Transcontinentalism is entrenched into the philosophy of the American identify
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Talkback:
What is the longest train ride you have ever taken?
How far do you think you can travel by rail-trail?

Ever since the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads met at Promontory Summit, Utah, in 1869, railroads have connected the United States from coast to coast. These transcontinental lines revolutionized the nation and its economy.

Abandoned railroads can provide new opportunities for transcontinental travel. Green and active transportation options are becoming more common with the development of long-distance trails that connect regions and states for both travel and recreation. The long, straight, and uninterrupted passages of converted rail corridors are ideal foundations on which to build these new highways.

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The Great American Rail-Trail: A New Transcontinental Connection

The Great American Rail-Trail is a proposed 3,700-mile continuous trail from Washington, D.C., to Washington State. It would run through 12 states and be within 50 miles of 50 million Americans. The project plans to connect 145 existing trails with 95 additions to fill the gaps. Its completion would create a new transcontinental route of safe, off-road walking and biking infrastructure of connected, community trail networks.

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Caption: Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail crossing the Niobrara River at Valentine, Nebraska, July 28, 2018. Photograph by Cate Kratville-Wrinn