Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
mountain biking, inline skating, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and wheel-
chair use. Since the 1960s, Americans have created more than 13,000 miles of rail-
trails throughout the country.
These extremely popular recreation and transportation corridors traverse urban,
suburban, and rural landscapes. Many preserve historic landmarks, while others serve
as wildlife conservation corridors, linking isolated parks and establishing greenways
in developed areas. Rail-trails also stimulate local economies by boosting tourism and
promoting trailside businesses.
What is a Rail-with-Trail?
A rail-with-trail is a public path that parallels a still-active rail line. Some run
adjacent to high-speed, scheduled trains, often linking public transportation stations,
while others follow tourist routes and slow-moving excursion trains. Many share an
easement, separated from the rails by extensive fencing. There are more than 115
rails-with-trails in the US.
