July 23, 2019 | Main Spotlight: The Great American Rail-Trail | By Kevin Belanger, Trail Planner at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy |
Capital Crescent Trail, located in Maryland and Washington, D.C. | Photo by Hung Tran
The Main Street movement is centered on the belief that neighborhoods with rich character, a thriving local economy, and inviting public spaces should be accessible to everyone—whether in small towns, big cities, or somewhere in between. At Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), this too has been our vision for more than three decades, as we’ve championed connectivity within and between communities through the use of public trails. This year, we’ve expanded upon this vision with announcement of our most iconic trail project to date; an undertaking that will benefit communities across the country on an even grander scale, and a trail that we envision serving as “America’s Main Street”—the Great American Rail-Trail.
A Trail to Connect the Nation
Spanning more than 3,700 miles between Washington, D.C. and Washington State, the Great American Rail-Trail is a cross-country, multiuse trail that will truly connect the nation. Crossing through 12 states and the District of Columbia, the “Great American” was first planted in the minds of RTC staff more than 30 years ago on the heels of the 1983 Railbanking Statute, which laid the foundation for the development of thousands of miles of disused rail lines. Noticing a movement beginning to take shape, our co-founder David Burwell began dreaming of the possibilities these changes could create—among them, a trail that would connect the North American continent just as the railroads did.
Panhandle Trail, located in West Virginia and Pennsylvania | Photo by Milo Bateman
Today, with more than 52% of the Great American Rail-Trail’s infrastructure in place—and partnerships with state and local agencies helping to move it forward—we’re proud to say that this project is no longer just a dream. Through a 12-month analysis, we’ve identified a preferred route for the Great American—based on criteria set with our partners—which places high-quality user experience and significant economic and social benefits as key route factors. These criteria specified that the Great American be one contiguous route that is initially more than 80 percent, and ultimately entirely, off street and separated from vehicle traffic; comprises existing trails to the extent possible; is the most direct route possible between Washington, D.C., and Washington State; is amenable to the state and local jurisdictions that will host it; is feasible from a physical and political perspective; and will serve as a catalyst for local economic development, including providing services for long-distance trail travelers.
Hennepin Canal Parkway in Illinois | Photo courtesy Hennepin Hundred
The Route to Thriving People and Places
When the Great American Rail-Trail is complete, we expect it to serve approximately 50 million people within 50 miles of its route, magnifying many times over the economic, social and community benefits that trails have delivered to people and places for decades.
From an economic perspective, connecting trails along the route by creating new paths will enhance tourism and outdoor recreation; this potential for increased usage will, in turn, spark new investment in trailside businesses and commercial opportunities. In fact, a study conducted by RTC in 2014 found that Pennsylvania’s Three Rivers Heritage Trail—a trail along the route of the Great American—generates an estimated $8.3 million annually as a result of outdoor tourism and local business patronage. With a preferred route that connects 125+ existing trails, the Great American has the potential to generate billions of dollars a year for communities along its route, helping them to thrive as great places to live. These new trails and connecting corridors will also provide people with more options and safer access to get to the places they need to go—like jobs, schools, public transportation, shopping, and the cultural centers that make places unique.
Casper Rail Trail in Wyoming | Photo courtesy Platte River Trails Trust
On a more personal level, the Great American will positively impact individuals’ well-being through its function as a health and wellness resource. According to the CDC, access to places for physical activity, such as parks and trails, encourages residents to participate in physical activity and do so more often. The CDC also states that people are more likely to walk when they feel protected from traffic. This is great news for the many communities along the Great American route; as the trail intersects with public lands, a significantly increased number of individuals will gain access to green space and outdoor recreation, including underserved groups previously lacking such spaces.
At RTC, we stand behind the mission that everyone deserves access to “Main Street”—neighborhoods with rich character, a thriving local economy, and inviting public spaces. Through the connected communities to come thanks to the Great American Rail-Trail, we’re excited to be at the forefront of bringing “America’s Main Street” to life—a trail with benefits poised to be just as vast as the cross-country route itself.
The preferred route of the Great American Rail-Trail includes 125+ existing rail-trails, greenways and other multiuse paths that will ultimately connect across 3,700+ miles. Courtesy of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Interested in learning more about the Great American Rail-Trail? Visit www.railstotrails.org for more information.
About the author:
Kevin Belanger is a trail planner at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. He helps communities envision what a trail could look like and how trails can get built using existing resources. Kevin is the lead planner for the Great American Rail-Trail.