The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a trails advocacy organization, is squashing the East and West coast beef by building a “nation connected by trails” which will connect Washington, DC and Washington State via 3,700 miles of winding nature trails.
The coast-to-coast project aims to connect over 145 existing rail trails and greenways with a single trail and turn abandoned and overrun corridors and railways into safe walkable paths for visitors who want to do a segment of the trail or embark on a cross-country trek, a la Forrest Gump.
The trail will directly serve nearly 50 million people within 50 miles of the route, and with the project being more than 50% completed by the end of 2022, a completion date is anticipated in the next few decades as states work to connect completed trails so that a single, continuous trail is created.
What is the Great American Rail-Trail route?
The 3,700-mile route runs across the northern half of the United States and can be explored in either direction, of course. Those traveling from East to West will begin the journey at the steps of the US Capitol in Washington, DC before continuing west through 12 states and ending up at the Pacific Ocean.
When finished, the Great American Rail Trail will be solely available for non-motorized travel. While the trail’s terrain may differ, it is designed to be easily accessible for cyclists and pedestrians and offer a safe and peaceful environment for individuals who wish to discover the United States afoot or by bicycle.
Travelers can view the entire cross-country route here to see which segments are complete and which routes are in early planning.
by travelers, for travelers.
