Rail Trail Hall Of Fame

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The experts from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy present 33 Hall of Fame rail-trails found in 29 states across the country.

In this edition in the popular series, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy presents the best of the West. With 70 rural, suburban, and urban trails threading through 1,050 miles, Rail-Trails West covers 60 trails in California, eight in Arizona, and two in Nevada. Many rail-trails offer escapes from city life, like the Mount Lowe Railway Trail, high above the buzzing Los Angeles basin on a rail line vacationers once took to a mountaintop resort. Others offer the pure sensory thrill of sweeping terrain, like Arizona's 7-mile Prescott Peavine Trail. Still more juxtapose the natural world with the railroad's industrial past, like Nevada's Historic Railroad Hiking Trail, which passes through five massive tunnels to reach Hoover Dam. Every trip has a detailed map, directions to the trailhead, and information about parking, restroom facilities, and other amenities. Many of the level rail-trails are suitable for walking, jogging, bicycling, inline skating, wheelchairs, and horses.

With over 15,000 copies sold, Cycling the Kettle Valley has proven to be a remarkable resource for anyone interested in the stunning abandoned railbed located in the southern interior of British Columbia. One of the premier rail trails in North America, it contains spectacular sections through impressive canyons requiring tunnels and trestles to carry the railbed through rock ridges and across mountain streams. Growing public interest in conservation of the railbed and its structures, along with government support, has resulted in many improvements in both access and safety. The Kettle Valley Railway and its many connectors offer the cyclist everything from easy day-riding to multi-day adventures through the magnificent scenery of southern British Columbia between Midway and Hope. This world-renowned guidebook includes detailed maps, safety tips, historic information, a listing of accommodations and a kilometre by kilometre guide to each of the Kettle Valley Railway subdivisions.

The official guidebooks for the nationwide rail-trails system, the new Rail-Trails series books have an easy-to-use layout and design, clear maps, and precise trip descriptions. With 55 rural, suburban, and urban trails spanning 630 miles, Rail-Trails Southeast covers Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, and Tennessee. Visit historic battlefields, see the world's largest cast-iron statue, travel through a gorge, and watch beavers and herons along the Southeast's historic rail-trails. Includes two-color maps for each trip and succinct directions.

Across the country, more than 1600 unused railroad corridors have been converted to level, public, multiuse trails, where people can enjoy a fitness run, a leisurely bike ride, or a stroll with the family. In this new guide in the popular series, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy presents the Northwest region's finest rail-trails plus other great multiuse trails. Rail-Trails Washington & Oregon includes detailed coverage of more than 40 great trails. Many rail-trails are paved and run through the most scenic parts of town. Others travel along dense forests, open fields, and lush waterways. Some explore the area's history, and others help users enjoy the serenity of the rural countryside. Favorites noted by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy staff include the Chehalis Western Trail and Olympic Discovery Trail in Washington and the Banks-Vernonia State Trail in Oregon. This full-color book includes succinct descriptions of each trail from start to finish, plus at-a-glance summary information indicating permitted uses, surface type, length, and directions to trailheads for each trail. Every trip has a detailed map that includes start and end points, trailhead, parking, restroom facilities, and other amenities.

Explore 72 of the best rail-trails and other multiuse pathways throughout California. All across the country, unused railroad corridors have been converted into public multiuse trails. Level and accessible, these paths are ideal for a brisk fitness walk, bike ride, or stroll with the family. In Rail-Trails California, the experts from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy present the best of these routes, as well as other multiuse pathways. Many rail-trails are paved and run within view of the most scenic parts of town. Others, such as the Merced River Trail, offer rugged scenery on ungroomed, mostly dirt, and somewhat wild paths. Take in the Southern California sunshine on the smooth Bayshore Bikeway. Enjoy sandy beaches, sea lions, and shopping along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Travel between two artificial lakes on the Crystal Springs Regional Trail or between two dams on the Sacramento River Rail Trail. Find public art, a Japanese garden, and a wildlife preserve along the Orange Line Bike Path. Experience the varying personalities of the 25-mile Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail. Whether you’re on feet or wheels, you’ll love the variety in this collection of multiuse trails! Inside you’ll find: Informative descriptions written by rail-trail experts Detailed maps for every featured trail GPS coordinates of parking waypoints Icons indicating the activities that each trail accommodates Information you can rely on from the official guide to rail-trails “You can now throw away all your self-help books on fighting depression, losing weight, toning muscles, finding something to do with your kids, and learning American history. Just use this guide, find a great trail—and enjoy!” —Peter Harnik, Director, Center for City Park Excellence, Trust for Public Land