Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Seattle

A Bike Trail from Washington to Washington — It’s Happening

10:29 AM EDT on May 9, 2019

Photo: Milo Bateman via Rails-to-Trails

A long-time dream — a bike trail that stretched ocean to ocean across the U.S. — is starting to really take shape.

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy on Thursday announced plans for the 3,700-mile route across the U.S., from Washington, D.C., to Washington State. The "Great American Rail-Trail" route (map) is already half complete, thanks to 1,900 miles of existing trails.

Rails-to-Trails will be working with state and local governments and other planning and business groups over the next "several decades" to fill the 1,700 miles of gaps, the organization said.

Much of the remaining gaps are in rural western states, including Wyoming and Montana.

There will be 3,700 miles of trails, from Washington, D.C. to Washington State: That's the plan with the Great American Trial. Image: Rails-to-Trails
There will be 3,700 miles of trails, from Washington, D.C. to Washington State: That's the plan with the Great American Trial. Image: Rails-to-Trails

“We know that it will take a significant investment of time, resources and energy to complete the Great American Rail-Trail — but it will be worth it,” Kevin Mills, RTC’s vice president of policy, said in a statement. "It will take the help of trail lovers and leaders to bring this vision to life."

The trail will eventually pass through Pittsburgh, Columbus, Dayton, Cedar Rapids and Missoula before terminating in Seattle. The route was selected with input from local and state officials and trail advocates. But the map is still just the "preferred route" and may be subject to change as it takes further shape.

Rails-to-Trails expects the trail to be a tourism boon for small towns and cities located along its path.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Thursday’s Headlines Are Inside Out

Cars and trucks are getting safer for drivers and passengers, but people outside the vehicles are increasingly in danger.

September 28, 2023

New Federal Committee Will Push for Transportation Equity By Helping DOT Reckon With Its Past

“No one alive today is necessarily responsible for the origins of the [transportation] inequities that we inherited. But everybody who was alive today and in a position of responsibility, is accountable for what we do about it. That's why we're here.” 

September 28, 2023

Report: America’s Historic Bike Boom is Flatlining

"This growth won't continue forever without being facilitated by more infrastructure investment, [and particularly] safety infrastructure."

September 28, 2023

SF Advocates Explore How Enhancing Disability Access on Transit Helps for Everyone

BART was the first accessible transit system in the country. Advocates want Bay Area transit agencies to do better at keeping buses and trains accessible for all.

September 27, 2023

Wednesday’s Headlines Ask How Much a Life Is Worth

There isn't much of a financial penalty for drivers who kill pedestrians — even if those drivers are cops.

September 27, 2023
See all posts