eNEWS | July 2026 

The Trail Movement: Then and Now

From a bold idea to more than 42,500 miles of multiuse trails, the trails movement has transformed the way people explore, connect and experience communities across the country. Decades of investment have created lasting connections that continue to benefit people and places nationwide.

Discover how trails have shaped the American experience.

Building the Future of the Eastrail

A towering wooden trestle, sweeping views and a growing network of connections are transforming Washington's Eastrail into a destination all its own. Discover how this ambitious project brings communities, transit and trails together.

Visit Washington’s Eastrail, the July Trail of the Month.

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Missed a Trail of the Month feature? See them all on the TrailBlog!

Celebrating Community on the Great American Rail-Trail

Rails to Trails Conservancy joined veterans riding the Great American Rail-Trail for a celebration in Nebraska, highlighting how trails connect communities and create opportunities for people to come together. Explore the moments that made this cross-country journey's midpoint one to remember.

See the celebration.

West Virginia Rail-Trail Just Doubled in Length

With 9 new miles open to the public, the Meadow River Rail Trail in West Virginia is now 18 miles long! Following the scenic Meadow River between Nallen and Rainelle, this rail-trail winds through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Highlights include two trestle bridges with stunning river views, dense deciduous forests and mountainous landscapes.

Explore the Meadow River Rail Trail.

Photo courtesy of Meadow River Rail Trail

Get Ready to Vote for the 2026 Hall of Fame Trail

RTC has been recognizing exemplary multiuse trails around the country through its Hall of Fame since 2007. We’re asking everyone to help us choose the 2026 Hall of Fame trail by participating in a public vote later this summer.

The vote will kick off Aug. 5! Be sure to watch your email to be the first to know when voting opens and the names of this year's nominees.

Make Your Voice Heard for Trails

Decisions are being made today that could shape the future of trails for years to come. Add your voice to help protect the programs, funding and policies that make connected trail networks possible.

Write to your federal elected officials in support of critical funding for trails, walking and biking.

Resources to Speak Out for Trails

Looking to create more trails in your community? Our Changemakers Toolkit offers trusted resources, training, templates and advocacy tools to help you make an impact.

Sign up to become a changemaker for trails, access the toolkit and be the first to hear when the next changemakers cohort opens.

The Stories Beneath Our Trails

Every trail has a story beneath its surface. From the cliffs of Mather Gorge to the formations of the Grand Canyon, explore eight multiuse trails that showcase the geological wonders found across the country.

Uncover the geology behind these trails.

Trails to Treasured Places

Some of the nation’s most treasured landmarks are best experienced beyond the overlook. Discover five World Heritage Sites and the nearby multiuse trails that offer new ways to explore their history, landscapes and lasting significance.

Explore trails near these iconic destinations.

A Milestone Journey on the Great American Rail-Trail

Six veterans are marking the midpoint of a 3,700-mile bike journey across the country on the Great American Rail-Trail^®, experiencing the communities, landscapes and connections made possible by trails. Follow their trek and see how this historic route is bringing people together along the way.

Follow the journey across the Great American Rail-Trail.

A New Way to Experience America

From historic rail lines to scenic trails, slow travel offers a unique way to explore the places that connect us. Learn how Rails to Trails Conservancy is preserving these corridors and building a future where more people can experience the country by trail.

See how rail corridors become trails.

Ryan Chao's Chicago Tribune Op-Ed

Read the article by RTC President Ryan Chao that ran in the Chicago Tribune, celebrating Illinois decades-long leadership to create and connect trails across the state, and the calling for continued persistence and strength of the state's leaders as we seek renewed federal investment to make Illinois—and America—safer for people to walk, bike and be active outside.

Read Ryan's perspective.

A Snack-Sized Celebration of the Great American Rail-Trail
A trail adventure can start with something as simple as a snack. Learn how Rails to Trails Conservancy and Kindling Snacks are teaming up to celebrate the Great American Rail-Trail and inspire more people to discover the ways trails connect us.

Discover the trail-inspired snack.

Sharing the Power of Trails

Rails to Trails Conservancy recently joined The Elvis Duran Show to talk about how trails connect communities and improve quality of life. The conversation ended with a surprise $5,000 donation to help advance our mission of creating more connected trail networks nationwide.

Watch the interview.

More from RTC

Trending Stories

Missed a recent trail story and looking to catch up?

Stay up to date with the latest trending stories on the RTC TrailBlog and beyond.

How to Get to US World Cup 2026 Events by Trail, Walking, Biking and Public Transit

America 250 Celebration Rallies Around Veterans Trekking the Great American Rail-Trail

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness: Pennsylvania’s Delaware & Lehigh Trail

Trail-Building Tools

Get access to all the resources you need to create a vibrant rail-trail or other type of multiuse trail for your community—from funding opportunities to technical assistance. 

Sign up for the TrailNation™ Collaborative.

Visit our Trail-Building Toolbox.

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When you subscribe to Rails to Trails magazine, you’ll have access to stories about trails from across the country and the incredible impact they have on the communities they connect with.

Our magazine is a Rails to Trails Conservancy member benefit, so join today to start receiving Rails to Trails—delivered right to your mailbox!

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