A trail running from Washington D.C. to Washington state. That is the promise of the Great American Rail-Trail. It will be a coast to coast corridor for runners, hikers and cyclists to travel, removed from the danger and noise of motor vehicle traffic.
The trail will be built upon unused railways, and, like the railways themselves, the trails are being constructed concurrently in segments, which will meet up to form the completed trail. As of this writing, more than 50% of the monumental trail has already been created.
Without such a trail, announcing your intention to hike, or ride, coast to coast would get you labeled as peculiar. Remember the time you were given your first pocket knife, and you boasted to all your friends about your plan to carve a totem pole? …Neither do I, but I imagine people would have a similar view of those attempting a cross country journey, before this dedicated trail simplified such an undertaking. This purpose built trail will embolden, and enable, many to embark on a journey that will be remembered for the rest of their lives.
Not only will the rail-trail provide an opportunity to pedal your way across the nation, it will serve as a safe option for environmentally friendly commutes. Spurs leading from the main trail can be constructed, eliminating the need for last mile transportation, allowing cyclists to bike door to door.
The Great American Rail-trail is a fine example of repurposing an existing resource for outdoor recreation. Can you think of similar resources that have been left unused? Where can we create new opportunities to integrate nature with our everyday lives? As the global population continues to grow, it is increasingly important to purposefully plan that growth, preserving wild places, with the health benefits of spending time in nature in mind.
