From Rails to Trails

From Rails to Trails PDF Author: Peter Harnik
Publisher: U of Nebraska Press
ISBN: 1496226550
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 280

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Book Description
If, as Wallace Stegner said, the national park is “the best idea we ever had,” the rail-trail is certainly a close runner-up. Part transportation corridor, part park, the rail-trail has revolutionized the way America creates high-quality, car-free pathways for bicyclists, runners, walkers, equestrians, and more. It was only a few decades after railroad barons had run roughshod over America’s economy and politics that they began to shed nearly one hundred thousand miles of unneeded railroad corridor. At the same time, bicyclists were being so thoroughly pushed off ever-more-intimidating roadways they came close to extinction. Through political organizing and lawyerly grit, an unlikely, formerly marginalized advocacy arose, seized on seemingly worthless strips of land, and created a resource that is treasured by millions of Americans today for recreation, purposeful travel, tourism, conservation, and historical interpretation. From Rails to Trails is the fascinating tale of the rails-to-trails movement as well as a consideration of what the continued creation of rail-trails means for the future of Americans’ health, nonmotorized transportation networks, and communities across the country.

From Rails to Trails

From Rails to Trails PDF Author: Peter Harnik
Publisher: U of Nebraska Press
ISBN: 1496226550
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 280

Get Book Here

Book Description
If, as Wallace Stegner said, the national park is “the best idea we ever had,” the rail-trail is certainly a close runner-up. Part transportation corridor, part park, the rail-trail has revolutionized the way America creates high-quality, car-free pathways for bicyclists, runners, walkers, equestrians, and more. It was only a few decades after railroad barons had run roughshod over America’s economy and politics that they began to shed nearly one hundred thousand miles of unneeded railroad corridor. At the same time, bicyclists were being so thoroughly pushed off ever-more-intimidating roadways they came close to extinction. Through political organizing and lawyerly grit, an unlikely, formerly marginalized advocacy arose, seized on seemingly worthless strips of land, and created a resource that is treasured by millions of Americans today for recreation, purposeful travel, tourism, conservation, and historical interpretation. From Rails to Trails is the fascinating tale of the rails-to-trails movement as well as a consideration of what the continued creation of rail-trails means for the future of Americans’ health, nonmotorized transportation networks, and communities across the country.

Rail-Trails Southeast

Rail-Trails Southeast PDF Author: Rails-to-Trails-Conservancy
Publisher: Wilderness Press
ISBN: 0899977081
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 217

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Book Description
The official guidebooks for the nationwide rail-trails system, the new Rail-Trails series books have an easy-to-use layout and design, clear maps, and precise trip descriptions. With 55 rural, suburban, and urban trails spanning 630 miles, Rail-Trails Southeast covers Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, and Tennessee. Visit historic battlefields, see the world's largest cast-iron statue, travel through a gorge, and watch beavers and herons along the Southeast's historic rail-trails. Includes two-color maps for each trip and succinct directions.

Rail-Trails Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York

Rail-Trails Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York PDF Author: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Publisher: Wilderness Press
ISBN: 0899976670
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 386

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Book Description
Across the country, more than 1,600 unused railroad corridors have been converted to level, public, multiuse trails, where people can enjoy a fitness run, a leisurely bike ride, or a stroll with the family. In this newest addition to the popular series, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy presents the Northeast's finest rail-trails. Rail-Trails Northeast covers one hundred of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania's rail-trails. With a rich industrial and passenger rail history, the Northeast is one of the densest rail-trail regions in the country. Rural, suburban, or urban, rail-trails serve as the backbone of an impressive trail system. This two-color book includes succinct descriptions of each trail from start to finish, plus at-a-glance summary information indicating permitted uses, surface type, length, and directions to trailheads for each trail. Every trip has a detailed map that includes start and end points, trailhead, parking, restroom facilities, and other amenities.

Rail-Trails Florida

Rail-Trails Florida PDF Author: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Publisher: Wilderness Press
ISBN: 0899978207
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 194

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Book Description
Florida visitors are often surprised by both the beauty of its trails and by the great variety of its landscapes. Although Florida doesn't have any mountains, it does offer trails with views of everything from beaches and bluffs to prairies and wetlands. In this comprehensive trail guide, you'll find some of the best, most beautiful trails in Florida. Many of the trails were converted from unused railroad corridors to become some of the best multiuse rail-trails in the state. In this guidebook, experts from Rail-to-Trails Conservancy present their final list of the top trails and rail-trails in Florida, selected from more than 100 in the state. In addition to details about each trail, Rail-Trails Florida also provides information about trail amenities, including restrooms, parking facilities, and water fountains.

Rail-Trails West

Rail-Trails West PDF Author: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Publisher: Wilderness Press
ISBN: 0899974899
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 202

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Book Description
In this newest edition in the popular series, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy presents the best of the West. With 70 rural, suburban, and urban trails threading through 1,050 miles, Rail-Trails West covers 60 trails in California, eight in Arizona, and two in Nevada. Many rail-trails offer escapes from city life, like the Mount Lowe Railway Trail, high above the buzzing Los Angeles basin on a rail line vacationers once took to a mountaintop resort. Others offer the pure sensory thrill of sweeping terrain, like Arizona's 7-mile Prescott Peavine Trail. Still more juxtapose the natural world with the railroad's industrial past, like Nevada's Historic Railroad Hiking Trail, which passes through five massive tunnels to reach Hoover Dam. Every trip has a detailed map, directions to the trailhead, and information about parking, restroom facilities, and other amenities. Many of the level rail-trails are suitable for walking, jogging, bicycling, inline skating, wheelchairs, and horses.

Rail-Trails Minnesota

Rail-Trails Minnesota PDF Author: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Publisher: Wilderness Press
ISBN: 0899978223
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 178

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Book Description
Whether you're looking for a trail for a leisurely stroll, a bike ride with the family, or something a bit more challenging, you'll find it in this comprehensive trail guide highlighting the best, most highly rated trails in Minnesota. Many of the trails were converted from unused railroad corridors to become some of the best multiuse rail-trails in the state. In this guidebook, experts from Rail-to-Trails Conservancy present their final list of 48 of the best trails and rail-trails in Minnesota. Experience first-hand how Minnesota earned the nickname "Land of 10,000 Lakes" by taking one of several paths through the various lake districts, including the 121-mile Paul Bunyan State Trail, one of the longest rail-trails in the United States. In addition to details about each trail, Rail-Trails Minnesota also provides information about trail amenities, including restrooms, parking facilities, and water fountains.

Rails to Trails

Rails to Trails PDF Author: Diane Ham
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781737753704
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
A history of Rochester Junction in Mendon, NY. Chronicles the area's days as a key stop on the Lehigh Valley Railroad, through its conversion to a rail-trail by the Mendon Foundation and Monroe County Parks.

Rail-Trails Washington & Oregon

Rail-Trails Washington & Oregon PDF Author: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Publisher: Wilderness Press
ISBN: 0899977944
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 170

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Book Description
Across the country, more than 1600 unused railroad corridors have been converted to level, public, multiuse trails, where people can enjoy a fitness run, a leisurely bike ride, or a stroll with the family. In this new guide in the popular series, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy presents the Northwest region's finest rail-trails plus other great multiuse trails. Rail-Trails Washington & Oregon includes detailed coverage of more than 40 great trails. Many rail-trails are paved and run through the most scenic parts of town. Others travel along dense forests, open fields, and lush waterways. Some explore the area's history, and others help users enjoy the serenity of the rural countryside. Favorites noted by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy staff include the Chehalis Western Trail and Olympic Discovery Trail in Washington and the Banks-Vernonia State Trail in Oregon. This full-color book includes succinct descriptions of each trail from start to finish, plus at-a-glance summary information indicating permitted uses, surface type, length, and directions to trailheads for each trail. Every trip has a detailed map that includes start and end points, trailhead, parking, restroom facilities, and other amenities.

New Hampshire Rail Trails

New Hampshire Rail Trails PDF Author: Charles Fontaine Martin
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Transportation
Languages : en
Pages : 308

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Book Description
The most comprehensive guide yet written on multi-use rail trails in New Hampshire, with inviting prose, 95 meticulous maps, and 180 photographs of railroad artifacts, scenery, and trail conditions. Includes capsule histories of the abandoned railroads that formerly operated in New Hampshire, followed by detailed descriptions of the trails that have taken their place. Each trail description includes ratings of the trail surface condition and the scenery along the trail; a list of permitted uses; clear instructions for parking and accessing the trail; and comprehensive notes on natural and historical sights and railroad artifacts that trail users will see along the way.

24 Great Rail-trails of New Jersey

24 Great Rail-trails of New Jersey PDF Author: Craig Della Penna
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781889787046
Category : Bicycle trails
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
24 Great Rail Trails of New Jersey is the essential outdoor guide to the best multi-use recreational trails in the Garden State. Each rail-trail has been converted from an abandoned railroad line as part of the nation-wide rails-to-rails movement, so these routes are historic as well as scenic. The accessibility and beauty of rail-trails can be enjoyed by a variety of outdoor enthusiasts, including bicyclists, hikers, equestrians, and the disabled. This guide contains all the information you need to experience the adventure of rail-trails: maps, specific directions, organizations, local contacts, B&Bs, resources for bike repair, plus fascinating stories of railroad history. You are invited to discover the delightful, educational, and healthy possibilities of the rail-trails.