For me, the positive impact that going car-free has on air quality, reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing traffic congestion far outweighs the benefits of owning a car.

As a longtime resident of Hyattsville, Maryland, I watched as the Anacostia River Trail (ART) was expanded and finally completed. It meanders along the Anacostia River from Bladensburg, Maryland, to D.C.’s Wharf area, about 12 miles one way. This is my favorite local trail—and it’s only 2 miles from my house!

Ian Mackay formally started his Great American Rail-Trail ride from the National Mall to the C&O Canal Towpath trailhead in Georgetown.

Megan Gray, equestrian on the trail: If you have lost yourself somewhere —I promise you that trails will help you find yourself again.

@vanessa_chav: It is paramount to reject exclusionary narratives and advocate for access to the outdoors for all. It is a basic human right.”

@vanessa_chav: It is paramount to reject exclusionary narratives and advocate for access to the outdoors for all. It is a basic human right.”

In June 2021, my husband, Pat, and I began our trek on the Great American Rail-Trail® in Seattle, Washington, at the western end of the 3,700-mile developing route.

RTC was drooling over the chance to collaborate with Noodle, rescue dog and star of @NoodsterScootser, and her family, who have helped her adapt to the outdoors after being found with a spinal cord injury.

Swap out a car trip for a trail trip to decrease your carbon footprint. The best part—it will help us feel better, too.

As someone who has hiked, biked, skied, climbed and simply enjoyed being outside in nature and beyond with her family, Chelsea Murphy had a lot of wisdom to share.