Riding the Rails: The Best Urban Rail Trails in America

What happens when the remnants of railroads in the United States transform into vibrant pathways through cities and neighborhoods? Magic. Urban rail trails combine the nostalgia of railway history with the thrill of outdoor adventure. Repurposed from defunct railway corridors, these trails offer seamless travel through bustling metropolises and tranquil green spaces. Let’s take a ride through 10 of America’s best urban rail trails, celebrating their history, design, and local flavor.

1. Minuteman Bikeway (Boston Area, MA, USA)

Step into history on this 10-mile treasure, connecting Cambridge to Bedford. Following the path of the old Lexington and West Cambridge Railroad, the Minuteman Bikeway transports users through Revolutionary War landmarks, quaint New England towns, and verdant landscapes.

Start your journey in Alewife, a bustling urban hub, and watch as the scenery transitions into tree-lined paths and open fields. You’ll pass through Arlington’s Spy Pond and historic Lexington, where you can pause to explore the Lexington Battle Green. This urban rail trail blends rich history with a smooth, accessible ride, making it a must for cyclists and history buffs alike.

Minuteman Bikeway (photo: Stephan Miller)

2. Atlanta Eastside https://beltline.org/parks-trails/eastside-trail/ Trail (Atlanta, GA, USA)

Atlanta’s Eastside BeltLine Trail is a testament to urban revitalization. Once a neglected railway corridor, it now pulses with life, connecting vibrant neighborhoods with public art installations and green spaces.

Stretching just over three miles, the trail is short but dense with character. Start in Piedmont Park and head south, where murals and sculptures punctuate the path. Enjoy views of Atlanta’s skyline while stopping at Ponce City Market for artisanal bites. The Eastside Trail is not just a path; it’s a community gathering spot and cultural showcase.

3. Capital Crescent Trail (Washington, D.C., USA)

Running 11 miles from the heart of Georgetown to suburban Bethesda, the Capital Crescent Trail is a peaceful escape within the bustling D.C. metro area. Once part of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, this trail now offers a scenic, shaded corridor for cyclists, runners, and walkers.

Enjoy the Potomac River’s gentle flow as you traverse this paved path. The Dalecarlia Tunnel, a historic railway feature, adds a sense of adventure. Whether commuting or enjoying a leisurely ride, this trail delivers natural beauty and urban convenience in perfect harmony.

Capital Crescent rail trail

4. Burke-Gilman Trail (Seattle, WA, USA)

Seattle’s Burke-Gilman Trail is a 27-mile marvel that meanders through the city’s neighborhoods and beyond. Built on the Northern Pacific Railway’s disused tracks, it offers a unique mix of urban energy and natural serenity.

Begin your journey in Fremont, known as the “Center of the Universe,” and ride past the Ship Canal. The trail winds through the University District and follows Lake Washington’s shores. Its seamless integration of cityscapes and waterfront views makes it a perennial favorite for residents and visitors alike.

The Burke-Gilman rail trail

5. Katy Trail (Dallas, TX)

Dallas’s Katy Trail, one of the best urban rail rails, is a lively 3.5-mile corridor connecting Uptown to Highland Park. Built on the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad’s former tracks, this urban gem combines greenery with city life.

Lined with trees and dotted with parks, the Katy Trail provides an oasis in the heart of Dallas. Popular with joggers and cyclists, it also offers access to local eateries and bars, making it as social as it is scenic. Whether you’re exercising or people-watching, the Katy Trail is where Dallas comes alive.

The Katy Trail in Dallas, Texas

6. Iron Horse Regional Trail (San Francisco Bay Area, CA)

Spanning 32 miles through the East Bay, the Iron Horse Regional Trail follows the Southern Pacific Railroad’s path, connecting Concord to Pleasanton. This expansive trail is a lifeline for cyclists and commuters, offering uninterrupted travel through suburban landscapes.

The trail’s highlights include walnut orchards, urban parks, and historic rail markers. Its width and smoothness make it ideal for families and long-distance riders. Whether you’re cycling to work or embarking on a weekend adventure, the Iron Horse Trail is a testament to the power of repurposing.

Iron Horse Regional Trail

7. Tammany Trace (St. Tammany Parish, LA)

Louisiana’s Tammany Trace combines Southern charm with rail trail ingenuity. This 31-mile path connects the towns of St. Tammany Parish, following the Illinois Central Railroad’s former route.

Each trailhead offers unique attractions, from the Abita Springs Museum to Covington’s bustling downtown. Surrounded by lush forests and bayous, Tammany Trace is perfect for those seeking a mix of culture and nature. Add in friendly locals and food stops serving Creole classics, and you have a rail trail worth savoring.

 

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8. Great Allegheny Passage (Pittsburgh, PA)

While much of the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage winds through rural Pennsylvania, its Pittsburgh section shines as an urban rail trail. It follows the Monongahela River and merges industrial heritage with modern vibrancy.

Explore Pittsburgh’s South Side, where the trail skirts historic steel mills and leads to the city’s waterfront parks. The GAP’s seamless connection to the C&O Canal Towpath makes it a gateway for epic adventures, but even a short ride offers unforgettable views of bridges and cityscapes.

The Great Allegheny Passage trail

9. Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail (St. Petersburg, FL)

The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail stretches 45 miles through St. Petersburg and its surrounding areas, making it a cornerstone of Florida’s urban trails. Built on the Seaboard Air Line Railroad’s tracks, it links downtown hubs with serene coastal views.

This multi-use trail caters to all, with rest stops, public art, and easy access to beaches. The St. Petersburg waterfront section is especially picturesque, offering a mix of cultural landmarks and tropical vistas.

 

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10. Hudson River Greenway Rail Trail (Albany to Hudson, NY)

Though still developing, the Hudson River Greenway Rail Trail promises to be a gem. Portions of this trail follow the historic West Shore Railroad’s corridor, offering breathtaking views of the Hudson River.

Existing sections in Albany and Hudson provide a taste of what’s to come: a blend of riverside tranquility and urban vibrancy. When completed, this trail will connect communities along one of America’s most storied waterways.

From historic pathways to modern urban escapes, these urban rail trails celebrate the past while paving the way for active, connected futures. Whether you’re a cyclist, runner, or history enthusiast, these urban rail trails offer journeys as diverse and dynamic as the cities they call home. So lace up your sneakers, grab your bike, and hit the rails — adventure awaits!

For more great rail trails, check out this article.