Sparking a New Era of Health, Community Building and Stewardship in Greater Philly

Spring/Summer.16 Inspiring Movement

THE CIRCUIT Sparking TRAILS a New Era of Health, RTC Community Celebrates Building and 30 Years Stewardship Baltimore’s New Greenway in Greater Trails System Philly Destination: o Rail-Trail 3 years Hall of Fame I SUPPORT Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Name: Charles Pekow Where I live: Bethesda, Maryland Age: 62 What I do: Freelance writer—I have covered the gamut, from education to foreign policy and environmental issues. These days, I write much about outdoor recreation, mainly bicycling and fishing. I’m also an avid news reader. Most weekends when the weather allows, you can find me on a bike trail or at a festival. How long I’ve been a member of RTC: Since RTC opened. I am a charter member. Latest or greatest accomplishment: A big reward comes when you know you’ve made a difference to someone or to the world. For me, sometimes just publishing an article can do that. A meaningful life story: Be careful what you wish for. I rode my first bike with training wheels. Neighborhood kids a year or two older would ridicule me. So I nagged my parents to remove the training wheels. Eventually, they did, and I immediately changed my mind and felt terrified of having to balance on two wheels. They put me on the bike, and I made it all the way down to the bottom of the sloping driveway, where I crashed into a telephone pole. If I hadn’t hit the pole, I would have gone into the street and would have had to hope no car was coming. Inspirational quote: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” When faced with adversity, turn it around and make something out of it. My favorite rail-trail: The Washington & Old Dominion Trail in Northern Virginia takes you through or past an amazing variety of communities, historical sites and natural environments in its 45-mile run, with every type of bike shop and restaurant along the way. You pass new and old, urban and rural, forest, farm and prairie all on one nearly straight and pretty flat line. My favorite cycling experience of all time: Maybe it hasn’t happened yet. But some experiences I enjoy so much that I repeat them every year. These include riding up and down the Intracoastal Waterway trail in the winter in Palm Beach, Florida, and riding up and down Chicago’s Lakefront Trail in summer. Why I support RTC: I know the joy and value of trails for exercise, fun and transportation. What better use could we make out of abandoned railroad lines than turning them into trails? Even before it became fash- ionable or RTC was born, I saw the value of it. I grew up on Chicago’s North Shore and often cycled on the Green Bay Trail, both for recreation and transportation. Maintenance of this converted rail-trail was left up to local jurisdictions that didn’t—or weren’t always able to—take care of it very well. I saw that communities must do more than just build a trail. I knew the people who founded RTC and trusted them, and I can see the results of the work RTC does in my community.

Add your unique voice to the rail-trail movement by becoming a member of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Learn more at railstotrails.org, or call

202.331.9696 for info. KEGLEY JAMES rails t o trails spring/summer.16 Inspiring Movement

features

Evolution of a Movement: 6RTC Celebrates 30 Years This year marks RTC’s 30th anniversary. Read about our past and our future focus on regional trail networks—and check out a timeline noting some exciting and important moments in rail- trail history. BY AMY KAPP

Creation of a Southern Legend RTC’s18 2014 Rail-Trail Champion Marianne Wesley Fowler discusses the early days of the Southern rail-trail movement and the creation of the famous Silver Comet-Chief Ladiga Trail. BY AMY KAPP

A View From … The20 Rail-Trail Hall of Fame Check out these images capturing the beauty and majesty of some of the Sparking a New Era: exemplary rail-trails in RTC’s Rail-Trail the Circuit Trails Hall of Fame. In Greater Philadelphia, BY LAURA STARK a burgeoning 750-mile trail system is ushering in a new era of 12economic development, prosperity and community pride for the region. BY HEATHER MISTRETTA THOM CARROLL THOM departments JEFF LA NOUE Point of View 2 CHUCK SCHMIDT 20 Members Network 3 26 Rail-Trail Report 4 Tracks ’n’ Ties n Eye On: Baltimore’s Greenway Trails 27 Destination: America’s n Trail Tales: Family legacy includes Next Top Rail-Trail 50 years on trail widely regarded as Get to know what makes RTC’s five America’s oldest 2016 Rail-Trail Hall of Fame nominees 4 inspiring projects in the rail-trail movement and great places to visit and 24 RTC Policy 101: Show Me experience. the (Trail) $$ BY LAURA STARK 24 n Federal trail funding and the Transportation Alternatives Program On the cover: A runner on the Manayunk n Building active-transportation Canal Towpath in Philadelphia, part of the networks through TIFIA developing 750–mile Circuit Trails network n RTC’s state and local initiative Photo by Laura Pedrick/AP Images BICYCLE COALITION OF GREATER PHILADELPHIA OF GREATER COALITION BICYCLE

railstotrails u spring/summer.16 1 point of view rails t o trails

The magazine of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), Oh, How Far We’ve Come a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting When Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) opened its doors in 1986, we were aware of corridors to build healthier places for healthier people.

250 miles of open rail-trail in America. Today, there are more than 22,000 miles enjoyed PRESIDENT by tens of millions of Americans every year. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary in Keith Laughlin

2016, I have had cause to ponder the reasons for the success of America’s rail-trail BOARD OF DIRECTORS movement. Guy O. Williams, Chair; M. Katherine Kraft; Gail Lipstein; John P. Rathbone; John D. Aiken Jr.; Chip Angle; A major catalyst for rail-trail development can be traced to 1980, when Congress Mike Cannon; Kenneth V. Cockrel Jr.; Matthew Cohen; deregulated the U.S. railroad industry, permitting the discontinuation of unprofitable Rose M.Z. Gowen, M.D.; Myron F. Floyd; David Ingemie; Rue Mapp; Frank Mulvey; Charles N. Marshall; routes. As a result, tens of thousands of miles of excess rail corridor were removed from Doug Monieson; Tim Noel; T. Rowe Price; Tom Petri service in the ensuing decades. In 1983, Congress expressed concern about permanently MAGAZINE STAFF losing thousands of miles of rail corridor by creating “rail banking,” a policy tool to pre- Editor-in-Chief Amy Kapp serve inactive corridors for future rail use, while permitting interim trail use. Staff Writers Laura Stark, Katie Harris Editorial Consultants Wendy Jordan, Sharon Congdon From our founding, RTC’s program work has Timeline Design Contributor Joe LaCroix focused on two related activities: policy advocacy and Design/Production Manifest LLC W Art Director Jeffrey Kibler trail development. This dual role has defined RTC Rails-to-Trails Conservancy was incorporated in 1985 as a from the beginning, giving us the unique identity of a nonprofit charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Washington-based national organization that also has Internal Revenue Code and is a publicly supported organization as defined in Sections 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) and 509(a)(1). A copy capacity to work at the local level. of the current financial statement, or annual report, and state Our initial policy work focused on influencing the registration filed by RTC may be obtained by contacting RTC implementation of the new railbanking statute. Those at the address listed below. Donations to RTC are tax-deductible. efforts expanded in 1991 when the federal transportation RAILS-TO-TRAILS CONSERVANCY Headquarters LAURA PEDRICK/AP IMAGES PEDRICK/AP LAURA bill provided significant funding for trail development for 2121 Ward Court, NW, 5th Floor the first time through creation of the Transportation Enhancements and the Recreational Washington, DC 20037-1213 Phone 202.331.9696 Trails programs. For the last 25 years, RTC has been a steadfast defender of this funding, Email [email protected] which has been critical to the success of our movement. Websites railstotrails.org With regard to trail development, in our first decade, RTC acquired inactive cor- TrailLink.com ridors. The concept was so new that if we didn’t do it, it wouldn’t have happened. With Field and Regional Offices: the passage of time and the growing visibility of successful rail-trails, our primary role Midwest Yellow Springs, Ohio shifted to responding to growing demand for technical assistance from local pioneers 614.837.6782, [email protected] Northeast Camp Hill, Pa. seeking to navigate the rail-trail conversion process. This shift has been critical to the 717.238.1717, [email protected]

growth of our movement because it permitted us to be catalysts in hundreds of commu- Western Oakland, Calif. nities, rather than narrowly focusing on just a few. 510.992.4662, [email protected] In the early years, most rail-trails were in rural areas, and the primary benefits were Florida Tallahassee, Fla. thought to be corridor preservation, recreation and protection of open space. Today, rail- 866.202.9788, [email protected] trails traverse the American landscape, providing benefits to rural, suburban and urban Rails to Trails is a benefit of membership in Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Regular membership is $18 a year, $5 of which communities. And those benefits have expanded to include transportation, economic supports the magazine. In addition to the magazine, members development, public health and high quality of life. receive discounts on RTC gifts and publications. Rails to Trails is published four times a year—three in print, one digital— With thousands of miles of trails on the ground, the most exciting opportunity in the by RTC, a nonprofit charitable organization. Copyright 2016 coming years is connecting individual trails into regional trail networks. But, as that rich Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. ISSN 1523-4126. Printed in U.S.A. topic is worthy of more than a final paragraph, I will return to it in the next issue of the POSTMASTER Send address changes to Rails to Trails, 2121 magazine. Ward Court, NW, 5th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20037-1213. In closing, I must state the obvious. The amazing success that we have enjoyed over the last 30 years would not have been possible without the steadfast support of our members and the hard work of local partners. Together, we can celebrate both past suc- cesses and a bright future. Happy trails! Recycled Paper

Keith Laughlin, President Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

2 railstotrails u spring/summer.16 Over the years, some members network pretty cool covers have graced Rails to Trails magazine. Here are a few of our nected bike trails that connect every 50-State Salute favorites. single neighborhood in Stuttgart. Since returning to the States, we Spring/Summer 2010 enjoy watching as the trails around As a public school teacher I had free As RTC celebrates its 30th our apartment become more con- time in the summers, so I started anniversary, we thought it nected every day. We also appreciate the bicycling in the summer of 1983. I would be fun to pull some of our favorite legislative push that got bike lanes on was 40 years old, and that was shortly Members Network letters from over the new federal roads and bridges, which are before RTC was born. My first ride years. often a block to connected trails. was a Chequamegon National Forest We kick things off with part of a letter However, in 11 months in loop in Wisconsin, carrying gear in from a Saratoga, California, member titled Afghanistan, I haven’t ridden a bicycle panniers and covering 190 miles in “Hats Off,” published in the Summer 2001 one time. We’ve been on a small (100 three days. issue. We agree with Ginny and wish to yards x 100 yards) forward operating With inspiration from RTC, the extend the magazine’s gratitude to the entire base in the Dasht-e Margow (Desert of miles I bicycled, roads I covered and RTC community for 30 years well done. Death) with little room to ride. I can’t trails I rode increased each year. On wait to get back to the States where you retiring from Rosemount Middle can ride anywhere you like on rail-trails, School in 2001, I continued to increase Hats Off and enjoy the countryside without war, the miles I bicycled and ventured [to you, RTC!] Summer 2001 mines or 130-degree heat. Thank you farther from the Midwest—including Hats off to the RTC team for an out- very much for improving the trails so taking my bicycle on Amtrak trips standing and most inspiring endeavor. they’ll be ready for my family and me to California, Florida, New York and You can be extremely proud of what when I get back home. Utah. you’ve accomplished. You deserve to go Irving Gray During the last eight years, I down in history for making a significant HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN have bicycled more than 3,200 miles difference in the quality of life today and per year. In 2003, on the 110-mile in the future. Mickelson Trail in South Dakota’s Yea for ‘Neigh’ Spring/Summer 2008 Ginny Babbit Black Hills (featured in the inaugural SARATOGA, CALIF. While riding in Noxubee National [1998] issue of Rails to Trails), I Wildlife Refuge in Mississippi, I celebrated 20 years of bicycling and encountered some horseback riders completing the equivalent of a bike Tiny Trail Builder Summer 2004 approaching me. Even from a distance ride around the Earth—24,890 miles. My 5-year-old grandson, Justin, and I of some 100 yards, the horses became When I realized I had bicycled in 18 love riding on Grant’s Trail in Missouri. agitated. I got off my bike and moved states, I decided I would bicycle in all Justin also loves trains and construc- slowly, walking like a regular person, to 50. I researched trails in Rails to Trails tion sites. The other day he was playing let the animals settle down. Perhaps this magazine as well as in RTC guidebooks with his Thomas the Tank Engine toys might be considered worrying about and online at TrailLink.com. and Bob the Builder toys. As he was nothing; but I did not want to risk a I am excited to report that as scooping up a rail track with scoops, rider being thrown and cracking his of January 2010, my mission is he looked up to me and said, “Look, skull on a rock. So, I took my rest break accomplished! Earlier this year, I rode Grandma, I’m building a bike trail.” early and had a very pleasant five-minute the River Mountains Loop Trail in Nancy Collis conversation [with the horseback riders]. Boulder City, Nevada, making Nevada ST LOUIS, MO. The riders explained that their horses state number 50. had never seen a cyclist before and were Douglas Oines understandably fearful; my new friends NORTHFIELD, MINN. Making Trails Ready were quite appreciative of the courtesy. for Homecoming Summer 2007 This brief moment of goodwill cost I am a huge fan of Rails-to-Trails me nothing. There are many reasons to Conservancy and can’t wait to get back be neighborly and a few reasons to be We’d like to hear from you. Write to “Members to the States to enjoy the new trails antagonistic. We can get along with each Network,” Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, 2121 being completed while I’m gone. Having other and share the trail. Ward Ct., NW, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20037. served in Germany, my wife and I spent Sean Harrington Or email: [email protected]. Letters may be edited for publication. countless hours enjoying their intercon- STARKVILLE, MISS.

railstotrails u spring/summer.16 3 tracks ’n’ ties

EYE ON: Baltimore’s Greenway Trails Network By Katie Harris Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. painted a visionary picture for Baltimore in his comprehensive 1904 Report Upon the Development of Public Grounds for Greater Baltimore. His blueprints for Baltimore’s park Gwynns Falls Trail in system, which Baltimore, Maryland, part focused attention of the city’s developing on the three stream greenway network valleys (Gwynns Falls, Jones Falls RTC’s trail development manager and and Herring Run) lead organizer for the Baltimore Greenway and other natural Trails Network Coalition. The result will features unique be a seamless system of pathways unim- to the city, are a peded by barriers such as highways and shining example thoroughfares that present safety issues for of successful urban bikers and walkers and cause obstructions, planning. More both real and perceived, to links between than a century city neighborhoods. later, these stream The coalition hopes the greenway proj- valleys, including ect can help reverse the urban fragmenta- trails that paral- tion found in older portions of the city. lel the waterways, “This trail network is a really equitable way are cherished by to break down [the] physical and cultural Baltimore residents barriers,” Brown says. and remain among The western side of the trail network the city’s greatest is composed of the Gwynns Falls Trail, assets. And now, which extends from Gwynns Falls/Leakin they are also pieces BROWN AND DANIELLE MARKS RTC/JIM DESIGN BY Park south to Middle Branch Park. From of a new vision Leakin Park in the west to Druid Hill for a connected Trail network under construction: Park—northeast of the Mondawmin Baltimore. Baltimore Greenway Trails Network neighborhoods—in the east, the auto- In 2015, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Location: Baltimore, Maryland centric Gwynns Falls Parkway will be the (RTC) formed the Baltimore Greenway main connector. Traffic-separated facilities Trails Network Coalition, bringing public Used railroad corridor: Multiple, will be built so that walkers and bikers can including the Maryland and agencies, nonprofit organizations, private navigate the east-west connection without Pennsylvania Railroad and possibly firms and public health agencies together Norfolk Southern having to rely on a car. to help connect Baltimore’s existing trails “Connecting the greater Mondawmin and create new safe avenues for non- Length: Approximately 30 miles neighborhoods between Leakin and Druid motorized travel around the city. When Surface: Gravel and paved Hill parks so that residents have bet- complete, the network will encompass ter access means a lot to me personally, 30 miles of bike and pedestrian-friendly are not connected. “Our goal is to take because these are neighborhoods that have routes that weave through the stream val- trails and pathways that stretch between historically been underinvested in,” says Liz leys and along Baltimore’s popular water- Baltimore’s open spaces and attach them Cornish, executive director of Bikemore front, the Inner Harbor. by completing gaps and taking advantage (bikemore.net), Baltimore’s bicycle advo- Currently, the trails in this network of existing infrastructure,” says Jim Brown, cacy organization. “They are some of our

4 railstotrails u spring/summer.16 oldest neighborhoods, with beautiful his- toric homes, but they also have some real challenges in terms of things like public trailIconic Trail Inspires 50 Years oftales Family Tradition health indicators.” By Laura Stark From Druid Hill Park, the network ack then, off-road trails were kind will extend to the Herring Run Trail—the of a new thing,” says retired northeast anchor for the trail system— teacher“B Sue Wakefield, recalling her first past Johns Hopkins University and the trip on Wisconsin’s Elroy-Sparta State Baltimore Museum of Art. Then the net- Trail. The year was 1973, only a few years work will head south on the completed after the Elroy-Sparta—widely regarded as Herring Run Trail to the Highlandtown the oldest rail-trail in the U.S.—had

neighborhood, a former industrial and opened and a time when the rail-trail (2) WAKEFIELD SUE COURTESY residential area experiencing a resurgence movement was still new. in technology, art, investment and devel- Rails-to-Trails opment through building retrofits. Conservancy didn’t open Sue (center) and Lee (top left)

KATIE HARRIS KATIE A trail connection through until more than a decade surrounded by family on the Highlandtown to the waterfront has yet later, in 1986. Elroy-Sparta Trail, 2009 to be made. But a north-south utility With Wakefield on the corridor kissing the southern end of the trail that day were her hus- a comparatively level railroad Herring Run Trail, in conjunction with band, Lee, and their young grade, the trail proved ideal for an unused rail line segment, presents great son Tom, then 4. It was the the mixed ages and abilities of potential for making this connection. first of many trips on the various riders, including Sue’s Sue and Tom, 1973 Coalition plans are in the works to turn trail and the start of a tradi- nieces, who experienced their the corridor into the southeastern-most tion for the Midwestern fam- first ride on the Elroy-Sparta in 1995 segment of the greenway network. Called ily spanning decades and generations. The when they were 7 and 10. As adults, the the Highlandtown Highline, this path- Wakefields began their ride at the eastern girls shared the trail with their significant way extends south past Highlandtown end, in Elroy, traveling about 15 miles to others, and Tom—that little boy who rode and then swings west toward the Inner Wilton, with Tom fitting snuggly between on his mom’s bike back in 1973—has Harbor. his mother’s arms in a front-mounted now traveled the trail with his own son. The pathway’s name pays homage to child seat. Today, the trail spans 32 miles and the southeast Baltimore neighborhood In addition to the trail’s beauty, one ends in Sparta, which calls itself the through which it runs, and hints at the thing from those early adventures that “Bicycling Capital of America” due to well-loved High Line linear park in New stands out in Sue and Lee’s memory is the the trail. Along its path, the Elroy-Sparta York City. “When you think about what’s genuine hospitality shown by the small showcases all the unique charms of a going on in that neighborhood now, there towns along the way. On the morning of rail-trail: a restored depot, a cherry-red is so much untapped potential that could their second travel day, Lee recalls being caboose and—perhaps its most famed be brought to life if there was better con- invited to a free pancake breakfast hosted attraction—three dramatic tunnels dating nectivity,” Cornish says. by the Lions Club in Wilton. To this back to the 1860s. “A lot of the neighborhoods in day, the club continues to host a pancake Still enjoying trails at 75, Sue laughs at Southeast are really diverse and really breakfast every Sunday, from Memorial the memory of herself in her 20s meeting thriving,” says Chris Ryer, executive direc- Day through Labor Day. a 65-year-old rider and thinking, “Wow! tor of Baltimore’s Southeast Community Impressed by the trail, the Wakefields He’s still riding a bike!” Biking has been Development Corporation (southeastcdc returned a few years later with a church an excellent form of exercise for her and .org). “The trail will be a vital part of this group, and over the years shared the Lee and—having just celebrated their vibrant neighborhood.” experience with other family members in 50th anniversary in February—they’re Baltimore’s revitalization story is just a continuing series of bike trips from the looking forward to exploring more rail- beginning to unfold. As the city redefines 1980s to the 2000s. Being off road with trails this summer. itself through the creation of a world-class trail system, the possibilities for improved Share Your Trail Tales with RTC health, economic development and a better-connected citizenry are endless. For Facebook.com/railstotrails Pinterest.com/railstotrails more information, visit railstotrails.org/ Instagram.com/railstotrails Twitter.com/railstotrails baltimore.

railstotrails u spring/summer.16 5 YEARS

From Preserving Rail-Trails to Creating Healthier Communities

THOM CARROLL COURTESY LOCAL MOTION hen Rails-to-Trails ment has grown to more than 22,000 This connected rail system offered Americans Conservancy miles of completed rail-trails and 8,000 the first real freedom of mobility by linking (RTC) opened its miles of projects in progress. people and places across North America— 30doors in 1986, But the full story of the rail-trail and serving as the backbone of transporta- there were 250 movement did not begin in the 1980s tion and commerce for more than 100 years. miles of known with the creation of RTC. That story Since the 1950’s, automobiles, trucks rail-trails in begins in the 19th century with the cre- and airplanes have eclipsed the railroads as WAmerica. In just three decades, the move- ation of the intercontinental railroad. the primary modes of transportation. As a

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Celebrates 30 Years September 25 l MAY THEILGAARD WATTS l publishes famous Chicago Tribune letter on trails. ay Theilgaard Watts (1893-1975) was a Chicago- January 1 based writer and naturalist who dedicated her life 4R Act (Railroad Mto connecting people to the outdoors—in a time of Revitalization and increasing urbanization. In September 1963, Watts published Regulatory Reform a letter in the Chicago Tribune imploring the city to build a trail on the disused Chicago, Aurora & Elgin Railway. “We are Act) is signed into human beings,” wrote Watts. “We need a footpath. The right- law; 4R includes a ISABEL WASSON ISABEL of-way of the Aurora electric road lies waiting.” little-noticed section Her letter inspired an outpouring of public support, and by creating a rail-trail 1967, the first trail signs had been posted. One of the first rail- grant program. trail conversions in the U.S., the 61-mile Illinois Prairie Path COURTESY RTC 1963 helped lay the blueprint for thousands to follow. 1976

1965 1968 Pacific Crest Trail Wisconsin October 2 purchases a National Trails piece of right- System Act is of-way that signed into law. becomes the The Appalachian Elroy-Sparta and Pacific Crest State Trail. trails are the It’s widely first to receive

acknowledged “scenic” status

l to be oldest in under the act. l America.

ERIC REISCHL PHOTOGRAPHY

6 railstotrails u spring/summer.16 By Amy Kapp Evolution of the Rail-Trail From Preserving Rail-Trails to Creating Healthier Communities Movement

THOM CARROLL COURTESY MONTGOMERY COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION result, thousands of miles of rail corridor And this powerful story is far from emerging trail systems that are shaping fell into disuse and could have been lost over. Today, individual rail-trails are America’s future. forever. But through the hard work and being joined into interconnected trail determination of a spontaneous army of networks that connect people and Birth of RTC and a New Golden Age visionaries, hundreds of these corridors places, just as the railroads once did. As According to RTC Co-founder Peter were preserved as today’s rail-trails, pro- RTC celebrates 30 years in 2016, it is a Harnik, the origins of the rail-trail move- viding a new type of mobility for millions timely opportunity to look back on our ment began not with a bang, but as an of people. achievements as well as forward to the intriguing idea that quietly took hold in

To learn more about the history of RTC and view an extended, interactive timeline, go to railstotrails.org/30th. 1989 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RAILBANKING AND l l By the beginning of 1989, RTC had THE BIRTH OF A 450-MILE TRAIL NETWORK more than 7,000 members, and the n the early 1980s, Congress amended the National Trails System Act (1968) to create Congress completion of the Hart-Montague Trail railbanking, whereby disused rail corridors could be preserved for future use through amends the marks 200 known rail-trails in the U.S. National Iinterim conversion into trails. The first application filed resulted in the 33-mile Sauk Trails System Rail Trail in Iowa. In 1986, Missouri Gov. John Ashcroft filed a railbanking application for what became the nationally renowned 238-mile Katy Trail. Act to create The railbanking act received challenges regarding its constitutionality. In a 1996 railbanking. ruling for the case Preseault v. United States, which concerned a tract of land in Burlington, Vermont, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of railbanking. The

land in question became the Burlington Bike Path—later the Island Line Trail. JOEL MIKKELSEN COURTESY In 2015, RTC and trail advocates in Missouri mobilized to successfully railbank 144 miles of corridor—now part of the in-progress, 200-mile-plus Rock Island Trail System. When complete, the system will connect with the Katy Trail to form a 450-mile-plus 1983 loop across Missouri. 1986 1988 February 1 With assistance by RTC, the 61.5-mile Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Silver Comet Trail and 33-mile Chief Ladiga officially opens its doors; Trail pair begins to take shape in Georgia there are 250 known miles of and Alabama. The trail projects help spark open rail-trails in the U.S. the southern rail-trail movement.

October 4 President Ronald Reagan signs the National Trails System Improvements

Act of 1988, securing the government’s l interest in federally granted rights of way. ALEX BALENSZ ALEX WHITE HOUSE PHOTO/ALAMY

railstotrails u spring/summer.16 7 30YEARS the Midwest in the 1960s and eventu- nent loss of the country’s rail corridors, shopped the proposal around to funders. ally spread across the country. By that Congress amended the National Trails Philanthropist Larry Rockefeller and the time, the railroad industry was in seri- System Act in 1983 to create “railbank- National Wildlife Federation responded ous decline; between 1930 and 1970, an ing,” a process by which inactive cor- with startup funding, and attorney estimated 38,000 miles of rail lines were ridors could be preserved for future rail Charles Montagne of Covington & abandoned (by 1990, the number had use through interim conversion to trails. Burling provided pro bono legal support. jumped to 103,000 miles). People started A year later, a group of conservation and In the Spring 2006 Rails to Trails exploring the unpaved corridors on foot, outdoor professionals, biking and walk- article, “A Trip Down Memory Trail: 20 and the lasting moniker “rails-to-trails” ing advocates, and railroad history buffs Years of RTC,” author Kristen Fletcher began to take hold.The Cathedral Aisle started meeting in Washington, D.C., writes about the early years, stating: Trail, a short walking path built on an over brown bag lunches to explore ways “RTC faced no shortage of skeptics.” abandoned rail corridor in an old hunting to mobilize. “We were told that people would preserve, quietly materialized in South Harnik, a veteran of the environmen- never support a trails organization,” Carolina in 1939, but multi-use rail-trails tal conservation movement, is credited Burwell recalled in the article. “We felt did not come into being until the 1960s, with writing the first funding proposal that the counter argument was that this with the Illinois Prairie Path and the for RTC. David Burwell, a lawyer for the was not just trails but our national rail- Elroy-Sparta State Trail in Wisconsin. National Wildlife Federation—as well as road heritage ….” Concerned about the potential perma- RTC’s co-founder and first president— And through grassroots efforts, WILL HARBISON l PUSHING THE LINE: FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR AMERICA’S TRAILS December 18 ince its creation, RTC has collaborated with legislators to push for federal support for trails. On Dec. 18, 1991, President The first dedicated Bush signed ISTEA (the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act) into law, which introduced the Transportation Enhancements (TE) and Recreational Trails Programs. TE (now Transportation Alternatives) is currently the largest federal federal funding for S source of funding for trails and walking and biking projects in the U.S. trails is introduced in the federal Over the years: transportation bill. • June 9, 1998: ISTEA reauthorized as TEA-21 (Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century)—increases funding for TE. • Aug. 10, 2005: SAFETEA-LU (Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act) signed into law—introduces the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program and Safe Routes to School. • June 29, 2012: MAP-21 (Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act) reduces federal investment in active transportation; RTC continues to mobilize. • Dec. 4, 2015: FAST Act signed into law—helps ensure innovative trail financing is more accessible to small/rural communities. 1991 1996 1998 2000 2003 March 7 October 5 August 16 September RTC wins a First Lady Hillary Rodham RTC launches its After TE is put under President’s Clinton launches the National national trail- fire in the House, Council on Millennium Trails Program finder website, RTC works with Rep. Sustainable and partners with RTC and TrailLink.com. James Oberstar Development others to recognize 2,000 (D-Minn.) and Rep. award. trails across U.S. Tom Petri (R-Wis.) to help restore TE funding. The

amendment passes

l l l l by a vote of 327 to 90. COURTESY RTC LAURA STARK CRUSHRUSH/THINKSTOCK

8 railstotrails u spring/summer.16 RTC’s supporter base would continue to attacks on railbanking in previous years. always new challenges. strengthen. “We were like Paul Revere on “When I arrived, RTC and our move- In September 2003, RTC played the telephone,” quoted Harnik. ment were healthy due to the leadership a central role in successfully defend- “Over the next decade, RTC helped of David and Peter. There was strong ing Transportation Enhancements, the inventory rail lines and assisted groups support, both among the public and in primary source of federal trail funding from coast to coast in building trails,” Congress, for rail-trails,” Laughlin states. since its creation in 1991. Under attack writes Fletcher. “Rail-trails became part of “We also had a well-defined legislative in the House, RTC’s collaboration with the American language and landscape.” agenda, which focused on protecting fed- Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI) and Rep. James eral trail funding and railbanking. Those Oberstar (D-MN) to secure House votes Rail-Trail Renaissance were the ‘dual pillars’ that were essential against its elimination resulted in a dra- In 2001, when Keith Laughlin left his to our success in the 1990s and vital to matic 327 to 90 victory. position in the White House Council keeping trail building going in America.” “That was a watershed moment. It on Environmental Quality to become But despite RTC’s past achieve- demonstrated the strong bipartisan sup- the second president of RTC, there were ments—including its participation in the port we had in Congress and set the stage 11,500 miles of known rail-trails in the landmark case, Preseault v. United States, for our victories in the transportation bill U.S. Laughlin remembers substantial in which a 1990 Supreme Court decision in 2005,” says Laughlin. support for the movement at that time, unanimously upheld the constitutionality The 2005 bill not only preserved which had successfully fought back many of railbanking—Laughlin says there were Transportation Enhancements, but created

l l

August 10 June Heritage Rail Trail The new federal transportation RTC works with Rep. James County Park joined bill introduces the Nonmotorized Oberstar (D-Minn.) and others the Rail-Trail Hall Transportation Pilot Program to successfully protect TE, which of Fame in 2015. to test active-transportation is again under fire. investments in four U.S. communities. The program will July 1 avert 85.1 million vehicle miles RTC launches the Rail-Trail Hall between 2009 and 2013. of Fame. CHRISTINE BAKER 2005 2007 JOHN GENSOR 2004 2006 2008 October January 1 October “To build healthier RTC launches its RTC presents its places for healthier national mapping Active Transportation people” is added to initiative. for America report RTC’s mission. to Congress. The report quantifies for the first time the national benefits of

walking and biking.

l l l

To learn more about the history of RTC and view an extended, interactive timeline, go to railstotrails.org/30th. railstotrails u spring/summer.16 9 30YEARS the Safe Routes to School Program and An important example is the Route of the Badger, a 400-500 mile trail the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Baltimore Greenway Trails Network, a system in Southeastern Wisconsin con- Program, both of which helped to cre- 35-mile loop development project that necting rural and urban communities; ate and promote safe biking and walking RTC is leading in collaboration with local and the Bay Area Trails Collaborative, a infrastructure for children and adults. partners. When complete, the project partnership of 40-plus organizations that The major victories in 2003 and 2005 will link urban trails to neighborhoods, are seeking ways to unite their trails into did not mean the battle for trail funding transit, employment centers, Baltimore’s a 1,000-mile network. was over, however. RTC would go on to popular “Inner Harbor” and prominent Perhaps the largest trail development fight for trail funding in 2007, 2012 and city parks (featured in Eye On, p. 4). project on RTC’s leadership agenda is 2015—and today, advocacy remains a “It’s a smaller regional project serving the Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition, core focus of the organization’s activities. an urban population—including many which is creating a regional trail net- underserved communities—and it can work through 48 counties in Ohio, The Future Starts Now serve as a model for other similar projects Pennsylvania, West Virginia and New “We started with a focus on building around the country,” says Laughlin. York. When complete, the Industrial individual trails. But now that more than RTC also has taken a leadership role Heartland Trails will span more than 22,000 miles of rail-trail stretches across in larger regional projects, including the 1,450 miles. the American landscape, it’s time to focus Circuit—a 750-mile trail system in the Laughlin mentions one final project— on how we connect individual trails into Greater Philadelphia/Camden Area (read T-MAP (Trail Modeling and Assessment seamless trail systems,” says Laughlin. more in this issue’s Cover Story, p. 12); the Platform)—which is not a system, but

Met Branch Trail in Washington, D.C.

l May RTC launches the Urban Pathways Initiative, in which 25 U.S. cities are connected for the sharing of best practices in trail promotion and access.

June RTC donates more than 12,000 miles of trail map data to the Google Biking Directions project.

2009 RTC COURTESY 2012 February RTC takes a lead role in the Circuit Trails Coalition, which is creating a 750-mile multi- use trail network in Greater Philadelphia. LAURA PEDRICK/AP IMAGES PEDRICK/AP LAURA

March Opening Day for Trails 2015 l RTC launches Opening in Concord, California Day for Trails. RTC/BARRY BERGMAN

10 railstotrails u spring/summer.16 a set of analytical tools that will help to ping project, our TrailLink website now create regional trail systems. This three- attracts 7 million trail users per year.” year initiative, launched by RTC in 2014 He adds, “Building upon the suc- in collaboration with a national team of cess of TrailLink, T-MAP focuses on the researchers, combines data, research and innovative use of information technology information technology to create the to advance the creation of regional trail country’s first tools to measure trail-sys- systems. With such tools, we will remain tem connectivity, demand and economic on the cutting edge of innovation, which impact. helps us to achieve our mission of creat- For Laughlin, RTC’s continued focus ing ‘healthier places for healthier people’ on technology helped propel RTC for- through trails. Our ultimate goal is to ward in the past decade and will be a key- improve the economic and environmen- stone of its successful future. tal health of American communities and “When we launched our mapping the personal health of the people who initiative in 2006 and started to inven- live there. To achieve this, we will recon- tory all the rail-trails in America, it was nect America with trails in the same way The scenic 238-mile Katy Trail in Missouri the beginning of RTC’s use of informa- that railroads once connected people and was made possible in part by the tion technology to forward our work,” places.” railbanking process, which RTC fought to protect in the early years of its existence. says Laughlin. “Due to our GIS map- WILSON HURST

January February 11 June June October 10 RTC accepts a RTC and the RTC launches the RTC takes With local leadership role Partnership T-MAP initiative the helm to partners in l in the Industrial for Active to create the U.S.’ create the Bay Wisconsin, RTC Heartland Trails Transportation first modeling Area Trails develops a vision Coalition, which unveil the tools to measure Collaborative, a for the Route is working Safe Routes to trail-system 40-organization of the Badger, a to create a Everywhere connectivity, coalition working 400-mile-plus 1,450-mile policy platform demand and to create a 1,000- trail network trail network calling for potential impact. mile world-class that will create through Ohio, increased regional trails vital connections Pennsylvania, investment of network. in the southeast West Virginia and healthy active- part of the state. New York. transportation infrastructure 2014 and policies.

2015 2016 November February 1 RTC takes the lead in the RTC celebrates its 30th Baltimore Greenway Trails anniversary with more Network Coalition to create than 160,000 members and a 35-mile loop of urban trails supporters and more than connecting neighborhoods, 22,000 known miles of rail- transit, parks and Baltimore’s trails in America. waterfront.

Jones Falls Trail in l Baltimore, Maryland l JEFF LA NOUE To learn more about the history of RTC and view an extended, interactive timeline, go to railstotrails.org/30th. railstotrails u spring/summer.16 11 THE CIRCUIT

TRAILS:By Heather Mistretta SPARKING A NEW ERA OF HEALTH, COMMUNITY BUILDING AND STEWARDSHIP IN GREATER PHILLY

Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk along the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia

12 railstotrails u spring/summer.16 magine being able to walk out your door and have the opportunity to bike to work, visit world-class cultural sites, stroll along a wooded THE CIRCUIT pathway for bird watching, go for a CARROLL THOM morning jog or walk with a friend to Department of Transportation and the Bartram’s Garden, the oldest living Federal Highway Administration in 2013, botanical garden in America—all the active-transportation-related infrastructure, while in a safe environment absent of traf- businesses and events were estimated to Ific. That vision, shared by many, is becom- have contributed more than $497 million ing a reality, thanks to the concerted efforts to the New Jersey economy alone in 2011. of a group of like-minded individuals in Individual trails in Pennsylvania counties Pennsylvania and New Jersey committed to have long proven to exert a strong economic connecting and revitalizing communities. impact; for example, a 2009 RTC study of For the past five years, a web of approxi- the Schuylkill River Trail—a major com- mately 30 multi-use pathways known as ponent of the Circuit Trails—was found to the Circuit Trails (railstotrails.org/circuit have had a direct economic impact of $7.3 trails) has been growing throughout the million in 2008. TRAILS: Greater Philadelphia area, with long-term As the Circuit Trails network grows, it plans to stretch 750 miles across nine coun- is providing many benefits, ranging from ties (Philadelphia, Chester, Montgomery, greater access to services and waterways for Delaware and Bucks in Pennsylvania; underserved communities, to the creation Burlington, Gloucester, Camden and of new businesses, to increased opportuni- Mercer in New Jersey). The aim of the proj- ties for healthy lifestyles. ect is to strengthen the region by providing healthy transportation and recreation Foundation of an Idea opportunities that enhance neighborhoods Leading this massive effort is the Circuit and increase access to jobs, community des- Trails Coalition, which began as discus- tinations and green space. sions among a small group of individuals Currently at 300 miles, the Circuit Trails with a shared vision of growth for the is like no other system in the country—con- Philadelphia-Camden, New Jersey, region. necting urban, suburban and rural commu- It was formally created in 2012 with nities in a 2.5-million-acre area. By the time initial funding from the William Penn it is complete, which is expected to be in Foundation. The collaboration has since 2040, more than 50 percent of the region’s ballooned to include some 65 nonprofit population (about 3,199,450 organizations, foundations and agencies. LAURA PEDRICK/AP IMAGES PEDRICK/AP LAURA people) will live within a mile of Those associated with the project are Camden Greenway (along the Circuit Trails. Additionally, sensitive to the diversity of populations they the waterfront in New the system will connect to the are serving, from urban neighborhoods in Jersey) near the Ben East Coast Greenway, envelop- Philadelphia, the fifth-largest U.S. metro- Franklin Bridge leading to Philadelphia ing a 3,000-mile off-road route politan area, to rural areas of Bucks County that spans as far north as Calais, and small waterfront neighborhoods in Maine, and as far south as Key Camden. And their commitment has been West, Florida. contagious: Coalition members have raised The trails, which course tens of millions of dollars in funding and along unused rail lines and generated widespread support from local old towpaths, as well as leaders and residents. canals, rivers and streams, are The effort received a big boost in 2010 already stimulating econo- when the coalition procured a $23 mil- mies. According to a bicycling lion TIGER (Transportation Investment and pedestrian safety report Generating Economic Recovery) grant from

LAURA PEDRICK/AP IMAGES PEDRICK/AP LAURA published by the New Jersey the U.S. Department of Transportation.

railstotrails u spring/summer.16 13 their own. That includes Jonathan DeHart, a 56-year-old air quality specialist for the U.S. Navy who—for seven years—rode his bike 20 miles each way from his home in Glenside to his workplace at the former Navy base in the Pennsport section of southeast Philadelphia, taking advantage of the Schuylkill River Trail along the way. (Schuylkill is a Dutch word for “hidden or skulking creek.”) “Those rides helped me clear my head. I really looked forward to the ride to work, breathing in the fresh air and interacting with others. I also really looked forward to the ride home. Not sure driving commut- ers would have the same sentiment,” says DeHart, who still bikes along the trails, now mainly for recreation, and sometimes logs 60 miles or more in outings with his son. DeHart is not unlike many trail users in Schuylkill Banks trail in the area. According to the DVRPC 2012– Philadelphia

LAURA PEDRICK/AP IMAGES PEDRICK/AP LAURA 2013 Household Travel Survey, 3.8 percent of Philadelphians reported using a bicycle Individuals who were part of the coalition’s voted unanimously to support dedication as their primary means of transportation to early years credit the grant not only with of federal and private dollars to 11 Circuit work—nearly double the number for bicy- creating a new era of regional trail develop- Trails segments in Pennsylvania by approv- ment, but also with serving as a catalyst for ing a new “line item” for the Pennsylvania additional funding. That funding includes a Transportation Improvement Program that $10 million grant awarded later in 2010 by designates $5 million in federal transporta- the William Penn Foundation—which to tion dollars for trails construction. date has contributed more than $25 million The coalition also has attracted the to the project. attention of local officials, including mayors “The [TIGER] grant made trails really of both of the anchoring cities within the relevant as green transportation infrastruc- Circuit Trails: newly elected Philadelphia ture,” says Sarah Clark Stuart, chair of Mayor Jim Kenney and Camden Mayor the coalition and executive director of the Dana Redd. Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. In his inauguration speech this January, “It catapulted trails to the forefront and Kenney urged his audience to “make every resulted in a cascade of trail development.” Philadelphia neighborhood the best it can “For the very first time, a number of be.” He added, “For the one in four people advocates and officials came together, real- in this city living in poverty, an effective IMAGES PEDRICK/AP LAURA izing that by standing together we could do public transportation system can make the cle commuting nationwide recorded in an better,” says Pennsylvania Environmental difference of whether or not they can afford American Community Survey released in Council Executive Vice President Patrick to go to a job interview.” 2014. Philadelphia remains the most-biked Starr, who also serves as Pennsylvania Similarly, in Camden, Joseph Meyers, city among those with a population of at vice chair of the Circuit Trails Coalition. chief operating officer for the nonprofit least 1 million. The DVRPC survey also “Attaining that grant lit a fire under the Cooper’s Ferry Partnership, says, “Mayor revealed that 27 percent of the bicycle trips process. This unlocked the William Penn Redd is leading the transformation in were made by those in households with funding.” Camden, and her administration has facili- incomes of less than $35,000—suggest- Just last June, the Delaware Valley tated the collaboration in our community.” ing the potential importance of the Circuit Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) Residents have made the Circuit Trails Trails for underserved communities.

14 railstotrails u spring/summer.16 Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk in Philadelphia

Happy Trails to You, use the trail for recreation but that the Kelly Philadelphia … and Beyond Drive leg, south of the Manayunk Bridge in

Nestled amid a river, a dog park and a com- the northeast part of the city, is used more IMAGES PEDRICK/AP LAURA munity garden, and flanked by a bridge for commuting. Linn estimates that and a park, is the 135-mile Schuylkill River this direct route into the down- Trail. To a transcendentalist, it is a dream. town area sees an average of To a realist, it meets all practical needs. And 500 people a day, about 75 to a humanitarian, it feeds the souls of oth- percent of them during ers and serves as a conduit for underserved the morning commute. neighborhoods. Trail observers nationwide “This network acts agree: In 2015 the trail was named the Best as the spine of a non- Urban Trail in America in USA Today’s 10 motorized transportation Best Readers’ Choice poll. system. As a result, the October. The Cooper “Part of what I love is that it’s so many efficacy of transportation as a River Trail, which things to so many different people,” says whole is improved,” Linn says. now consists of 7.7 lin-

Danielle Gray, director of marketing and Perhaps less known but no less ear miles and 5.5 miles of CARROLL THOM development for the Schuylkill River important to the Circuit Trails system is the loop trails along with three municipal Development Corporation, a nonprofit that Merchantville Bike Path, a 0.75-mile trail in and five county parks, eventually will con- builds and maintains the trail’s tidal river a small town that traditionally has grown in nect Cherry Hill, New Jersey, to the Ben section between the Fairmount Dam and tandem with the growth in transportation. Franklin Bridge. the Delaware River. The Camden County, New Jersey, town “It serves perhaps the most diverse A major component of the Circuit Trails has always been responsive to the changing population, from some of the poorest areas network, the Schuylkill River Trail has a needs brought by innovation, first becom- of the nation to some of the most afflu- rich history of coal mining, transportation ing a borough in 1874 to accommodate the ent neighborhoods,” says Camden native and even an environmental cleanup that advent of the railroad. It saw more growth Olivia Glenn, who is the South Jersey began in the late 1940s and was funded in 1914, when construction of the Ben metro regional manager for the New Jersey in part by money left for that purpose in Franklin Bridge opened the area to automo- Conservation Foundation and the newly Benjamin Franklin’s will. Placards pre- bile traffic. Now Merchantville is propos- appointed New Jersey vice chair of the senting the history as well as important ing an extension of the Merchantville trail Circuit Trails Coalition. watershed information are displayed at the to give county residents access to the Ben Glenn says she is looking forward to the Schuylkill Banks, a venue for educational Franklin Bridge and Philadelphia—and to transfer this year of the 25-acre Gateway tours and school trips. provide Philadelphia residents with an off- Park, in an underserved east Camden The corridor is the region’s most heavily road route to Camden attractions including neighborhood, from the Delaware River used multi-use recreation and commuter Adventure Aquarium, the museum battle- Port Authority to the Camden County trail. It is also undergoing an expansion ship USS New Jersey and Campbell’s Field Municipal Utilities Authority. The goal to extend more than 60 miles, includ- stadium. is for the New Jersey Conservation ing a 26-mile stretch from Philadelphia “When the trail is complete, it will Foundation to manage and improve the to Phoenixville. It ultimately will reach provide a first-class recreation and non- park and to provide public access via the Reading, Pennsylvania. motorized transportation corridor to access park to the Delaware River. The most recent addition to the many attractions not only in Camden, but Gateway Park residents “can enjoy their Schuylkill River Trail was the Manayunk also across the river in Philadelphia,” says open space and love of nature without the Bridge Trail, a crucial link between Elizabeth Sewell, trail development man- danger,” Glenn says. the Manayunk Bridge, built by the ager for RTC’s northeast region. “These Similarly, a waterfront park to be built Pennsylvania Railroad in 1902, and the trail segments to the east and west of the in north Camden is “all resident driven,” Cynwyd Heritage Trail in Lower Merion. Merchantville Bike Path are vital to the says Sue Brennan, Camden native and The Manayunk section of Philadelphia development of the Circuit Trails through senior project director at Cooper’s Ferry is just three blocks (uphill) from the Camden and Burlington County.” Partnership. The partnership is gearing up Manayunk Canal Towpath, near the Farther south is the Camden Greenway, to begin construction this spring or sum- Schuylkill River in the Roxborough- a network of connected trails in Camden mer on the park, which will enhance access Manayunk area. County anchored by a series of trails in to both the Circuit Trails and to waterways. Chris Linn, DVRPC manager of envi- Cooper River Park. A 4.3-mile section The project is slated to be completed by ronmental planning, says that most people of the Camden Greenway opened last January 2017.

railstotrails u spring/summer.16 15 toward success ever since. community and specifically through the “Every opportunity she Hospital & Healthsystem Association of gets, she’ll jump right into Pennsylvania, which included the trail it,” says Maramangalam, network in its recent Community Health adding that she became Needs Assessment. a member of the All-Star RTC also collaborates with several team in her first season with youth-based organizations to engage youth Cadence CYC and has embraced in the Circuit Trails, including Simple Youth Cycling every other program since. Cycle, a nonprofit community-powered program race As a result of her bike shop and faith-based organization in CY MARAMANGALAM CY perseverance, Santiago Philadelphia. Another is Neighborhood Youth Biking Program Isn’t was named to CYC’s Youth Advisory Bike Works, which since 1996 has been Just About Two-Wheeling Committee, the voice for the group, and using bicycling programs to provide edu- Cadence Youth Cycling (CYC) is a per- the Philadelphia Bicycle Advocacy Board, cational, recreational and career-building fect example of the multifaceted goals of which seeks to advise the mayor on ways to opportunities for urban youth in under- the Circuit Trails. Hosted by the Bicycle promote and protect recreational and pro- served Philadelphia neighborhoods. Both Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, CYC fessional cycling in Philadelphia. implement youth cycling programs. engages disadvantaged urban youth through Eighteen-year-old Allen Williams is a As the Circuit Trails network contin- cycling. The program offers opportunities Philadelphia native who stepped outside of ues to grow and reach more people and for leadership and civic engagement not the city for the first time only after joining places, public outreach grows in tandem. readily available to the students elsewhere. CYC. For the past four years, he has been The ongoing success of the network Young participants are encouraged to talk a pivotal participant in the Youth Advisory depends on these initiatives. From Kidical to local officials about the viability of the Committee. He’s now a senior in high Mass Philadelphia, a movement seek- Circuit Trails, which helps generate sup- school with a perfect 4.0 GPA. He plans to ing to promote family-friendly bike rides, port for the trail network while helping the study biomedical engineering in college and to the Women Bike PHL, a grassroots youth build community advocacy skills. become a doctor. Along with Santiago and effort of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater The program’s engagement of young others, Williams had the opportunity to Philadelphia aimed at building community people “goes well beyond the bicycle. meet with the former Philadelphia mayor, and getting women out to bike, these pro- Everything on the bike translates to every Michael Nutter, last summer to discuss the grams combine with the Circuit Trails to aspect of their lives,” says CYC Program CYC program and advocate for its comple- enhance lives in the Greater Philadelphia Manager Cy Maramangalam. “It’s an tion. Nutter has been an ardent supporter area, both now and going forward. avenue that connects our students to areas of the Circuit Trails since its inception. they’ve never been [to].” This includes In addition to supporting CYC, RTC Heather Mistretta is a Spring Lake Heights, an outing to the Amish farmland in helps lead several Circuit Trails initiatives New Jersey-based professional writer, and Pennsylvania for a brief respite from urban to improve health, engage youth, promote co-founder and president of Women & Girls living; a trip to Washington, D.C., to speak the Circuit Trails and study the network’s Education-International. She loves being active to senators; and travel to Seattle for the impact. The health initiative has made outdoors and tackling new challenges. Learn Youth Bike Summit. great strides within the region’s health care more about Mistretta at pressingreleases.com. Cadence Youth Cycling also has worked closely with RTC through several partner- Manayunk ship programs: Cycle Squad, Circuit team Canal and All-Star team. RTC helps CYC with its Towpath in youth education and stewardship training Philadelphia programs on waterways. Maramangalam says, “RTC has been pivotal in providing watershed education to our youth.” A scavenger hunt highlighting how the water interacts with the trails helps to round out their education. Sixteen-year-old Tamia Santiago dis- covered her love of cycling two years ago

through CYC, and she has been pedaling IMAGES PEDRICK/AP LAURA

16 railstotrails u spring/summer.16 To Easton, the Poconos and Wilkes-Barre

To Bethlehem

1 45 To New Brunswick, 26 bucks Newark and NYC county

2 27 3 9 26 To Reading, Pottsville A montgomery 28 1 8 mercer 29 and the Appalachian Trail county county Map Illustration 6 4 NI 10 by Danielle Marks 46 7

chester 33 11 Danielle Marks Design county 5 VA 32 12 30 364 Lakeview Drive 35 31 18 YL 50 Hartfield, VA 23071-3110 47 5 14 13 19 17 16 philadelphia 36 NS 15 804 238-1539 49 30 23 34 41 [email protected] To Harrisburg 20 49 40 delaware EY [email protected] county 22 PEN 37 39 21 www.daniellemarks.com 48 42 RSburlington 38 31 county All artwork © 2016 24 JE gloucester Danielle Marks county To Wilmington, 43 camden Baltimore and Wcounty Washington, D.C. 25 NE 44 Existing Trails To Bridgeton 1. D&L Trail 14. Wissahickon Trail 2. East Branch Perkiomen 15. Cynwyd Spur 3. Perkiomen Trail 16. Radnor Trail 4. Skippack Trail 17. Chester Valley Trail map data source: 5. Schuylkill River Trail 18. Uwchlan Trail delaware valley regional 6. 202 Parkway Trail 19. Struble Trail Trails in Progress planning commission 7. Powerline Trail 20. Brandywine Trail 45. Upper Bucks Rail Trail map design by 8. D&R Towpath 21. John Heinz NWR Trail 46. Schuylkill River Trail danielle marks 9. Lawrence - Hopewell Trail 22. Cooper River Trail 47. Chester Valley Extension 10. D&R Canal (ECG) 23. Pemberton Trail 48. Cobbs Creek Trail (ECG) 11. D&L Trail (ECG) 24. Blackwood Rail Trail 49. East Coast Greenway (ECG) 12. Pennypack Trail 25. Monroe Township 50. Kinkora Trail 13. Tookany-Tacony Creek Trail Bike Path

Planned Trails 26. Liberty Bell Trail 35. Struble Trail 27. Doylestown - New Hope 36. Chester Valley Trail Connector 37. Octorara Trail 28. Neshaminy Creek Trail 38. Chester Creek Trail 29. Union Trail 39. Tidal Schuyl Trail 30. Delaware River 40. Merchantville Trail Heritage Trail 41. Rancocas Greenway 31. East Coast Greenway 42. East Atlantic Bikeway 32. Cresheim Valley 43. Gloucester County 33. Cross County Trail Light Rail with Trail 34. Darby Creek Trail 44. Bridgeton Rail Trail

The developing 750-mile Circuit Trails network is encouraging healthy lifestyles throughout the Greater Philadelphia/Camden area. LAURA PEDRICK/AP IMAGES PEDRICK/AP LAURA

railstotrails u spring/summer.16 17 MARIANNE WESLEY FOWLER The Early Days of the Southern Rail-Trail Movement and the By Amy Kapp Creation of a Legendary Trail System hen Marianne Wesley When I came for my interview, RTC’s was told I’d reached the Bennett Lumber Fowler came to Rails-to- director of trail development at that time, Company, which I had noticed in some Trails Conservancy (RTC) Peter Harnik—who’s also a co-founder— paper work was the same company that in 1988, tasked with had a big map on one of the walls with was opposing the abandonment. The launching a formal rail-trail movement in pins in two colors: One color marked mayor happened to be the owner of the theW South, the region had just a few known completed rail-trails, and another marked company! When I finally managed to get rail-trails. She did not know that in less rail-trail projects. The pins were distrib- in touch with him, he told me, “We don’t than three decades, the South (where she uted all over the U.S.—except for in the do rail-trails,” and that the rail line was too grew up) would have a burgeoning trail southern states. You could see a few pins important to be abandoned anyway. network, her first project would become in Virginia and Florida and one in South But it was abandoned, and after that, a legendary trail system, and her advocacy Carolina, but other than that, the region people in Piedmont started to take an efforts on Capitol Hill would help secure was completely blank. interest in turning it into a rail-trail. I held and protect hundreds of millions of I remember thinking to myself, “Oh a public meeting, during which an impec- dedicated federal trail funds. my—another area where the south is run- cably dressed man in a white suit came in As RTC’s senior strategist for policy ning behind the rest of the country! I hope and sat down. After a few minutes of hear- advocacy, Fowler continues to generate I get this job, because I have to do some- ing me talk, he suddenly stood up and bel- Congressional support for trails today. In thing about this!” lowed, “I know this little lady! She called 2014, RTC presented her with a Doppelt me on the telephone and told me the line Family Rail-Trail Champion award in How did you first get involved in was going to be abandoned! We better lis- recognition of her contributions to the the creation of the Silver Comet and ten to her—because she knows what she’s national rail-trail movement. Chief Ladiga Trail? talking about.” And from that point on, he Rails to Trails magazine recently sat On my first day of work, Peter handed me was one of the biggest supporters of what down with Fowler to discuss the inspira- a “Notice of Intent to Abandon” for a rail became the Chief Ladiga Trail. tions and sweat equity behind the early corridor in Alabama that stretched from days of her work and the creation of the Piedmont to just over the Georgia border. Why do you think he changed his mind? legendary Silver Comet and Chief Ladiga He said, “You have to make this a rail- I think he saw me up there in front of trail system. trail.” So I started making calls to potential everyone, officiating, and I had been cor- local supporters. I called Information, rect about the abandonment as well—and Why was the South a focus of RTC’s work which provided a phone number for the I guess the combination just convinced in the early days? mayor of Piedmont. But when I called, I him I knew what I was doing.

18 railstotrails u spring/summer.16 finally connected—creating one of the their wisdom or leadership. And most longest rail-trails in the country. If you of the local leaders really “got it.” They had told me 30 years ago that a 94.5-mile were active citizens and professionals trail connecting Anniston, Alabama, with that felt rail-trails were needed in their Smyrna, Georgia, would have been pos- communities. sible, I wouldn’t have believed it. After you got the support, were there What were some barriers that any other major roadblocks? And how impeded Southern rail-trail develop- did you manage success? ment historically? Once we managed to generate public sup- The first barrier was lack of familiarity. port—a major roadblock was the lack of There simply weren’t that many rail-trails, available funding to support the rail-trail and we had to explain to people what they projects. This was true for the South more were and their value. Another huge hurdle than for any other region in the U.S. was people’s hesitations about having After about two years, I was promoted trail users riding and walking so close to to government affairs manager, and my their property. Some adjacent landowners work took a new focus: advocating for thought that once the railroads closed, the federal trail funding. My aid for the South land would automatically revert back to became indirect, but we knew if rail- them, which wasn’t necessarily the case. trails were going to be successful in the Fowler on the Mount Vernon Trail in Northern Virginia Historically, the South has not been a U.S., and in the South in particular, there ELI GRIFFEN place with a lot of public amenities. The needed to be a steady flow of money avail- Then what happened? states haven’t had much money to spare able for communities—a source of fund- Around the same time, I had also got- over the course of their development—and ing that was dedicated to these types of ten involved in the transformation of some people questioned whether or not projects. a disused corridor in Georgia, running rail-trail development was the best way to The nation’s first trail funding in the from Rockmart to a place no one on the spend limited public dollars. federal transportation bill was introduced organizing committee had ever heard But an important strategy for successful 1991, and over the past 25 years, we’ve of, which the paperwork called Etna. rail-trail development is choosing targets worked hard to try and grow these funding We couldn’t find it on a map. One rainy of opportunity. You focus on those that sources and defend them from attack. afternoon, a local organizer, Brenda are going to get you the best play, the best It really took that kind of kindling to Burnett, and I had the Georgia state trails exposure … places that are central to the light a fire for the southern movement, coordinator drop us off where we thought thinking in a state. That’s what made the because there were so few other funding Etna would be, and then we trudged Silver Comet Trail—which is located just sources available for trails there. At first the along the corridor through the Georgia outside of Atlanta, Georgia’s state capi- momentum was slow, but rail-trails started mud searching for it. Unfortunately, it tal—such an important early target. And to come and then kept coming. Now we started to storm even harder, and we were knowing that the Chief Ladiga was being have so many great national examples like almost blinded by the rain. We almost developed, and that it could meet with the the Medical Mile in Arkansas, the first missed Etna—which it turned out was Silver Comet at the state border to create a rail-trail in the country a medical com- just a gray utility box with the letters continuous system, was very compelling. munity took responsibility for to promote “Etna” stenciled on it. That corridor local health, or the Pinellas Trail in Florida, became the Silver Comet Trail. How did you manage to generate which became a national example of how The Georgia Rails Into Trails Society public support? trails can create safe walking and biking [GRITS] became very active, and I made the most of the few wonder- connections in busy urban areas. we went through the process of con- ful trail examples we did have in the Up until a generation ago, almost every vincing the Georgia Department of South, such as the Virginia Creeper and southerner had a farm in the family and Transportation to put the corridor into W&OD. They became my models, and maintained ties to a more rural way of life. public ownership. we organized trips so people could visit For many southerners living in an urban The first section of the Chief Ladiga and experience them for themselves. context now, rail-trails are a new way to opened in the mid-1990s, and the first Another very important tactic was reconnect with the outdoors. As gen- section of the Silver Comet opened in gaining support from key local influenc- erations pass—trails are becoming more 1998. In 2008, the completed trails were ers—people who were recognized for important.

railstotrails u spring/summer.16 19 a view from... KERRY LISTON KERRY

George S. Mickelson Trail (South Dakota) Few rail-trails pack in as much Wild West charm as South Dakota’s George S. Mickelson Trail, which runs 109 miles from the famous gold rush town of Deadwood into the heart of the Black Hills. Crossing dozens of converted railroad bridges and passing through dramatic rock tunnels—traversing ponderosa pine forests, narrow mountain valleys and open prairie—the crushed-stone trail offers unparalleled adventure and natural beauty. Within an easy drive of the trail, visitors will also find several notable American landmarks: Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park.

ince 2007, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) has been inducting exemplary rail-trails—singly or in pairs—into its Rail-Trail Hall of Fame. Of the nearly 2,000 rail-trails in the U.S., 29 inductees are included in this special group. These Hall of Fame rail-trails THE RAIL-TRAIL HALL OF FAME represent nearly every environment—from downtown urban corridors to Longleaf Trace (Mississippi)  Spathways stretching across wide-open prairie, along coastlines or through The second-longest rail-trail mountain ranges. Many are pioneers of the movement, inspiring trail in Mississippi (just behind the Tanglefoot Trail, a newcomer), development across the nation and revolutionizing how trails can enrich the nearly 41-mile Longleaf Trace communities along their route. offers mile after mile of the South’s Among their ranks are some of the country’s first and longest rail- natural charms on its way from the University of Southern Mississippi trails, destination hotspots that have served as catalysts for economic in Hattiesburg to the quaint town development and healthy lifestyles, and pathways that have helped inspire of Prentiss. The sweet fragrances of regional trail development and define the cultural identity of their local honeysuckle and wisteria linger along the paved pathway, while dogwood areas. Trails such as the Elroy-Sparta and Great Allegheny Passage are and magnolia trees show off their American icons—and all in the Hall of Fame serve to inspire trail lovers blossoms. The trail’s namesake long- coast to coast. Here are some national treasures from the list—with images leaf pine trees, some more than 100 feet tall, also line the serene and sce- that highlight their beauty, majesty and power to captivate. nic rail-trail, which traverses several Learn more about these and other trails on TrailLink.com. bridges and tunnels.

20 railstotrails u spring/summer.16 THE RAIL-TRAILHALL OFFAME By LauraStark

JAKE LYNCH Midtown Greenway(Minnesota) baseball team. and Target Field, homeoftheMinnesota Twins nect topopularhotspotslikethe Mall ofAmerica fortrailuserstocon- opening upopportunities two blocksfrom thecity’s Metro lightrailsystem, and theMississippi River. Thetrailislocatedonly east end,thebeautifulMartin Olav Sabo Bridge of diamondinsettingsemerald”—and, onits region—described inthelate1880s as “a necklace ways loopingaround thescenicChainofLakes its west end,thegreenway connectstopath- on more thantwodozen historicalbridges.On also bypasses thestreet traffic crossing overhead Nestled railroad cut,it inanearly20th-century of Minneapolis, onlyminutesfrom downtown. green swaththrough thesouthernneighborhoods The 5.5-mile Midtown Greenway cutsalush rails to trails u

spring/summer.16  21

PHILLIP HUSSONG/COURTESY HENNEPIN COUNTY Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park (Virginia)  The W&OD, one of the best- loved trails in the Washington, D.C., region, spans 45 paved miles from Arlington, just outside the capital, into rolling Virginia countryside, where grazing horses and cows dot the landscape. Much of the trail is heavily wooded, yet restaurants and shops are never far as the trail winds through Vienna and later Herndon; an old caboose and train depot can also be explored in both towns. Ashburn offers the chance to see a working quarry, and historical Leesburg, which has a Colonial feel, has a charming downtown that’s worth a linger. At trail’s end in Purcellville, travelers will find Victorian-era buildings and a cheerful yellow

depot dating back to 1904. CULBERTSON MATTHEW

Little Miami Scenic Trail (Ohio)  At 73 miles and fully paved, the Little Miami Scenic Trail is a jewel in the 330-mile network of trails in Ohio’s Miami Valley. Beginning just outside Cincinnati and heading northeast, the trail connects dozens of friendly towns on a picturesque path through parks and nature preserves, tranquil countryside and lush forests. Trail users can visit the restored railroad depots in Morrow, Xenia and Yellow Springs; cross a stunning iron trestle in Corwin; and visit the archaeological site at the Fort Ancient State

JAMES WELTER JAMES Memorial.

22 railstotrails u spring/summer.16 A Legacy That Connects Us All

By designating a portion of his IRA to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, John Ellicot is ensuring that his grandchildren and others will enjoy a healthier, safer future on America’s trails.

Learn how you can include RTC in your legacy plans. railstotrails.org/heritagecircle COEUR D’ALENE OLD MISSION STATE PARK OLD MISSION STATE D’ALENE COEUR Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes and Route of the Hiawatha (Idaho)  While not connected, combining the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes and Route of the Hiawatha in Idaho’s Panhandle into a multi-day biking adventure will provide more than 80 miles of some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the country. Highlights of the experience include crossing Lake Coeur d’Alene on the Chatcolet Bridge; views of the Palouse Prairie; mountain vistas from several sky-high trestles; and passage through 10 tunnels, among them the 1.6-mile-long STORES NATIONWIDE - PERFORMANCEBIKE.COM Taft Tunnel. Along the way, travelers may even spot a moose, coyote, bird of prey or black bear in this rugged, remote region.

railstotrails u spring/summer.16 23 rtc policy 101

Show Me the (Trail) $$

TC continues to pursue Enhancements (TE).” Since 1992, thou- investment in rail-trails at all sands of trail building and enhancement ADRIAN CABRERO levels of government in the projects have been made possible through U.S. to ensure these essential these funds. Sections of the famous burgeoning national demand for active- assets are created and protected. As Pinellas Trail in Florida, Chief Ladiga Trail transportation funding, so RTC also is Rthe organization celebrates its 30th in Alabama and Olympic Discovery Trail working to grow and diversify the options anniversary in 2016, Rails to Trails in Washington have all been funded in communities have to fund trails, cycle magazine is taking a brief moment to part through TE/TAP funds. tracks and sidewalks. spotlight this work, which often takes a Why it’s a legislative priority: “The backseat in our coverage of the American Transportation Alternatives Program has rail-trail movement, but which has been been the backbone of trail building in TIFIA: Building Active- critical to its growth and evolution. the U.S. for nearly 25 years,” says Mills. Transportation Networks “Since the early days of RTC, the orga- “The federal dollars not only have directly What it is: The Transportation nization has worked tirelessly to ensure helped to build most of our favorite Infrastructure Financing and Investment adequate public investment in these essen- rail-trails, but they leverage many other Act (TIFIA) is a federal program—also tial pathways,” says Kevin Mills, senior resources and have seeded a cultural shift included in the federal transportation vice president of policy at RTC. “Today, in which trail networks are now under- bill—that provides low-interest loans, our work continues at the federal, state stood as essential community assets.” lines of credit and loan guarantees for and local levels to enable regions to build TE/TAP has been constantly under transportation projects, including trails, the trail networks they need—to connect attack by various members of Congress and biking and walking infrastructure. people and places, and provide healthy over the years. RTC has mobilized to help How it’s currently distributed: Via outdoor recreation for all.” increase or protect TE/TAP funds in every an application process managed by the Here’s a quick look at RTC’s funding federal transportation bill since 1991— U.S. Department of Transportation priorities for the future and why they’re including increasing TE in 1998, and Background: The minimum thresh- important to America’s healthy trail restoring it following an attack in the U.S. old for TIFIA loans has historically been future. Learn more at railstotrails.org. House of Representatives in 2003. $50 million or more for urban/suburban In 2012, Congress reduced TE alloca- projects and $25 million for rural proj- tions in the federal transportation bill and ects. In 2015, RTC successfully advo- Transportation Alternatives consolidated it into TAP with two other cated for improvements to the act in the Program (TAP): Federal programs: the Recreational Trails Program federal transportation bill that would Trail Funding and the Safe Routes to School program. In make TIFIA accessible to communi- 2015, although some congressmen sought ties looking to build out their trail and What it is: To put it simply, it’s the single to eliminate TAP, the legislation instead active-transportation networks. largest federal funding source for trails in made a symbolic structural change by In a nutshell—the changes to the act the U.S. The current pot stands at $835 moving TAP from a standalone program included: 1) lowering the threshold to million dollars per year, making up only into a broad transportation program (as a $10 million for projects involving local about 1.5 percent of federal transportation subprogram). The new legislation also gave governments; 2) enabling projects to be spending. urban regional transportation agencies the bundled together to reach the threshold; How it’s currently distributed: Fifty ability to transfer out half of their TAP 3) permitting funds to be used to finance percent is allocated to each state’s depart- funds to other uses, representing a new State Infrastructure Banks, which can in ment of transportation who can choose vulnerability for TAP. The program did see turn more easily finance rural projects; priority projects. The other 50 percent is an immediate increase from $820 million 4) streamlining the application process split proportionally to: urban areas of more to $835 million per year—and another for low-risk projects; and 5) allotting at than 200,000 people via metropolitan $15 million increase to $850 million per least $2 million per year for application planning organizations (who decide prior- year for the 2018 to 2020 fiscal years. fee waivers for small projects. ity projects for themselves); urban areas of According to Mills, maintaining the Why it’s a legislative priority: 5,001 to 200,000 people; and areas with program intact was a real political victory “We’re reaching a point in the trail 5,000 or less people. in a bitterly divided Congress, and RTC movement where people understand that Background: RTC helped ensure the remains dedicated to protecting and grow- trails aren’t just ‘nice to have,’ but are inclusion of the program in the 1991 fed- ing TAP going forward. However, the essential community assets,” says Leeann eral transportation bill as “Transportation marginal gains are inadequate to meet the Sinpatanasakul, advocacy coordinator

24 railstotrails u spring/summer.16 rtc policy 101

RTC has been fighting to grow and protect federal funding support for trails and walking and biking infrastructure for almost 30 years. RTC’s State and Local Initiative What it is: A focused effort by RTC to encourage more investment at the state and local levels in balanced transportation systems that include trails, and biking and walking infrastructure. Why it’s a legislative priority: “Traditionally, states and localities have focused their limited transportation budgets on road development. Unfortunately, TAP has not grown suf- ficiently to keep up with the demand for more active-transportation infrastructure,” says Drew Dupuy, RTC’s manager of policy outreach. To make up for the declining buying power of federal transportation programs—trail RTC/JIM BROWN RTC/JIM builders are innovating to accelerate the completion of trail networks—particularly at the state and local level, where there is the greatest motivation to get networks in place. RTC is taking active steps to establish partnerships with more state and local groups to for RTC. “We want to help communi- share best practices, such as the ties build connected biking and walking use of gas taxes, to help fund networks, and they need funding to biking and walking infrastruc- make that happen.” ture—a strategy traditionally ERVIN VICE ERVIN According to Sinpatanasakul, bicycle used by many states only to and pedestrian projects typically cost fund road development. much less than the previous $50 million nity, those communities that are able RTC is also working with partners at threshold; but, in many cases, much to take advantage of TIFIA financ- the state level to help advocate for more more than what is available through ing can also use innovative ways to state-funded active-transportation pro- TAP funding. Additionally, she says that pay back the funds. For example, the grams, like California’s massive Active the long and complicated application Chicago Riverwalk is paying back its Transportation Program, established process for TIFIA funds—which can TIFIA loan over a period of 35 years in 2013, or Florida’s Water and Land require several lawyers and consultants with funds raised from rent and fees Legacy Conservation program, passed to complete—has served as a barrier for from tour boats, private boat docking, in 2014—both of which are expected to many communities. charter boats, leases, sponsorships and allocate hundreds of millions of dollars “These reforms to TIFIA will give advertising. to active transportation projects over the communities of all sizes opportunities RTC now has plans to educate trail next 20 years. to access TIFIA funds, which will help advocates on how to take advantage of “Many people can’t or choose not to them to connect trails into seamless net- this new tool, reach out to local commu- drive,” says Mills. “Our goal is to ensure works and create safe routes for people nities who want to build their trail net- states and localities are not just invest- to walk and bike on an accelerated works and, over the next couple of years, ing in one mode of transportation, but schedule,” she states. aid communities who are applying for in balanced transportation systems that While Sinpatanasakul says TIFIA TIFIA credit assistance for the first time. serve the mobility and recreation needs may not be right for every commu- of everyone in their communities.”

railstotrails u spring/summer.16 25 rail-trail report o 3 years

What We’ve Been Up To n In the Northeast: In 2012, RTC trails include the 81-mile Ohio & Erie Wisconsin, spanning from Racine to accepted a leadership role in the Circuit Canalway Towpath, the 72-mile North Milwaukee and west to Madison. RTC Trails Coalition—a 65-member-strong Bend Rail Trail in West Virginia and the is building a coalition of stakeholders to collaboration of organizations in the 46-mile Montour Trail in Pennsylvania. implement this shared vision of a fully Greater Philadelphia-Camden area work- RTC is collaborating with municipal integrated system that connects residents ing to create a 750-mile regional trail governments, local nonprofits and plan- to jobs, shopping centers, educational system. To date, 300 miles of the network ning agencies to create this trail network institutions and recreation areas, while have been completed, and 50 miles are that will help to revitalize the rust belt. also serving as a major bicycling destina- currently in development. The 135-mile Contact: Eric Oberg, eric@railstotrails. tion that generates tourism dollars and Schuylkill River Trail is serving as a major org. new economic development opportuni- artery for the system, and new connec- ties. Connections will be made between tions via the recently opened Manayunk n In the West: In June 2014, RTC cre- very urban and more rural routes such as Bridge Trail, developing Copper River ated the Bay Area Trails Collaborative, a the popular Milwaukee-based 13.5-mile Trail and proposed Merchantville Bike coalition comprising more than 40 orga- Hank Aaron State Trail, 30-mile Ozaukee Path extension have the potential to con- nizations working to create and maintain Interurban Trail and 52-mile Glacial nect people in the most underserved com- a world-class regional trail system of more Drumline State Trail. Contact: John munities to major employment, education than 1,000 miles in the San Francisco Siegert, [email protected]. and cultural centers. Read more in this Bay Area. At present, roughly 50 to 75 issue’s cover story on p. 12. Contact: Mary percent of the project is complete. The n In Florida: RTC has worked over O’Connor, [email protected]. network includes several large, regional the past several years to establish a trail systems such as the Bay Area Ridge Trail, network and advocacy alliance in the n In the Mid-Atlantic/Baltimore, California Coastal Trail, Bay Water Trail Miami region—a project combining state Maryland: Launched in 2015, the and San Francisco Bay Trail. The latter is policy work and local trail development Baltimore Greenway Trails Network one of the largest in the network, which initiatives. Implemented with talented Coalition represents an unprecedented will one day traverse more than 500 and enthusiastic local partners and an opportunity to create an “Emerald miles and connects 47 cities. The group expanding list of funders, the system will Necklace” for the city of Baltimore. Phase is advocating for increased funding at the feature many popular trails, including: one includes the creation of a 30-mile- state and regional level and will shortly the long awaited Ludlam Trail; the much plus loop of existing trails, inactive rail release a new report, Trails Count!, which talked about Underline; the ever-evolving lines, parks and protected on-road facili- analyzes technologies for counting bicycle Miami-River Greenway; the Biscayne- ties linking together the Gwynns Falls, and pedestrian users and makes recom- Everglades Greenway (which connects Jones Falls and Herring Run stream val- mendations to create a regional picture of two national parks); the redevelopment- leys. A future proposed loop and spoke trail use in the Bay Area. Contact: Laura oriented Flagler Trail; and many others. network will connect residential neighbor- Cohen, [email protected]. These projects will continue to offer more hoods, the downtown business district, active-transportation solutions and sup- former industrial areas, transit hubs, uni- n In the Midwest: In October 2014, port healthy development in Miami-Dade versities, cultural anchors, stream valleys, RTC helped launch the Route of the county, one of the most culturally diverse urban coastal wetlands, parks and public Badger, a massive effort to create a 400- cities in the country. Contact: Ken Bryan, spaces. Read more in this issue’s Eye On to 500-mile trail network in Southeastern [email protected]. feature on p. 4. Contact: Jim Brown, jim@ railstotrails.org. ANNOUNCEMENT A new era for trail development n In the Mid-Atlantic/Midwest: In In 2014, in partnership with a team of researchers and 12 U.S. Cities, RTC launched 2014, RTC joined the leadership team the three-year Trail Modeling and Assessment Platform (T-MAP) project, which of the Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition. The vision is to create a will create the country’s first national modeling tools to measure trail-system 1,450-mile network of trails connecting connectivity, demand and potential impact. The information generated by these 48 counties in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West new tools will enable communities to precisely forecast the returns on invest- Virginia and New York. When complete, ment—related to health and transportation—stimulated by trails, greenways it will be the largest destination system in and active-transportation infrastructure. Contact: Tracy Hadden Loh, tracy@ the country. Approximately 48 percent railstotrails.org. Learn more at railstotrails.org/TMAP. of the trail system has been built; major

26 railstotrails u spring/summer.16 Destination: America’s Next Top Rail-Trail I to railstotrails.org/trailblog. withbikerentalthis article info,go To accessanextendedversion of STARKBY LAURA on ourwebsite, railstotrails.org/30th. nominees, highlightingwhatmakeseachagreat trailtovisit. connections, aswell asgeographicdistribution.Here’s alistofour excellence inmanagementandfacilitymaintenance,community value, highuse,trailandtrailsideamenities,historicalsignificance, prestigious trailgroup are selectedonthebasisofsuchmeritsasscenic Vote foryour favorite inJune! Lookforthevoting announcement addition toourRail-Trail Hall ofFame. Inductees intothis Conservancy, we are conductingapublicvote forthe30th n recognition ofthisyear’s ofRails-to-Trails 30thanniversary

COURTESY RFTA Springs. At 42miles,nearlyallpaved, it’s the famedskitown ofAspentoGlenwood downhillthan 4percent) running from route andarelatively gentle slope(nomore sible, withseveral communitiesdottingthe better, this bountyofbeautyiseasilyacces- a backdrop oftowering mountains.Even aspens andscentedpinesagainst rustling Colorado, featuringasparkling river, The Rio Grande Trail isquintessential (Colorado) Rio Grande Trail

AARON SCHMIDT trains. Amtrak tion, builtin1904andstillserving is housedintheGlenwood Springs sta- from thetrail’s western end,themuseum large-scale modelrailroad. Just ahalf-mile oldphotographsanda railroad artifacts, railroadmuseum.org ), whichshowcases Glenwood Railroad Museum (glenwood History buffswillwanttovisitthe American writerHunter S.Thompson. famous forbeingtheresidence ofthelate tavern.com ), locatedinthetown made Woody Creek Tavern (woodycreek along thetrailisquirky andlively is rerouted totheroad. to April; duringthosemonthsthissection and Carbondaleisclosedfrom November elk, soasmalltrailsectionbetween Basalt valley provides acriticalrangefordeerand bear ormountainlion.In winter, theriver and baldeagles;you mayeven spotablack bank. It’s commontoseedeer, elk,heron mals canoftenbespottedalongtheriver- parallels theRoaring Fork River, andani- enter theHall ofFame. place asthefirsttrailfrom Coloradoto wins thecompetition,wouldtakeaproud the longestrail-trailinstateand,ifit in New York View fromthe Walkway Overthe Hudson INFO: MORE aboard. there’sand take asurchargeto bikes $2 of The busesare equippedwithbike racks, stops are within ahalf-miletrail.the of and Glenwood Springs. these Many of Snowmass Village, Basalt, Carbondale keytrail: communitiesthe along Aspen, RFTA alsoprovidesto several busservice detailed mapwithparkinglocations. Authority (RFTA) website features a route;the Roaring Fork Transportation be accessed from several places along its (413 Seventh St.). The RioGrande Trail can the Glenwood Springsstation stops at theretrain; by Amtrak makes regular trail.the eastern endof You canalsoget 3 milesfrom downtownthe Aspenand (ASE)County (Sardy Field), Airport roughly GETTING to Aspen/Pitkin Flyin THERE: For abitetoeat,not-to-missstop For muchofitslength,thetrailclosely rails rfta.com/trail-information to trails u destination

spring/summer.16



27 destination

of Fame, it also will be noteworthy as the A glass-walled elevator takes visitors first rail-trail in Tennessee to make the list. on a 70-second ride back to the ground, where they can catch the Dutchess Rail GETTING THERE: Memphis International Trail on the river’s east bank. The trail Airport (MEM) is less than 20 miles from winds through Poughkeepsie and contin- the trail. The Greenline is accessible from ues southeast for 13 miles, ending at the multiple points, but many visitors will want restored Hopewell Depot (hopewell to start on its east end in Shelby Farms Park depot.org), which serves as a visitor cen- (500 N. Pine Lake Drive). To get to the park ter and museum. A unique feature of the from the west: Take Interstate 240 to the trail is its Military Mile, honoring the five Walnut Grove exit and go east to the third branches of the U.S. military—Air Force, stoplight. The park is on both sides of the Army, Coast Guard, Navy and Marines— road. Turn left at the light. From the east: through special signage. Follow Walnut Grove or Mullins Station On the Walkway’s west side, travelers Road until you see signs for the park. will find the quaint hamlet of Highland,

COURTESY SHELBY FARMS PARK CONSERVANCY PARK SHELBY FARMS COURTESY with its charming shops and eateries. MORE INFO: shelbyfarmspark.org/ From there, the Hudson Valley Rail Trail Shelby Farms Greenline shelbyfarmsgreenline heads northwest through hardwood forests (Tennessee) and rock cuts and under two picturesque Family outings don’t come much bet- Hudson Valley Trail stone-arch bridges. After nearly 4 miles, it ter than excursions on the Shelby Farms Network ends in the town of Lloyd. Two cabooses Greenline, which offers an easy bike ride (New York) along the route, one dating from 1915 or walk on a paved, level route that begins Offering an unforgettable experience of and the other from 1926 (this one housing in midtown Memphis and heads nearly 7 beauty, adventure and charm, the Hudson historical exhibits), present a tangible con- miles eastward. The trail is shady and qui- Valley Trail Network encompasses the nection to the trail’s railroad past. et, with a wide, unpaved shoulder on each Walkway Over the Hudson, Hudson Together, the three rail-trails, total- side. Since opening in 2010, the popular Valley Rail Trail and William R. Steinhaus ing 18 paved miles, provide an easy and pathway, which sees as many as 200,000 Dutchess Rail Trail. spectacular way to experience the Hudson users annually, has helped inspire a new The magnificent Walkway Over the Valley. culture of biking and walking in Memphis. Hudson provides a journey through the Anchored by Shelby Farms Park sky. The longest elevated pedestrian bridge GETTING THERE: The Hudson Valley trails (shelbyfarmspark.org), the Greenline in the world, it spans just over a mile are about a two-hour drive from New provides a unique connection to nature across the Hudson River and yields dra- York City. They also can be reached by for city dwellers. One of the largest urban matic views of the river more than 200 feet train; take Amtrak or a Metro-North train parks in the country, Shelby Farms spans below and of the surrounding New York (the Hudson Line) from Grand Central a whopping 4,500 acres and abounds in countryside. Station in Manhattan to Poughkeepsie. woodlands, wetlands and lakes. The park The Walkway Over the Hudson is a few even contains a herd of buffalo! The young blocks from the station (about a 15-minute and young at heart will enjoy its immense walk). If flying in, the closest major airport and whimsical Woodland Discovery is Stewart International Airport (SWF) in Playground, horseback riding stables, disc Newburgh, about 25 miles from the trail golf and zip-lining courses, watercraft rent- system. als and hiking trails. Building on the positive momentum of MORE INFO: walkway.org, hudsonvalley the Greenline, Shelby County and Shelby railtrail.net and dutchesscountytrails.com Farms Park Conservancy broke ground last summer on a 4-mile eastward extension of GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail the trail. Once it reaches the former rail- (South Carolina) road depot in Cordova (expected to hap- In the backyard of two major Southern pen in fall 2016), the corridor will cover cities, Atlanta and Charlotte, N.C., 10.5 miles, making it the longest rail-trail Greenville’s Swamp Rabbit Trail is an eas-

in the state. If added to the Rail-Trail Hall QUINONESKRISTINA ily accessible treasure in the foothills of

28 railstotrails u spring/summer.16 destination

and an art gallery downtown. Although more of a country cousin, Banks, at the other end of the trail, sees its share of tourists too. Here, the trail’s first few miles offer a contrasting openness, as farm fields in subdued earth tones unfurl under a canopy of clouds. This fertile landscape—the Tualatin Valley—is well known for its wine, especially pinot noir. Find a list of local vineyards online (tualatin valley.org/wineries-vineyards) to plan a

COURTESY GREENVILLE PARKS COUNTY COURTESY wheels and wine vacation. Mid-trail, visitors will cross L.L. Stub the Blue Ridge Mountains. Following the Airport (GSP) is about 14 miles from the Stewart State Park (oregonstateparks. course of the scenic Reedy River, the paved trail. Amtrak’s Greenville Station (1120 W. org). A variety of recreational amenities pathway covers nearly 20 miles, including Washington St.) is only about a half mile and camping options (tent sites, rustic cab- passage through the beautiful campus of from the Swamp Rabbit. Drivers will find ins, RV hookups) in a postcard-perfect set- Furman University. no shortage of parking in the numerous ting make this 1,800-acre park immensely With a relatively flat surface, safe parks along the route, and the trail is popular. and pleasant environment, and numer- easy to reach from Highway 276, which it Another highlight of the route is the ous neighborhood connections, the trail loosely parallels. Buxton Trestle, spanning 735 feet and provides a convenient way for people of curved so you can’t see the other end from all ages and abilities to exercise, a point MORE INFO: greenvillerec.com/ the start. Rising 80 feet above Mendenhall encouraged and promoted by its primary swamprabbit Creek, this railroad relic is an impressive corporate sponsor, the Greenville Health sight from above or below. A dozen other System. Highlights of the corridor include Banks-Vernonia State Trail trestles dot the route as well. the spectacular waterfalls of Greenville’s (Oregon) Falls Park, a pair of fighter jets displayed in A thread of black in an emerald blanket, GETTING THERE: Portland is about a Cleveland Park, and the wildlife-abundant the Banks-Vernonia State Trail weaves its 45-minute drive away. The closest major forests and wetlands of Lake Conestee way between two peaceful towns in the airport is Portland International Airport Nature Park. foothills of northwest Oregon’s Coast (PDX). The trail has six trailheads with Since opening in 2009, the trail has Range, less than an hour’s drive from parking between Banks and Vernonia: kept business hopping in the two towns Portland. Most of the 22-mile paved Banks, Manning, Buxton, Tophill, Beaver it connects, Greenville and Travelers pathway is enveloped by the tall trees that Creek and Vernonia. Rest. With 500,000 users annually, the attracted the lumber industry in the early trail is the most-used recreational asset 1900s—a verdant mix of MORE INFO: oregonstateparks.org in Greenville County. It has spurred the Douglas fir, maple, cedar opening of more than 40 new businesses, and alder. some with nods to the thriving biking cul- At its northern end, ture via such names as Swamp Rabbit Cafe you’ll find the Vernonia and Grocery (swamprabbitcafe.com), Pioneer Museum (verno Swamp Rabbit Brewery & Taproom nia-or.gov/Recreation/ (theswamprabbitbrewery.com) and Museum.asp), which tells Tandem Crêperie & Coffeehouse (tandem the story of that lumber cc.com). If picked for the Rail-Trail Hall history. The town, no lon- of Fame, this successful community con- ger revolving around the nector would be the first trail in South large mill that once thrived Carolina to achieve such an honor. here, is reinventing itself as a destination for outdoor GETTING THERE: The trail is about a two- enthusiasts. Visitors will find hour drive from Atlanta and Charlotte. charming restaurants, coffee

Greenville-Spartanburg International shops, bed-and-breakfasts REEVES TAD

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