Users of the 51-mile Bitterroot Trail can sometimes forget to look past the road traffic and noise to fully appreciate the surrounding area bursting with history and natural beauty.

Beautiful scenery and connections with nature are almost guaranteed when you spend time on a trail, and the experience can be even richer when you spot local wildlife along the way.  

A long-distance hike can truly be the adventure of a lifetime. With rail-trail thru hiking becoming more and more popular every day, I wanted to share some knowledge I’ve learn over the many years and thousands of miles I’ve spent on hiking and rail-trails about the world.

The Great American Rail-Trail® and its hosts trails connect to many places of learning, history and culture where students can take a break from the grind of classwork and explore. Here are some of our favorites.

Family, work and life combined with the Great American Rail-Trail announcement to push me toward a commitment to a long-distance bike trip.

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!

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.