"Trails and greenways are often seen narrowly when it comes to their benefits. People tend to focus on the recreational or environmental aspects of trails and greenways, failing to see the big picture—the total package of benefits that a trail or greenway can provide to communities, including public health, economic and transportation benefits, and even the effect on community pride and identity." -Rails to Trails Conservancy
Connect your town to a nearby trail
River Town Program (Allegheny + Monongahela Rivers)
Raise awareness of the economic benefits of trails
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Rails to Trails Conservancy guidance: |
publications
- Economic Research (reports, studies and resources developed by the Trail Town Program® or partners)
Promote trails
Increase awareness of trails + trail amenities
FreeWheeling Easy in and around Western Pennsylvania, Volume NE
This informative trail guidebook, which is available for purchase, was created by Roy Weil and Mary Shaw to support development of the trail systems by: Raising awareness of trails and building the community of trail users; providing discounted copies of the guidebook to trail councils for their use in fundraising; and contributing proceeds from sales to the Trail Volunteer Fund of the Pittsburgh Foundation. In addition to collecting information for the guide, Roy and Mary gained additional knowledge by actually riding the trails. The result is a comprehensive trail guidebook that will be a useful resource for trail riders and trail developers alike!
FreeWheeling Easy in and around Western Pennsylvania, Volume NE
This informative trail guidebook, which is available for purchase, was created by Roy Weil and Mary Shaw to support development of the trail systems by: Raising awareness of trails and building the community of trail users; providing discounted copies of the guidebook to trail councils for their use in fundraising; and contributing proceeds from sales to the Trail Volunteer Fund of the Pittsburgh Foundation. In addition to collecting information for the guide, Roy and Mary gained additional knowledge by actually riding the trails. The result is a comprehensive trail guidebook that will be a useful resource for trail riders and trail developers alike!
- Order a copy here.
Organize a trail event
Learn more about existing and planned trails in the region and beyond
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Imagine a trail that connects the country... Picture yourself … pedaling across the entire country on a safe, seamless and scenic pathway—or walking a local trail that connects along historic routes. Imagine the incomparable experience of exploring America’s heritage by trail—its potential, its beauty and bounty, its people and places. Consider the economic opportunities and the benefits for communities along the route of a multiuse trail that stretches more than 3,700 miles between Washington, D.C., and Washington State. |
COUNTY + REGIONAL trail organizations
multi-state trail organizations
State + National Trail websites
The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association (PALTA) has published for public review and feedback the beta version of a tool for finding trail groups across Pennsylvania. The map-based tool allows users to search for groups by county or identify the groups associated with a specific trail. It also allows users to search by trail type and other criteria. The tool’s purpose is to help people connect with trail groups (as contrasted with sites designed to help the public find trails to use). EXPLORE THE TOOL
Please send any corrections, additions, or suggestions for improvements to Josh VanBrakle at jvanbrakle@conserveland.org.
Please send any corrections, additions, or suggestions for improvements to Josh VanBrakle at jvanbrakle@conserveland.org.
