“Connecting art with trails is a beautiful gesture that seems to be happening more often,” reflected Bernard Williams.

Surrounded by tree canopies, beautiful countryside and the charm of small towns, the Big 4 Trail traverses a Midwestern wonderland. The developing rail-trail serves as an important regional connector—spreading diagonally across Boone County, crossing into Clinton County and, eventually, continuing into Tippecanoe County.

Simon’s bike rental shop, a first for the town, is situated on Hurleyville’s Main Street, just steps from the rail-trail. “It’s 7 miles of beautiful, flat pavement.”

Below, we’ve spotlighted a handful of the exciting new rail-trails that have opened up around the country this year, as well as the broader trail networks they tie into.

Regardless of the season, Vermonters make the most of their trails. From spring when the wildflowers abound to the stunning autumn display of the hardwood forests, traveling by trail is a part of life.

Holding more than half of America’s national park land by area, as well as numerous wildlife refuges, national forests, state parks and other outdoor assets, opportunities to recreate in the state are nearly boundless.

The six main islands offer trails in Hawaii and parks that allow you to explore the state’s variety of landscapes, history and rich culture.

The State of Missouri announced that they have officially railbanked the 144-mile Rock Island Railroad corridor.

Trails in Nevada provide opportunities to easily navigate through the urban footprint ultimately finding peace in the wide-open spaces.

D.C. has a lot treasures to discover—not least of which are its rail-trails and multiuse pathways, which provide linkages, large and small, to many of the communities.