It seems an almost impossible endeavor: a trail that is only for pedestrians and bikers, stretching all the way from Washington, D.C. to Washington State. How could that even be possible, given our intertwining network of highways, cities, wide rivers and impassable mountains? Yet, it’s underway…and currently, 2,000 miles of the intended 3,700-mile trail are already open, as reported by Travel + Leisure. It’s the Great American Rail-Trail, and no cars are allowed!
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The trail will eventually wend its way through 12 states, leading outdoor enthusiasts through abandoned railway lines, historic pathways, greenbelts and already-existing multi-use trails. Besides all the healthy exercise for users (imagine telling your friends and family you’re going to walk across country!), the plan will also boost local economies because, after all, you’ll need to pause for meals, hotel stays and supplies. In fact, it’s thought that this could create more than $229 million in annual visitor spending, more than $100 million in labor income, and nearly $23 million in new tax revenue.
And in our world where we are increasingly on our screens, this trail provides a way to experience the bounty and incredible healing peace of nature: trees, wildlife, vistas of clouds floating across that enormous stretch of blue.
The nonprofit group Rails to Trails Conservancy oversees the Great American Rail-Trail. Since 1986, the group has helped create more than 41,000 miles of rail trails and at least one trail network in each state. More than 91 million people are connected to those trails via TrailLink, a way to locate the trails closest to you or wherever you’re traveling. It’s both a website and an app that allows you to download maps before you leave, so that you’re covered even if Wi-Fi fails (the first offline map is free). The app lets you review trails, upload photos and share important information with other users.
Which states already have part of the Great American Rail-Trail already? The beginning easterly hub in Washington, D.C. is already in place, traveling through Pennsylvania, nestling along the border of West Virginia and going deeply into Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa (our favorite will always be the High Trestle Trail in Woodward, IA), Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Washington. When you look at the interactive map, you see a lot of green representing existing trails, along with some stretches marked red that will need to be built up in the coming years. Stay tuned!