Summary
The Mission Behind the Trails
Trails can lead us to some of the most beautiful places on Earth, whether that’s a lush Hawaiian bay or an alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. However, trails serve more than just aesthetic purposes; they create safe pathways for people on their journeys.
This mission is embodied by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, an advocacy organization with the goal of creating “a nation connected by trails.” They actively convert abandoned corridors and railways into safe routes for walking, biking, and running, including accessible wheelchair routes like the Little Miami Scenic Trail in Ohio.
The crown jewel of their efforts is the Great American Rail-Trail, designed to connect Washington, D.C. to Washington State over 3,700 miles of multi-use trails. This coast-to-coast project links over 145 existing rail trails, greenways, and other pathways into one continuous route.
The Great American Rail-Trail Route
The expansive 3,700-mile route traverses the northern half of the U.S., cutting through 12 states and the District of Columbia. Starting at the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., the trail continues west through Maryland’s Capital Crescent Trail.
The trail passes through multiple states, including Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and then enters the Midwest states of Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa, before reaching Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and finally Washington State. The last segment, still under construction, is the Olympic Discovery Trail, which crosses the Olympic Peninsula and concludes at the Pacific Ocean.
What to Expect on the Great American Rail-Trail
Upon completion, the Great American Rail-Trail will provide a safe, motor-free environment, entirely separate from vehicular traffic. Designed for walkers and bikers, its varying surface will contribute to an enjoyable experience. The initiative aims to offer a peaceful location for outdoor enthusiasts to explore various parts of the country.
Sufficient accommodations, such as hotels and campgrounds, await long-distance trail users, alongside the bike-friendly community Warm Showers, who graciously open their homes to travelers. Although this trail could be experienced as a continuous journey, many prefer to explore it segment by segment. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy estimates that nearly 50 million people live within 50 miles of the route.
Standout Segments on the Great American Rail-Trail
This trail showcases impressive start and endpoint contrasts. The fully complete Capital Crescent Trail begins at the U.S. Capitol, then winds through the National Mall and alongside the Potomac River before transitioning into wooded areas.
In Ohio, the enchanting Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail beautifully links cities such as Cleveland and Akron with the breathtaking Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Meanwhile, Iowa’s picturesque Cedar Valley Nature Trail, a pioneer in rail trail conversions in the state, is renowned for its wildflowers and American Goldfinch sightings.
As the trail crosses the Iowa-Nebraska border, you’ll enjoy the iconic Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, a stunning 3,000-foot cable-suspension bridge over the Missouri River. Further into Nebraska, it merges with the Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail, the longest and arguably most famous rail trail in the country.
Idaho offers the ultra-scenic Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, a proud Rail-Trail Hall of Fame inductee, showcasing the rugged Idaho landscape before crossing into Washington, the last stop on this remarkable journey.
The trail culminates dramatically, entering the Seattle area before reaching the Pacific Ocean along the Olympic Discovery Trail.
When Will the Great American Rail-Trail Be Complete?
The Great American Rail-Trail is currently about halfway finished. Trail-building teams in each state are diligently working to complete connections to achieve the ultimate goal of a seamless trail linking Washington, D.C. and Washington State.
For detailed information on completed segments and the planning of future routes, view the entire cross-country route here.
According to their website, this ambitious undertaking is expected to be completed in “the next few decades.” Nevertheless, this shouldn’t discourage you from beginning to explore the numerous segments that are already open and ready for adventure.
