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Download NowRail-trails are now integral avenues through some of our biggest cities.
When the American rail trails movement began to gather steam in the 1980s, most of the old rail lines that had been turned into trails ran through idyllic rural expanses and were loved by early rail-trail fans for their serene scenery and isolation.
Rail trails have become integral avenues through some of our biggest cities. Courtesy of our friends at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, here is a list of five great rail-trails for exploring by bike.
Seattle, WA
17 miles (27 kilometers)
The Burke-Gilman Trail stretches from the shores of Puget Sound to the west, and passes along Lakes Union and Washington as it connects Seattle’s distinct and vibrant neighborhoods such as Fremont, Ballard, and Bothell. Loved and heavily used by college students and commuters to local tech offices, the Burke-Gilman Trail is becoming as quintessentially Pacific Northwest as coffee and craft brews.
Philadelphia, PA
27 miles (43 kilometers)
The Schuylkill River Trail follows the winding waterway right into the beating heart of Philly’s best attractions, including Boathouse Row, Schuylkill Banks, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Heading northeast, the Schuylkill River Trail provides an escape from the city for those seeking greener pastures, connecting to Valley Forge National Historic Park and a network of trails throughout southeast Pennsylvania.
Redding, CA
16 miles (26 kilometers)
Tucked away in Northern California’s Shasta County, the charming city of Redding boasts a rail-trail system that is drawing new residents and businesses. The Sacramento River Trail runs along the banks of the Sacramento River, offering stunning views of the water and nearby mountains, and access to local attractions, including Turtle Bay Aquarium and Exploration Park, e McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, and the striking Sundial Bridge.
Atlanta, GA
Planned 33 miles (53 kilometers)
In a city once known as the Terminus, the BeltLine is reenvisioning the city’s railroad past in a new wave of pedestrian and bike friendly urban design. Though still new, the developing BeltLine plans to be one of the best trail visitor experiences in the country. Already, the 2.25-mile (3.6 km) Eastside trail section – that connects Piedmont Park, the Historic Fourth Ward Park, and the destination neighborhoods of Virginia Highland and Midtown – is attracting thousands of locals each spring and summertime weekend.
Washington, DC
11 miles (18 kilometers)
A leafy gem for commuters and tourists, the Capital Crescent Trail connects the growing Maryland cities of Silver Spring and Bethesda with downtown Washington, DC. Deer, foxes, and owls are common sites along this heavily wooded trail, which curves along the Potomac River and emerges in the heart of historic Georgetown.
Check out this article for more great rail trails across North America.
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Just tried a new one… Prescott-Russell Pathway from Ottawa to Montreal. An off road route to Montreal on crushed gravel (fine for hybrid bikes). Not super fast but safe, flat and quiet. Makes for a relaxed three day journey (70km per day) which even the kids enjoyed. A couple of awkward spots in east Ottawa and near Rigaud, but otherwise a pleasure.
Two of my favorite are in British Columbia and in Quebec:
Galloping Goose Trail : Favorite trip, easy to get to from Vancouver.
http://www.gallopinggoosetrail.com/
Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR) : Amazing trestles bridges.
http://www.kettlevalleyrailtrail.com/
Le Petit Train du Nord : Great place, last I been there they was a cost to riding on the trail… it need to be reconfirmed but I think that it changed to a recommended donation.
http://www.gobiking.ca/p-tit-train/
Thanks Momentum Mag! We’re pretty proud of our trail system. And we get 300 sunny days per year to enjoy it!
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