TrailNation
West Virginia’s Caperton Trail, part of the Industrial Heartlands Trails | Video still courtesy RTC
Trail Network Map | Projects | Collaborative | Playbook
TrailNation: the Power of Connected Trails
Rails to Trails Conservancy’s TrailNationTM initiative brings to life our vision of trails at the heart of healthy, thriving communities by showcasing the impact of trail networks and redefining how we create them–so we can more quickly connect trails across the country. We’re bringing together the model projects, the leaders and champions, and the resources to accelerate the pace of equitable trail development nationwide, creating new access to this essential infrastructure and the benefits it brings for everyone in America. Learn about the history of the initiative.
America’s Trail Networks
This live broadcast featured RTC, Latino Outdoors and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission for a discussion about the urgency to connect this walking, biking and active transportation infrastructure and what it will take to get there.
More than 150 known multiuse trail networks are in development nationwide, with trail networks underway in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. This infrastructure creates space for people to walk and bike that is separated from traffic and creates new connections within and between communities. At least half of Americans (49.75%) live in a county that is home to a developing trail network, demonstrating the scale of demand and potential impact for significant portions of the U.S. population.
View Infographic | View Press Release
Model Trail Networks
RTC’s TrailNation initiative encompasses model trail network projects that connect across city, county, multi-county and multi-state lines. These trail networks are learning laboratories to test strategies and approaches in communities that are diverse in their geographies, constituencies and politics. Through TrailNation, RTC is working to connect nearly 12,000 miles of trail in partnership with over 300 trail organizations, advocates and local leaders. View the project video series.
- Baltimore Greenway Trails Network: MD
- Bay Area Trails Collaborative: CA
- Capital Trails Network: MD, VA, DC
- Caracara Trails: TX
- Circuit Trails: PA, NJ
- Great American Rail-Trail: DC, MD, PA, WV, OH, IN, IL, IA, NE, WY, MT, ID, WA
- Industrial Heartlands Trails Coalition: NY, OH, PA, WV
- Miami LOOP: FL
- New England Rail-Trail Network: CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT
- Route of the Badger: WI
Peer Learning Community
TrailNation™ Collaborative is a nationwide peer learning community from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy that brings together advocates, leaders and professionals from across disciplines to establish and accelerate trail networks across America. The collaborative provides proven tools, methods and resources, combined with RTC’s expertise and network of partners across the country, to accelerate the development of connected trail systems. When trails are connected across regions and states, trail networks have a proven transformative impact—they are essential infrastructure that creates thriving, healthier communities.
Collaborative members enjoy meaningful conversations and connections—including monthly online dialogues and regular interactive virtual gatherings, the TrailNation Playbook that delivers a compendium of best practices, technical assistance, in-person events and opportunities to engage with each other in the dedicated Facebook group. Members also receive a regular newsletter with updates on trail network development across the country.
Strategies to Build Trail Networks
RTC’s TrailNation™ Playbook curates case studies, best practices and tools developed alongside partners on our TrailNation projects to stimulate trail network development nationwide. Explore each section for lessons learned that can support trail planners, municipalities, states and regions working to advance trail network projects.
