Bike enthusiasts, nature lovers, and world explorers … good news! There’s a new coast-to-coast bike trail now underway that stretches from Washington, D.C. to Washington State. The project is brought to you by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), which says the trail is already 52 percent completed.
The vision of the 3,700-mile Great American Rail-Trail sounds beyond impressive as described by the RTC:
“Picture yourself … pedaling across the entire country on a safe, seamless and scenic pathway — or walking a local trail that connects along historic routes. Imagine the incomparable experience of exploring America’s heritage by trail — its potential, its beauty and bounty, its people and places.”
Sounds like a little bit of heaven right?
The Rail-Trail is made possible by repurposing former railroad corridors into public paths for bicycle riders and walkers. And if local community rules allow it, inline skaters, horseback riders, cross-country skiers, and wheelchair users may also be allowed to use the trail.
The trail is using current infrastructure that connects more than 125 existing trails and 90 trail gaps.
New trail sets big expectations
The RTC is promising that the new trail will provide an all-new American experience as it winds its way through 12 states plus the District of Columbia. In fact, according to the RTC president, it will give outdoor enthusiasts a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“The Great American Rail-Trail will be a national treasure. It presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create — together — an enduring gift to the nation that will bring joy for generations to come.”
—Ryan Chao, RTC President
There are nearly 50 million people living within 50 miles of the trail’s route, according to the RTC, which means the trail will also open up significant outdoor economy, helping to contribute economic growth. Also, the trail will ultimately be entirely off street and apart from any vehicle traffic.
“We believe the Great American Rail-Trail will be a transformative project for the nation, as it magnifies on a grand scale the benefits that trails have delivered to communities for decades. Whether bridging gaps within and between communities, creating safe walking and biking access to jobs, transit, shopping and green space; or serving as recreation for cyclists, runners and casual daily explorers, this will be America’s trail.”
—Ryan Chao, RTC President
When will the trail be completed?
While the trail is 52 percent complete as of now, it’ll take several decades to complete the entire trail, according to the RTC. The organization must work in coordination with local jurisdictions, each state, and different organizations to “bring new segments online year after year.”
Opening up each part of the trail as it’s finished means outdoor lovers don’t have to wait until the entire project is completed to start walking or cycling.
The U.S. isn’t the first country to attempt such an endeavor. France, Chile, and Canada are examples of countries opening up a long path to those who love the outdoors, according to theheartysoul. There is the world’s longest multi-use trail network in Canada, called The Great Trail, which spans 15,000 miles.
There’s also The Route of the Parks of Patagonia in Chile, which allows hikers to explore a 1,740-mile-long pathway, and The Grand Sentier de la Côte Bleue in Southern France bridges together about 40 miles of coastline between Marseille and Martigues.
The RTC is asking for 1 million pledges for the new trail to show “the strength and solidarity of the trails community.” Those interested in making a pledge can click here. And if you want to find out more about the Great American Rail-Trail and RTC, click here and follow @greatamericanrailtrail on Facebook and Instagram.
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Source: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
