By the early 20th century, Butte, Montana, was already being called the richest hill on Earth, an acknowledgement of the nearly inconceivable amounts of ore being mined there. In 1910 alone, 284 million pounds of copper ore were extracted from the Butte area. “Butte electrified America,” said Dori Skrukrud, the community development coordinator for the City-County of Butte-Silver Bow. “Butte provided the metals to win world wars. But it paid a significant price.”

Imagine what’s possible with a trail that connects the country. That vision will become a reality thanks to the Great American Rail-Trail, a signature project of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the organization’s most ambitious TrailNation™ project yet.

Prescribe-a-Trail (PAT) is a program in which Philadelphia-area hospitals and health-care organizations lead outings on local trails along the Circuit Trails network.

What’s better than a farmers’ market or community garden for providing locally grown food and encouraging good eating? Why, a market or garden next to a trail, of course!

Empire State Trail (EST): Shaped like a giant sideways T intersecting near Albany, the EST will connect three corners of the state: Manhattan, Buffalo and the Canadian border near Lake Champlain.

The Bayshore Bikeway is a growing 16-mile trail encircling the San Diego Bay and connecting the region’s natural and cultural treasures.

Experience the Ohio to Erie Trail, as told through the eyes of four friends who pedaled more than 350 miles on the pathway.

This photo essay showcases the natural wonders of the Golden Spoke trail network that make this rail-trail a destination to behold.

A visit to the Shining Sea Bikeway in Falmouth—the only bikeway on Cape Cod to feature a seaside section—is the perfect way to combine both summer treats, trail and beach, for an unforgettable experience.