Travel and adventure lovers will be excited to know that an ambitious one-of-a-kind project is under way. This is the Great American Rail-Trail. It aims to give life to a cycle path that connects 12 states from east to west, including Pennsylvania, Indiana, Nebraska, and Washington.
Great American Rail-Trail: the new coast to coast cycle path of the United States
It is an extremely ambitious project; it is the first cycle path of this magnitude, not only in the American continent, but also in the rest of the world with its almost 3700 miles in length.
Currently, 52% of the route has already been completed. The remaining 48% will be achievable thanks to the cooperation of many partners scattered throughout the territory. The route was built using disused railway lines and it is estimated that at the end of the works, it will connect more than 145 existing rail-trails.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is the organization that conceived and made this work possible. The idea came from the co-founder of RTC, David Burwell. He dreamed that one day it would be possible to go across the entire country on flat, wide, off-road paths. So, in 2016 the project was started.
Why is this experience so unique?
If you love sport, freedom, travels, and challenges, this is the adventure you were looking for.
The trail was designed to offer a top-quality experience to all types of users: cyclists, pedestrians, runners, passing tourists or simply skateboarding lovers. The path is safe, away from the noise of the city and vehicle traffic. Moreover, passenger services will also be provided along the way.
Imagine crossing state by state surrounded by peace, nature scents and sounds, colours and landscapes that change mile after mail. Be amazed by real treasures such as the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park in Maryland and the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes in Idaho.
Watercourses and lush vegetation are just some of the natural elements that will leave you speechless and will make your experience memorable.
-
- Photo by Louise Pilgaard on Unsplash
-
- Photo by Adisa F on Unsplash
For those who are interested in having more information on the project and on the path, the dedicated web page provides any detail. A part of the website is also entirely dedicated to the discovery, state by state, of the paths and parks that can be found along the way. Do not hesitate to immerse yourself in reading. Fantasize with your mind and plan the journey stage by stage.
All you have to do is wait for the work to be completed. Then, shoulder your rucksack and off you go!
Featured image: Photo by frank mckenna on Unsplash
