Running from east to west across the country, the US will launch a 6,400 km cycle route that will be competed in a few years’ time.
Rails –to-Trails Conservancy announced the plans after analyzing for 18 months the existing trails across the U.S.
From a starting point in Washington DC, on thousands of miles of connected trails separated from cars the Great American Rail-Trail will be crossing 12 states.
From the US’ existing 54,700km+ of trails more than half of the route was chosen. The entire route will be unveiled in spring and will go through Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho and finish up in Washington State.
RTC president Keith Laughlin said that at RTC, they know the potential of a coast-to-coast rail-trail for decades.
The open trails comprise more than 50 per cent of the potential route along with strong local and state enthusiasm. Laughlin was confident that the Great American Rail-Trail could be complete.
RTC will be connecting the trail across communities, counties and state lines to create a seamless off-road biking and walking journey for the country.
In September a new hiking route was launched through Chile’s Patagonia region.
The Route of Parks runs from Puerto Montt to Cape Horn covering a total distance of 2,800 km and is created to attract more tourists to the area and improve awareness for conservation.
Douglas Tompkins and his wife Kristine funded the trail. The Tompkins Conservation foundation was set up to bring great swathes of land in Chile and Argentina for preservation.
