The Massive Great American Rail-Trail Project Continues to Take Shape

It has been five years since the Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) introduced its ambitious vision for the Great American Rail-Trail—an uninterrupted, 3,700-mile route spanning 12 states from Washington, D.C., to Washington State. As of 2024, the project has crossed a significant milestone: 55% of the trail is now complete, with 2,068.6 miles of bikeable, vehicle-free pathways open to the public.

The Great American Rail-Trail is more than just a recreational route; it’s a project that brings with it economic growth, outdoor access, and a boost to quality of life in the communities it connects. The initiative has drawn support from small towns and big cities alike, as highlighted by Kevin Belle, RTC’s project manager for the Great American.

“Since RTC announced the route of the cross-country trail in 2019, we have seen an outpouring of enthusiasm for this project,” said Belle. “People from small towns and big cities equally want to see this trail completed because they understand the transformative impact it brings—new economic opportunity, spaces to play outside, and, arguably most important, quality of life. They’re coming together to organize, invest in and activate their segments of trail, which is the magic that will help connect the entire route.”

Olympic Discovery Trail in Washington, part of the Great American Rail-Trail

2024: A Year of Growth and Milestones

The past year has seen notable progress, including an influx of funding, new trail segments, and crucial connections that bring the Great American Rail-Trail closer to completion.

At the end of 2024, the RTC provided a progress update on the trail as follows:

• Over $35 million in new public and private funding was invested in 2024, adding to the total of more than $161 million secured since the project’s inception. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s $87.5 million Bridge Reinvestment Program grant is helping fund the Market Street Bridge, a critical connector in Ohio and West Virginia.
• Nearly 125 miles of new trail have been added since 2019, with 12 new miles completed this year across Iowa, Indiana, Montana, Nebraska, Washington, and Ohio. One of the highlights of 2024 was the completion of the Tarkio Flats Trail in Montana.
• A long-awaited connection, known as Great American Gap #45, was closed with the completion of the Raccoon River Valley Trail to High Trestle Connection in Iowa, creating nearly 60 miles of uninterrupted trail.
• Several major federal grants, including those from the Transportation Alternatives Program and the Tribal Transportation Program, have contributed to key projects like constructing Iowa River’s Edge Trail, repaving Ohio’s Kokosing Gap Trail, and resurfacing portions of Maryland’s C&O Canal.

A Vision Becoming Reality

Since its launch, the Great American Rail-Trail has inspired communities to invest in their local trail networks, recognizing the economic and social benefits of a nationwide route. The project is expected to serve 50 million people within a 50-mile radius, drawing visitors from across the country and around the world.

To find out more information on the Great American Rail-Trail, go here.

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