Trails and Active Transportation
$500 Million
in State-Level Funding Raised for Trails, Walking and Biking in FY 2024
RTC continues to lead trail advocacy at the state level, pushing for vital legislation and programs to support states in completing their trails and active transportation infrastructure and achieving substantial economic, transportation and quality of life goals. Working closely with trail and bike advocates, transportation professionals and legislatures, we focus on providing safe walking and biking routes for children and adults, removing barriers to access, eliminating bike- and pedestrian-related injuries and fatalities, and decreasing vehicle emissions.
In FY 2024, our work with partners helped raise $93 million in new funding streams for trails and active transportation projects. In November, our advocacy in six states—including California, Florida and Iowa— helped pass ballot initiatives that unlocked billions of additional dollars for trails, walking and biking.
Learn more about it from Drew Dupuy, RTC’s Director of State-Level Policy.
A Vital Tool for Deploying TA Funding
Since the inception of Transportation Alternatives (TA) in 1991, RTC has monitored how these funds have been invested. Our annual “Transportation Alternatives Spending Report” is a vital tool for states, regions and active transportation professionals to understand, strengthen and deploy the program, which has supported 43,000+ trail, walking and biking projects to date.
Highlights from our 2024 analysis: Although demand for TA funds continued to outpace availability by roughly 2 to 1, states are apportioning larger awards, implementing thoughtful policy reforms, prioritizing safety, and reducing barriers to mobility, economic development and community connectivity.
In 2024, leaders in Texas reimagined their state’s Transportation Alternatives program with a new funding category to support large-scale trail and active- transportation network development, putting a prioritizing on safety and creating new economic opportunity. The new category received most of the grant requests as well as a majority of Texas’ TA funds, demonstrating demand for this type of funding and its potential as a model strategy for other states to enhance connectivity.
Learn how this change that’s underway is impacting the Lower Rio Grande Valley’s 428-mile Caracara Trails system, an RTC TrailNation™ project.
SPOTLIGHT: Unlocking Access to Critical Funding for Trails, Walking and Biking for America’s Communities
RTC kicked off an exciting peer-to-peer learning community in 2024 for state-level transportation professionals specializing in deploying TA funds. During the year, we connected professionals from 25+ states, who dove into best practices around TA implementation—ultimately with a collective goal to create better opportunities for communities to access these critical funds, complete vibrant trail network projects and generate transformative economic, health and active transportation benefits.
MDOT and MDNR staff touring a completed section of the TA-funded Pere Marquette Rail-Trail in Clare, Michigan | Photo courtesy MDOT Photography Unit
“RTC’s peer-learning network provides a great place to discuss similar problems, solutions and opportunities between state TA programs. It comes at a critical time when we need to communicate the benefits connected trail infrastructure generates—spurring economic opportunities, improving public health and providing significant active-transportation connections, while making our communities safer places to walk, bike and roll.”
—Mike Smith, TAP Manager, Michigan DOT
A Rallying Cry for Inclusive Trails
Celebrate Trails Day Cleanup at Hanlon Park, Baltimore, MD | Photo by Kate Foster
RTC is committed to ensuring that all people have access to free, accessible and safe places to walk, bike and be active outside, right where they live. To make this happen, we are prioritizing grassroots leadership to drive positive, impactful change.
Trail Grants
RTC’s Trail Grants program is making a nationwide impact by bringing more people closer to the economic, health and quality-of-life opportunities that trails and trail networks provide. In 2024, we awarded 41 Trail Grants totaling more than $421,500 to communities to develop, activate and promote trail and trail network projects. The funding supports the work and leadership that goes into creating lasting connections and impact, bringing new infrastructure and programming for people to safely walk, bike and be active outside.
“This year we received requests from more than 150 organizations totaling over $3.2 million. As a nonprofit, we can’t bridge this gap on our own, but our investment of more than $421,000 this year is being leveraged 35 times over, helping drive more than $14 million in projects. That’s a significant impact,” said Liz Thorstensen, RTC’s Vice President for Trail Development.
SPOTLIGHT:Mississippi’s Water Valley Main Street Association
Water Valley Rail-Trail project discussion at a Yalobusha Greenways Alliance meeting | Photo by Chris Goodwin, courtesy Water Valley Main Street Association
“I’m inspired to get this trail project up and running for the kids to have it as a learning space, a community space so that any child, anywhere in the city, is able to go out and safely explore nature.”
—Katelynn Dillard, Board Member of Water Valley Main Street Association, a 2024 Trail Grant Recipient
With support from a 2024 RTC Trail Grant, the Yalobusha Greenways Alliance in Yalobusha County, Mississippi, is conducting a feasibility study to map and plan the future Water Valley Rail-Trail. The trail will serve as the 3.4-mile spine of an emerging trail network in the rural community where more than 27% of residents live below the poverty line. The old rail line that the group wishes to convert runs parallel with Water Valley’s downtown main street, and has the potential to greatly increase the overall walkability of the surrounding communities.
SPOTLIGHT: Milwaukee Residents Speak Out for Trails
In the summer of 2024, RTC asked Milwaukee residents to speak out for trails in Wisconsin and the future of the 30th Street Corridor—where a 7-mile shared-use rail-with trail could help increase access to safe places to walk and bike for hundreds of thousands of residents. Hundreds of community members took time out of their day to rally behind the vision of the trail, which would link neighborhoods along the Corridor to jobs, schools and parks while spurring economic revitalization. The trail is a key project in the Route of the Badger—an RTC TrailNation project with a vision to connect 700+ miles of trails across Southeast Wisconsin.
In Baltimore, trails have emerged as a unifying topic with a broad base of support. The findings from a 2024 poll from RTC and the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance highlight a clear preference for a more equitable allocation of funds across pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, public transit and highways. Of note: 58% of respondents indicated that they’re more likely to vote for an elected official who prioritizes trails for walking and biking, and 81% of respondents believe that trails contribute to the well-being of a neighborhood.
Participation + Cultural Shift: Inspiring People to Use and Love Trails
Group bike ride in Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Video still courtesy Johnson Media Consulting
RTC seeks to encourage and inspire more people to use trails across the country, establishing communities and a nation that demands trail systems as essential for our well-being and the well-being of the places we live.
Powering Millions of Trail Moments
TrailLink, RTC’s national trails website and app, inspires and empowers millions of people to get outside and experience the power of trails. With interactive maps, detailed descriptions, captivating photos and firsthand reviews of multiuse trails, TrailLink is the ultimate guide for every step of your trail adventure.
During FY 2024, TrailLink connected 5.3 million visitors with 5,565 trails totaling 42,241 miles.
Discover your next trail adventure with TrailLink!
Blackstone River Greenway, Massachusetts | Photo courtesy TrailLink user Kristin CioffNew Santa Fe Regional Trail, Colorado | Photo courtesy TrailLink user arunningprincessIndianapolis Cultural Trail, Indiana | Photo courtesy TrailLink tarheeltim76
“We rode the Cannon Valley Trail from Welch to Cannon Falls. It’s wonderful to begin biking again after being off a bike for 35 years. This app is helping to inspire me.” —TrailLink user crazymommymn
“I am just so glad TrailLink exists! I’m new to cycling and am looking for trails in my area and it’s been really helpful. I have way more options than I would have known about without TrailLink!” — TrailLink user elisegonzalez44
“Riding on the trails has been an incredible family experience. Being in nature together and away from screens is a real bonding experience. I’ve also loved seeing our state from a new perspective. I’ve learned more about our history.” — TrailLink user aimee25
Joy and Impact: Celebrate Trails Day 2024
Celebrate Trails Day—an annual event on the fourth Saturday of April—highlights the meaningful influence that even one day on the trail can have on our lives, underscoring the value of having safe, connected outdoor spaces in our communities. On Celebrate Trails Day 2024 on April 27, more than 20,000 people across America joined one of 240+ events—including group bike rides, runs, festivals and volunteer cleanups—or enjoyed the day on the trail with family and friends. Participants reported spending an average of 102 active minutes outside on the day of the celebration, approximately 30% more time than on a typical day.
Photo by @brandihikes, (center) celebrating along the Skyline Drive Trail in Corona, California
“I see more than a day outside. I see myself connecting with nature and feeling at ease. I feel my body getting stronger and reaching new goals. And I will continue to take up space outside especially on trails and bring others along with me!”
As the premier sponsor of Celebrate Trails Day 2024, Athletic Brewing Company joined RTC in inviting everyone outside across the United States to experience the joy and everyday benefits of trails. Athletic Brewing Company is passionate about positively impacting their customers’ lifestyle, while greatly impacting communities and the environment for the better, and helps give back to the outdoors through their Two for the Trails program.
Celebrate Trails Day at REI Co-Op’s flagship store in Washington, DC with Team RTC and @Mykedot, an Athletic Brewing Co. Ambassador | Photo courtesy Brandi Horton
“We see more than a day outside. We see appreciation for nature fueling a future where more people access clean, safe outdoor spaces through conservation and restoration. And we say cheers to it (with a refreshing brew in hand).”
—Athletic Brewing Company, the 2024 Premier Sponsor of Celebrate Trails Day
National Hall of Fame
2024 Hall of Fame induction celebration for Hawaii’s Ke Ala Hele Makālae | Photo courtesy County of Kauaʻi
RTC’s 2024 Hall of Fame inductee, Ke Ala Hele Makālae on the Hawaiian island of Kaua‘i, is frequently hailed as an example of a successful collaboration between government, private and community groups. Stretching for 8 miles, from Lydgate Beach Park to Ahihi Point, the trail offers a safe, paved and scenic space for exercise and transportation, as well as opportunities for people to gather insight into local culture, ecology and history through interpretive signage.
“The trail continues to be a pathway that improves public health and is an accessible corridor for physical activity and social interaction—and exemplifies the beauty of Kaua‘i.”
—Derek S.K. Kawakami, Mayor of Kaua‘i
Learn more about this trail, chosen for the Hall of Fame by a national vote, in Rails to Trails’ Fall 2024 feature sstory.
Our flagship quarterly national publication highlights America’s remarkable trails and trail networks, with a focus on the challenges communities face in their development and the impact they have across the country.
Clark at her October induction and (right) with Rails to Trails Conservancy staff and colleagues | Joe LaCroix, courtesy Rails to Trails Conservancy
In October, RTC honored Sarah Clark Stuart as the 2024 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion for her visionary leadership on the Circuit Trails network, which will eventually connect across 860 miles in Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey. Central to the progress of the Circuit Trails, Stuart’s advocacy, ingenuity and determination have made it safer and more accessible for millions of people to walk and bike across the region. In her time as chair of the Circuit Trails Coalition, Stuart led the strategy to develop more than 150 miles of trails and secure $240 million in funds to advance the trail network.
Sarah Clark Stuart, 2024 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion | Photo by Joe LaCroix
“Trails are transportation assets and facilities. It’s very much … about bringing a safe and accessible asset to many neighborhoods that don’t have that kind of open space now.”
—Sarah Clark Stuart, 2024 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion
Trail Moments
Trailbalzer ride on Iowa’s Raccoon River Valley Trail | Photo by Jimmy O’Connor
“The main thing is you share certain things in common. You’re all riding bikes, and people are in good moods because they’re on vacation and aren’t burdened down by things like work and politics or any of the things that get us cross with each other. People are just good-spirited.”
Ken Silbert had no idea a group trail ride several years ago would lead to lasting friendships. During the 70-miles-plus journey through northern Idaho’s stunning landscapes, he bonded with fellow cyclists from across the country. Now 82, Ken says his dedication to biking and these annual trips help him stay fit and feel connected.
Read more about Ken’s journey and the incredible friendships he’s made.
At Rails to Trails Conservancy, we are driven by the desire to be bold, inclusive, transformative and compassionate in all facets of our work, to achieve our goals of creating a nation where trails connect everyone, everywhere.
