Top 15 Scenic Rail Trails to Explore in the U.S.

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

Rail trails are slowly transforming the way Americans recreate. What were once abandoned and overrun corridors and railways, are now 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 Conservancy, a trails advocacy organization, trail use in 2022 was 45 percent higher than it was in 2019. To keep up with the growing number of people who want to access trails and get outside, the conservancy is ramping up their signature project, the Great American Rail-Trail, which will eventually connect 3,700 miles of multi-use trails between Washington, D.C. and Washington State.

Best Rail Trails to Explore

As we await the completion of the Great American Rail-Trail (which is 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, crossing the 1.28-mile Walkway Over the Hudson pedestrian bridge (which itself is linked to a regional network of trails). Before reaching the trail’s grand finale, you’ll traverse the towns of Poughkeepsie, LaGrange, Wappinger, and East Fishkill, passing over several creeks and waterways. All told, this continuous paved rail trail starts at the Hopewell Depot Trailhead, running for 13.4 miles and connecting with several other 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 route, the longest continuously paved rail trail in the country, passes through woods, wetlands, and farmlands, providing easy access to Minnesota’s iconic lakes. If a full 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 provides an up-close look at the mossy landscape and rugged coastline 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. Along the way, expect to see vibrant valleys, bright blue mountain lakes, and snow capped peaks.

Great Allegheny Passage, Maryland to Pennsylvania

There’s plenty to cover on the Great Allegheny Passage, which travels 150 miles between Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Cumberland, Maryland. Along the way, this trail passes through various landscapes, providing access to sites like Point State Park and Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece “Fallingwater,” designed to harmonize with the lush natural scenery.

Elroy-Sparta State Trail, Wisconsin

You might not expect the oldest rail trail in the country to be in Wisconsin, but the Elroy-Sparta State Trail has been around since 1967. The nation’s first rail trail is also one of the most popular, featuring three rock tunnels and a diversity of landscapes from wetlands to prairies along the route’s 32.5 miles.

Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail, Utah

This route follows an old mining railroad that transported coal and silver in the late 1800s. Nowadays, the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail, spanning 28 miles, is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, beginning in Park City (at 6,800 feet) and passing through some of the state’s most stunning landscapes. In winter, adventurous visitors can traverse the rail trail on skis.

Santa Fe Rail Trail, New Mexico

This 17-mile trail starts in Santa Fe in the hip and up-and-coming Railyard District. From there, the Santa Fe Rail Trail meanders through the city before entering a wild desert landscape with yucca, juniper, and piñon trees, ending in the town of Lamy at an iconic century-old train depot.

East Bay Bike Path, Rhode Island

As the name suggests, the East Bay Bike Path was built for bikers, with a parallel pedestrian walkway for walkers. This 14.5-mile paved trail begins in Providence, crosses the Seekonk River, and continues along the scenic waters of Narragansett Bay, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to celebrate Rhode Island’s watery landscape.

Island Line Rail Trail, Vermont

This rail trail, which travels along a sliver of land surrounded by water, is found in northwest Vermont and traverses the Colchester Causeway, a narrow stretch that crosses Lake Champlain. To enhance the adventure, trail users will need to hop aboard a ferry to reach the causeway’s northern end.

Moab Canyon Pathway, Utah

The Moab Canyon Pathway offers breathtaking scenery as it passes along the border of Arches National Park before joining an active railroad. Though this route is just 13 miles long, it boasts remarkable red-rock landscapes and picturesque desert beauty.

Katy Trail, Missouri

This renowned rail trail resides within one of Missouri’s most beloved state parks, the aptly named Katy Trail State Park. It is the country’s longest recreational rail trail at a magnificent 240 miles, traversing the bank of the Missouri River, while following in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark.

Greater Yellowstone Trail, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana

When completed, this trail will connect two of the nation’s most revered national parks, Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, over 180 miles. Until then, hikers and bikers can enjoy the journey along portions of paved and unpaved paths. The stunning views of the Teton mountains are well worth the effort.

Virginia Creeper Trail, Virginia

This rail trail shines brightest in the fall, when the tree-lined route bursts with oranges, reds, and yellows. However, this 34.3-mile trail remains beautiful throughout the year, cutting through two Virginia counties and ending just past Whitetop Station in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. For a gentler experience, consider starting at Whitetop Station and ending in Abingdon to avoid most of the uphills.

Empire State Trail, New York to Canada

The impressive Empire State Trail stretches from the southern tip of Manhattan to Albany before splitting into two routes — one that leads to the Canadian border and another that heads west to Buffalo and Lake Erie. This 750-mile trail is recognized as the longest multi-use state trail in the country, catering to both bikers and hikers who wish to enjoy its options of paved and packed dirt trails.

George S. Mickelson Trail, South Dakota

Over the course of almost 109 miles, this rail trail offers stunning views of the Black Hills and passes through almost 100 converted railroad bridges. If you have the time, you can venture off the trail to explore some of the state’s biggest attractions, including Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, and Mount Rushmore.