The 15 Best Rail Trails of the U.S.

These routes span the country — including water-bound trails in Vermont and desert routes in New Mexico.

The way Americans create is slowly changing with rail trails. Rail trails and corridors that were once abandoned are being rehabilitated. places for people to walk, run, or bike. This renewal of long-forgotten outdoor space is taking place all over the country — from Virginia to Utah — and it’s still gaining steam.

According to ​​the Rails-to-Trails ConservancyA trail advocacy organization called, which aims to promote trails use in 2022. 45 percent higher It’s better than it was in 2019 To keep up to the increasing number of people who wish to access trails and get outsideThe conservancy is accelerating their signature project, Great American Rail-Trail, that will eventually connect 3,700 miles on multi-use trails between Washington, D.C., and Washington State.

“Now, after several years of sustained demand for trails, it’s clear that this is a trend and that this infrastructure is essential to people across the U.S. These consistently high levels of trail use reinforce how critical this infrastructure is to our physical and mental health — as well as the well-being of our communities,” said Torsha Bhattacharya, the research director at the conservancy in a December 21, 2022 press release.

As we wait for completion of the Great American Rail-Trail (which will be completed in a matter of days), more than 50 percent complete), we’ve called out a few paths you can hop on now. These rail trails are some of the nation’s best, and are situated all over the country, from the fully paved Paul Bunyan State Trail in Minnesota to the water-bound Island Line Rail Trail in Vermont.

William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail, New York

This route has a stunning finish, with the crossing of the 1.28-mile Walkway Over the Hudson  pedestrian bridge (which itself is linked to a regional network of trails). But before you reach the trail’s grand finale, you’ll traverse the towns of Poughkeepsie, LaGrange, Wappinger, and East Fishkill and pass over several creeks and waterways. This continuous, paved rail trail runs 13.4 miles from the Hopewell Depot Trailhead and connects to several trails, including the Morgan Lake Trailhead.

Paul Bunyan State Trail, Minnesota

If the trail name doesn’t get you, the landscape will. This 115-mile routeThe longest continuous paved rail trail in the nation, the, runs through forests, wetlands and farmlands and offers easy access to. Minnesota’s iconic lakes. If 115-miles isn’t in the cards, feel free to break it up — just make a point to make it to Bemidji, where the trail ends and the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statue stands.

Olympic Discovery Trail Washington

This route This gives you a close-up view of the rugged coastline and mossy landscapes of the Olympic Peninsula. Along the route’s 90 completed miles (it will be 135 miles eventually), you’ll travel from the Victorian seaport community of Port Townsend To the Pacific Ocean. You will see breathtaking views of lush valleys and brightly colored mountain lakes as you travel along the route.

Great Allegheny Passage, Maryland to Pennsylvania

There’s a lot of land to cover on the Great Allegheny PassageThe trail travels 150 miles between Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Cumberland (Maryland). Along the way, the trail passes through various landscapes, providing access to sites like Point State Park and Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece “Fallingwater,” which was constructed to harmonize with the lush natural landscape.

Elroy-Sparta State Trail (Wisconsin)

Although you might not think Wisconsin would be the location of the oldest railroad in the country, it is. Elroy-Sparta State Trail has been around since 1967 — long before turning old railways into hiking and biking trails became a thing. The nation’s first rail trail is also one of the most popular, with three rock tunnels and landscapes that range from wetland to prairies along the route’s 32.5 miles.

Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail, Utah

This route follows an old mining railroad which transported silver and coal in late 1800s. The 28-mile route is now closed. Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail is popular among outdoor enthusiasts as it starts in the mountain town of Park City (at 6,800 feet) and passes through some of the state’s wildest landscapes. You can also ski the rail trail in winter.

Santa Fe Rail Trail, New Mexico

The hip and scenic Santa Fe is the starting point for this 17-mile trail. up-and-coming Railyard District — a great place to grab a bite or a beer. The rest of the area is easily accessible. Santa Fe Rail Trail meanders through the city before passing through a wild desert landscape that includes yucca, juniper, and piñon trees. The century-old train depot is where the route ends.

East Bay Bike Path, Rhode Island

The name implies that the East Bay Bike Path It was designed for bikers but walks are welcome on the pedestrian walkway running parallel to the bike path. It’s good news because this trail is one for the books — it begins in Providence, crosses the Seekonk River, and continues along the waters of Narragansett Bay. This 14.5-mile paved trail is all about enjoying and celebrating the state’s watery landscape.

Island Line Rail Trail, Vermont

This rail trail, which travels along a sliver of land surrounded by water, looks like it could belong in the Florida Keys — but that couldn’t be further from the truth. This route of 13.4 miles is located in northeast Vermont. It travels along Colchester Causeway, a narrow stretch on land. crosses Lake Champlain. To add to the adventure, rail trail travelers will have to hop aboard a ferry to reach the causeway’s northern end.

Moab Canyon Pathway, Utah

This may be the second rail trail in Utah on this list, but our roundup wouldn’t be complete without the Moab Canyon PathwayThis trail runs along the border between Canada and Mexico. Arches National Park Before you connect up with an active railroad. Although the route is only 13 miles long, it offers a lot of desert beauty and red-rock landscape.

Katy Trail, Missouri

This renowned rail trail sits within one of Missouri’s most beloved state parks, the aptly named Katy Trail State Park. The trail is itself quite beautiful. the country’s longest recreational rail trail It covers a staggering 240 miles. This extensive route follows the path of Lewis and Clark and runs along the Missouri River bank.

Greater Yellowstone Trail in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana

When it’s completed, this trail Over the course of 180 miles, the route will connect two of America’s most popular national parks, Grand Teton National Parks and Yellowstone National Parks. Hikers and bikers alike can experience the route, which is almost complete, by riding the various paved and unpaved sections. It is worth the effort to see the Teton Mountains, which seem like they are rising from the earth.

Virginia Creeper Trail, Virginia

This rail trail is most popular in the fall, when the tree-lined route comes alive with oranges, reds, and yellows — but the reality is this 34.3-mile route is beautiful year-round. It runs through Virginia’s two counties and ends at Mount Rogers National Recreation Area’s Whitetop Station. To avoid most of the uphills, do the route in reverse — starting at Whitetop Station and ending the day in Abingdon.

Empire State Trail, New York to Canada

We’d be remiss to not include the impressive Empire State Trail, which travels from the southern tip of Manhattan to Albany before splitting into two routes — one that leads to the Canadian border The other one runs westward to Buffalo and Lake Erie. The 750-mile trail, which was named the longest multi-use state trail in the country, is fit for both bikers and hikers who want to enjoy the route’s miles of both paved and packed dirt trails.

George S. Mickelson Trail South Dakota

It took almost 109 miles to complete the trip.his rail trail It offers spectacular views of the Black Hills, and passes through nearly 100 former railroad bridges. If you have the time, you can dip off the trail to check out some of the state’s biggest draws, including Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, and Mount Rushmore.

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