New 6,400km cycle route spanning the US to launch
The trail will cross 12 states
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Cyclists, rejoice: a 6,400km cycle route crossing the US is being created.
The ambitious project is to run from east to west across the country, with aims to complete it in a few years’ time.
The plans were announced by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, which has spent 18 months analysing existing trails across the US to come up with the best route.
The Great American Rail-Trail will cross 12 states from a starting point in Washington DC, on thousands of miles of connected trails separated from cars.
More than half of the route has been chosen from the US' existing 54,700km+ of trails.
The full route will be unveiled in spring, but will definitely go through Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, finishing up in Washington State.
“At RTC, we’ve known the potential of a coast-to-coast rail-trail for decades,” said RTC president Keith Laughlin.
“But before we committed to bringing this vision to life, we wanted to be certain it was viable.
“With open trails comprising more than 50 per cent of the potential route, combined with strong local and state enthusiasm, we are now confident that the Great American Rail-Trail can be completed.
“RTC is ready to lead the effort to connect the trail across communities, counties and state lines to create a seamless off-road biking and walking journey for the country.”
The news follows September’s announcement that a new hiking route has been launched through Chile’s Patagonia region.
Created to attract more tourists to the area and improve awareness of the need for conservation, the Route of Parks runs from Puerto Montt to Cape Horn – a distance of 2,800km in total.
The area is known for its lakes and rich array of wildlife and plants.
The trail was funded by US billionaire Douglas Tompkins and his wife Kristine. The North Face and Esprit co-founder, who died in a kayaking accident in Chile three years ago, set up the Tompkins Conservation foundation, which bought up great swathes of land in Chile and Argentina in order to preserve it.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments