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Focus Term: Great American Rail-Trail


Blog
Century-Old Bridge in Brandon Is a Legacy to Iowa’s Railroad Heyday
April 29, 2024

After a 2008 flood along Iowa’s Cedar Valley Nature Trail, only one functional double-arched span bridge created over a century ago remained.

Double arch bridge in Brandon, Iowa | Photo courtesy Black Hawk County Conservation
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Gearing Up for a Cross-Country Trail Trek Webinar
April 17, 2024
Join us for a conversation about gearing up for a cross-country trail trek like the Great American Rail-Trail and what it takes to travel across the country by trail! We’ll have resources to help you think through how to prepare and what you need to know in advance—whether you’re planning a trip for Celebrate Trails […]
Kara Patajo @YourNorthWestieBestie on the Olympic Discovery Trail | Photo courtesy Kara Patajo
Blog
10 Unique Lodgings Along the Great American Rail-Trail
April 14, 2024

We highlight lodging along the Great American Rail-Trail, and history buffs can find more from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Washington's Iron Horse Inn Bed and Breakfast is located adjacent to the Cle Elum Depot along the Great American Rail-Trail | Photo courtesy Iron Horse Inn Bed and Breakfast
Blog
First in Class: Washington Trailblazer Clara McCarty Wilt Was UW’s First Graduate
March 03, 2024

The first graduate from UW was the trailblazing Clara McCarty Wilt, who would also go become the first woman elected to public office in WA.

Clara McCarty Wilt and YWCA friends, likely in the 1920s | Photo courtesy University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections (POR2339)
Blog
Leveraging This Moment for Impact
February 05, 2024

Over the past several years, these are all ways we’ve described the momentum driving the national movement to connect the nation by trail.

Group on trail - Photo courtesy Getty Images
Blog
Elevating Opportunity in 2023—Reflections From the Trails Movement
December 13, 2023

It has been described as a “tipping point,” “critical mass” and “milestone” achievement. Regardless of what it’s called, there’s no doubt that the proliferation of trail networks around the United States is significant.

Ohio's Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail | Photo by Jason Cohn
Blog
Montana’s Silver Bow Creek Greenway Trail
November 06, 2023

Montana’s Silver Bow Creek Greenway Trail (SBCGT) parallels its namesake creek, which provides habitat to bald eagles and yellow-headed blackbirds, sandhill cranes and waterfowl.

Montana's Silver Bow Greenway Trail near Fairmont Hot Springs Resort | Photo by Richard I. Gibson
Blog
End of the Line: How Timber and Train Tracks Transformed the Olympic Peninsula
October 24, 2023

This History Along the Great American Rail-Trail® feature explores the timber industry and creation of two railroads on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula in the early 1900s. The late-1918 completion of the Spruce Railroad, which was meant to aid the war effort, led to a national scandal.

U.S. Spruce Production Division splicing an eye into cable during a logging operation | Photo courtesy Bert Kellogg Collection of the North Olympic Library System
Blog
Exploring Midwestern Marvels Along the Great American Rail-Trail With the Traverses
October 04, 2023

We thrive on these adventures—appreciating the unknown, the unexpected and the unique individuals we meet along the way. Being on our bicycles provides us with a sense of freedom and a way to stay attuned to the present moment.

Patrick and Shevonne Travers on a trail trip through the Midwest | Photo courtesy Patrick and Shevonne Travers
Blog
Trail Moments With Ash Manning: Wild Relationships
September 28, 2023

The dirt and crushed limestone crunch beneath my step as I continue my walk in the woods. I pause briefly to reflect on why I am here in the first place.

Photo courtesy Ash Manning, @AshleysAdventure on Instagram and @ashleysadventure_ on TikTok