For walkers and bicyclists along the town’s scenic Animas River Trail, the white-and-gray plumes of steam rising from the old locomotives and the echo of train whistles are common sights and sounds.

Western Ohio’s Simon Kenton Trail offers the perfect opportunity for today’s travelers to do their own exploring of the state’s scenic woodlands and rural landscapes on a 35-mile adventure stretching from Springfield to Bellefontaine.

Spanning 27 miles, the Tammany Trace is a Southern belle nestled in the pristine natural surroundings of New Orleans.

It’s a fitting way for Canada to celebrate its 150th birthday: In 2017, The Great Trail will be fully connected, enabling people to cross the country on a series of greenways, waterways and on-road routes to experience Canada’s rugged wilderness, rural beauty, historical attractions, vibrant cities and charming small towns up close.

Here’s a short list of five Rail-Trails at national monuments that’ll help you reach, explore and admire some of these incredible places.

The Brays Bayou Greenway Trail, which spans more than 30 miles, connecting several parks and running just a couple blocks north of NRG Stadium, where this year’s Super Bowl is taking place.

It’s hard to pick a favorite season to experience the Hop River State Park Trail, set amidst the dense forests of Eastern Connecticut. Sections of the 20-mile rail-trail dive through steep rock cuts that seep moisture.

Just in time for the holidays, a stunning new rail-trail has arrived in Missouri. Opening Dec. 10, the 47.5-mile Rock Island Trail State Park is notable for its length.

Missouri’s Katy Trail supports small businesses across the state and serves as a model for other rail-trail projects nationwide.

The 7-mile Saginaw County to Bay County Connector joins the 17.5-mile Bay County Riverwalk to Saginaw County and Zilwaukee Pathway.