About Trailsnet

The "about" page on the trailsnet website has been completely rewritten and revamped. Below is the text of the page so those of you blog readers can become more familiar with the website:

about trailsnet.com - If you want to find a trail on the internet, trailsnet is the place to look. We have a comprehensive list of trails, organized by state. Our trail descriptions include a brief list of important trail facts, a longer description of the trail, trail photos, and a trail map.

about our trails - We're all about trails! For a good idea of the types of trails found on trailsnet, take a look at the following two lists.

Characteristics of trailsnet trails:

• accessible
• appropriate for all ages & abilities
• multi-use (see list on right)

• recreational and commuter
• safe
• accessible to hikers & bikers
• suitable for active travelers
• usually fairly lengthy
• family friendly
• senior friendly
• often handicapped accessible

Types of trails found on trailsnet:

• bike trails
• hiking trails

• running trail

• equestrian trails
• recumbent trails
• Trikke trails
• inline skate trails
• Eliptigo trails
• snowshoe trails
• nordic ski trails
• rail trails

about active travel - Many people access trailsnet to find local trails for a day or weekend outing and that is wonderful. But one of the main goals of trailsnet is to promote active travel for couples, singles, families, seniors; for people of all ages, shapes, sizes, and abilities. Active travel is not quite the same as adventure travel. Whereas adventure travel is quite adrenaline-oriented, active travel is geared to a much wider audience and caters more to such characteristics as scenery, history, family gatherings, relaxation, exercise, and environmentally-friendly vacationing.

about trailsnet founder - Kevin Purdy is the founder of trailsnet and a huge trail fan. His love of rec-trails (see below) began in the late 1990s with the birth of his daughter. He went from avid mountain biker to occasional mountain biker quite rapidly. He wanted to continue enjoying the fun and fitness of biking, but in a way that was safer and more inclusive of his young daughter. On a three-generation trip to the Trail of the Hiawatha in Northern Idaho, Kevin discovered the joys of rail-trails and began a lifelong pursuit of family-friendly, multi-generational, mixed-use trails.

Since then, Kevin has traveled to most of the U.S. states in pursuit of the longest, friendliest, and most scenic trails in existence. He has documented his trail travels on the trailsnet website, trailsnet blog, and Everytrail guides. His future goals include traveling the world in pursuit of even more trails and publishing books to document his many trail discoveries and share them with you.

about rec-trails - Rec- trails have many names and is often incorrectly called a mountain bike trail. For the best idea of what constitutes a rec-trail, take a look at the characteristics... and types... charts found above. Those charts provide the "list version" of the rec-trail definition. To help you better understand what is meant by a rec-trail, I have provided two more lists (seems rather bureaucratic). The first one basically shows what is not a rec-trail. The second list gives you some common synonyms for rec-trails.

The common alternatives for rec-trails include the road and mountain bike trails. Here's a list of how rec-trails differ from the road (as in road biking) and mountain (as in mountain biking) trails:

• safer
• less stressful
• more inclusive
• not necessarily on a mountain
• both utilitarian (commuter) & fun
• available for all ages & abilities
• relaxing as opposed to competitive
• urban, suburban, & rural locations

other names for rec-trails:

• rail-trails
• commuter trails*
• multi-use trails
• canal trails
• bike trails
• urban trails
• greenways
• green-belts
• park trails
• bike paths
• family trails
• all-season trails

* I realize that the terms commuter trail and rec-trail seem a little oxymoronic but I have yet to come up with the perfect name for this type of trails. I welcome any and all suggestions.

About Trailsnet

Epic Trails on the Horizon

Neighborhood trails are fine for that quick bike ride after work or a family stroll on a weekend. But what about those of us who love to spend full days on the trails... even enjoy planning our vacations around long-distance trails?

Trail Vacations
I've been fortunate enough to travel all over the world and visit castles, cathedrals, theme parks, beaches, and landmarks. But after all that, I've found the most satisfying and fulfilling vacations include lots of time on the seat of a bicycle or in a pair of hiking boots. I enjoy trails for numerous reasons:

• I can see places I wouldn't see otherwise.
• I get exercise while touring.
• The trails are usually less crowded and always have a nice mix of tourists and locals.
• Long-distance trails often take you to authentic locations like a New England Village or an uncrowded beach.
• Rail-trails often allow you to view historical sites that are mostly unchanged over the years.
• Trails frequently go through a nice mix of urban, rural, and suburban.
• The slower pace of biking trails and hiking paths allow for a better view of the local scenery.

American Discovery Trail

One new trail that is currently being planned and constructed is the American Discovery Trail. It travels east to west (or vice-versa) and spans the entire width of the United States. If traveling from the Pacific Ocean, you would venture through California, Nevada, Utah, and into Colorado where the trail splits into two tracks near Denver. The north track takes you through Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. The south track takes you into Kansas Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. The trails come back together near the three-points region of Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. Then the trail continues through Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington D.C.

The ADT connects five national scenic trails such as the Appalachian and Pacific Crest trails. It also connects 10 national historic trails and 25 national recreation trails.

Great Plains Trail

Proposed map of Great Plains Trail

In the very early stages of planning, the Great Plains Trail runs north/south, like the Pacific Crest and Appalachian. In fact, it is our inland version of those two trails. It travels through seven states including Montana, South Dakota, Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Texas. The GPT will highlight the best of the Great American Plains including such beautiful areas as the American Prairie Reserve, Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, Black Hills, Scotts Bluff National Monument, Pawnee National Grasslands, Arikaree Breaks, Cammanche National Grasslands, Santa Fe National Historic Trail, and Guadalupe Peak in Texas.

You have a rare opportunity to get involved in these trails from the start and watch as they progress and come to fruition. I hope you become a part of history by following the development of two larger-than-life trails. Please let me know what part you play in the development of these great American classic trails.

Epic Trails on the Horizon

rail-trails for sale?

How much are our trails worth to you?

Times are tough, money is tight. We read the headlines every day. Funding will be reduced in an effort to reduce our nation's debt/deficit. As much as we'd like to believe that our precious trails will be exempt from the fiscal guillotine, that probably won't be the case.

So where will the funding come from to add more trails and maintain the current ones? Private donations play a role, but probably won't increase enough to make up for the upcoming government cuts.

In Florida, they have proposed selling the naming rights to their top eight trails to the highest bidder. Imagine such sports arenas as the Coors Field in Boulder, Colorado or the Honda Center in Anaheim. Now apply that to, say the Withlacoochee State Trail. Instead, it might be called the Budweiser State Trail or the Cigna Scenic Trail.

Do you think that's a good idea? I ask that in all sincerity, because I haven't decided yet. If it's done tastefully, it might not be such a bad idea. If the trail goes all commercial, with billboards every half mile, then it could be a nightmare.

Should rail-trails be funded by sponsorship
or trailside advertising?

Other options could include just selling sponsorship of the trailhead or allowing small, informational/advertising signs along the trail. This last suggestion is not as horrible as it sounds if the following rules are applied:

1. No more than one sign per mile is allowed.
2. Signs must be small, unobtrusive, and uniform.
3. Businesses must offer a service that is essential to trail users. Such services would include: lodging, camping, food, trail equipment sales, equipment rentals, equipment service
4. Signs would be simple, informational, and clear.

The signs suggested above would kill two birds with one stone. They would provide a steady flow of advertising income to the trail. They would provide information to trail users.

Don't picture big, gaudy billboards with garish colors and slogans. Instead, imagine small, wood or faux wood signs that list:

• Bob's Sporting Goods - .5 miles - trail left
• Emma's Diner - .3 miles - trail left
• Shady Cove Campground - .7 miles - trail right
• Shady Cove General Store - .7 miles - trail right

Only these official signs would be allowed on the trail right-of-way. Rather than advertising, they would be considered "trail sponsorship." Businesses would benefit from trail traffic and trail users would benefit from information about upcoming services. The trail would benefit from the funding.

What do you think? Should private industry be involved in public trails. Leave a comment with your input.

rail-trails for sale?

Let's Move... Outside... on a Trail

I am so pleased by the "Let's Move" organization sponsored by First Lady Michelle Obama.  They had a recent function in Keene, NH. At this function, they talked about healthy eating, a new recreation center, the Early Sprouts Gardening Center, and even Safe Routes to School.

What surprised me though, was that there wasn't any mention of the incredible rail trails that start right in or near the town of Keene. These would provide kids with activity, vitamin D from the sun, and a great outdoor experience... for absolutely free.

Two of my favorite rail-trails, the Cheshire Rail Trail and the Ashuelot Rail Trail both start in Keene, New Hampshire. They are beautiful, long, and even historic. So how can you go wrong when you combine community, with exercise, with sunshine, and history. It sounds like a great mix and a great fit for the Let's Move organization.

Of Course, I will be contacting them with my thoughts and ideas. I would love to see the Let's Move program embrace trails. It's a great project that can be even better!

Let's Move... Outside... on a Trail

Rail trails are all that, plus linear parks

We have looked at rail-trails from numerous perspectives, but we haven't spent much time considering them as parks or extensions to a park.

Yet in some instances, that is exactly what they are. Some communities even call their trails "linear parks." (Just like I sometimes refer to highways as "linear parking lots." Especially during rush hour.)

In a recent blog from the Local Ecologist, rail trails were viewed as an expansion to city park systems. In fact, Rail Trails were sixth on a list of a dozen "approaches to expanding city park systems."

Rail trails are family trails.

I liked that way of looking at trails, but I suggested that it wasn't just one of twelve ways to expand the parks; I commented that rail-trail are the best way to expand the park systems. I listed the following reasons why rail-trails are my favorite option for expanding city parks:
- promote exercise
- promote environmentally friendly commuting
- link one park to another
- promote family togetherness
- help fight obesity
- less expensive to maintain than either roads or traditional parks
- often funded & developed by multiple entities such as cities, states, feds, rails-to-trails conservancy, lottery funds, parks departments, private individuals, volunteers, local clubs like bike or snowmobile groups, etc.


As with most blogs, I'm likely preaching to the choir here. Each person reading this blog probably already knows and appreciates the incredible value of rail trails. So our next step is to educate those people who don't know and convince everyone that trails of all kinds are valuable and should be fully funded.

Rail trails are all that, plus linear parks

The Dirt Bum blog

I enjoy finding blogs about bicycle touring and the people who ride their bikes for enjoyment and exploration.

bike riding w/ friends on a
great American rail-trail

One of my recent finds is the Dirt Bum blog. It's by a guy who enjoys exploring the back roads of Kansas on his bike. I think what really caught my attention was his information about the time he spent riding a couple different recumbents. I usually assume (sometimes incorrectly) that people who ride recumbents are more into the scenery, relaxation, and recreation of riding rather than the speed & competition. Since that's my style of biking, it's fun to read the experiences of like-minded individuals

Of course I had to ask, in the comments section of the blog, if he'd had any experience on rail-trails.  I know that Kansas is home to the Prairie Spirit Rail Trail and a few smaller ones also.

Don't get me wrong. Sometimes I enjoy biking the back roads. But when I really want to relax and enjoy my biking, nothing beats a good rail-trail.

I'd love to continue exploring blogs that are related to trails, bicycling, and active travel. If you have any suggestions, please leave a comment. I love to get reader feedback about the other favorite blogs out there.

The Dirt Bum blog

The Making of a Rail Trail

How does a rail trail get built?

I recently read an article from the Salem News (I love their witch-on-a-broom logo.) about building the Danvers Rail Trail which would run from Peabody to Wenham. Now I know nothing about Peabody, except that I once wrestled a guy from Montana whose last name was Peabody. But that's beside the point.

construction on
Mount Vernon Trail in Virginia

I also realized that I know very little about building rail-trails either. You'd think that since I'm such a huge fan of them, I'd know more, but...

One of the first factors to consider has absolutely nothing to do with the physical labor involved w/ building a rail trail. It's the paperwork, the community relations, the permits, etc. Community members must be notified, meetings held, people convinced of the worthiness. That would be way harder than swinging a pulaski.

Then, before the trail can be built, the old railroad ties & tracks haveto be removed, the routes has to be surveyed and graded. Vegetation needs to be thinned or removed. Remember, all of this has to be done before one bit of trail gets built.

construction on
Mount Vernon Trail in Virginia

Oh, did I mention finding the land, purchasing the land, obtaining the easements, zoning, safety regulations, contracting w/ a trail building company, building bridges, repairing bridges, meeting environmental standards, avoiding or replacing wetlands...

Yikes!! When I think about it, it's amazing that we have so many of the best trails that we do. It also makes me appreciate those trails even more.

My thanks go out to the trail organizations, builders, fund-raisers, planners, and, of course, users. Next time you ride a trail, try to remember how special it is and all the work that went into planning and implementing the trail construction.

The Making of a Rail Trail

Rails to Trails Vision

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is one of the most important organizations out there. I like what they've done in the past, what they're doing right now, and their vision for the future.

In their "Welcome" flyer, they have proposed the following "bold ideas:"

• They want to, "...double the amount of funds that support trails..."



biker on the C & O Canal  Towpath Trail

• They want to create a "True Nationwide Network [of trails] ... to ensure that all Americans can enjoy the benefits and beauty of rail-trails." More specifically, they have set a goal that by 2020, "90 percent of Americans will live within three miles of a local trail system."

Those goals are noble, simply stated, and achievable. But they won't necessarily be easy to achieve. They need our help. If you are interested to learn more about the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, visit their website and become involved in their mission. 

Rails to Trails Vision

Bike equipment for rail-trails.

I have often spoken of the many benefits of rail trails when it comes to health, the environment, alleviating traffic congestion, family togetherness, and saving fossil fuels.

Rail trails are for everyone.

Another benefit of rail trails is their versatility. Not only are they an ideal fit for nearly all possible riders, regardless of age, size, or ability, they are also versatile when it comes to equipment. Nearly any type of cycle will work on most rail-trails. Personally, I have ridden recumbents, mountain bikes, cruisers, road bikes, and hybrid bicycles on rail trails. And I was quite comfortable in all instances. (Sometimes road bikes are less-than-ideal on dirt or gravel trails, so I use one of the other types of bikes for those trails.)

It's nice to know that you don't need something fancy, expensive, or technical to enjoy the vast network of rails-to-trails out there. Not only is it physically possible to ride just about any type of non-motorized wheeled vehicle on the rail trail network, but it's also socially acceptable. Unlike road and mountain biking, there is no expectation that you wear certain clothes and ride expensive bikes. Rail trails are like the great equalizer. Everyone from all backgrounds and socioeconomic groups is welcome. Spandex or no spandex, fancy bike or plain Jane bike, you're accepted just the way you are.

Ya gotta love rail trails.

Bike equipment for rail-trails.

Recumbent bikes and trikes

For those of you interested in recumbents, I just added the recumbent bicycle source to the blogroll (in the left column).

I still think that recumbents and rail-trails are the perfect mix. Riding a recumbent trike or bike on a rail trail is about as close to heaven on earth as we can get.

I rented this recumbent for my ride on the Longleaf Trace Trail in Mississippi

Recumbent bikes and trikes

Bicycle Travel on the Rise

Active travel in general and bicycle travel specifically is on the rise. More people are choosing to jump on rail-trails or pedal the highways & byways of this country rather than lounging around the pool or zipping by the monuments and mountains in their cars.

Looking down on the C & O Canal Towpath trail from
the Western Maryland Rail Trail.

Recent press releases from Adventure Cycling Association and various outdoor tourism blogs have cited some incredibly heartening trends in the travel industry:

• Despite the recession & high unemployment, active travel tour companies are seeing an increase in visitor traffic and, in some cases, they're having record years.
• In addition to private travel companies, states and municipalities are seeing an increase in bicycle-related visits and, as a result, many are increasing their marketing toward the active travelers.
• More communities are beginning to add infrastructure such as trails and lodging to attract bicyclists.
• U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray  LaHood seems to be a big supporter of bicycling and other modes of alternative transportation.
• The Rail-Trail network continues to expand in both potential (new land acquired) and in trail miles.
• The U.S. is seeing an increased influx of travelers from other countries who travel here specifically to utilize the rail-trails.

None of this is surprising or new to me. I spend vast amounts of time on the trail all throughout the United States. I see more and more people of all ages, shapes, and backgrounds riding their bikes on our network of rail-trails.

As I talk to people, I notice a fairly equal mix. About half of them are locals, out enjoying the fresh air and exercise. The other half are travelers who specifically planned their vacation around one or more rail trail. Some of them are U.S. citizens and others come from around the world. These people stay in local hotels, eat at local restaurants, and buy souvenirs in local stores. In other words, they are helping to boost the local economy. And in every instance, they are friendly, kind, and caring people. They are truly interested in their health, the outdoors, and the local culture; they are just the type of tourists every town dreams of.

But don't take my word for it. Get out on a trail; talk to your fellow trail-users. You will enjoy both the  outdoor experience and the social experience.

Bicycle Travel on the Rise

Bike crashes

Youtube and other sites have thousands of videos of bike crashes. Many of them are pretty wicked. I have noticed one common factor.

All of them are either on the road or on mountain bike trails. None of them are on rail-trails or other multi-use trails. Let's keep it that way. Let's keep rail trails as the last bastion of sanity in the biking world. It doesn't matter whether they're urban trails, country trails or something in between; safe and relaxing trails are good trails.

Bike crashes

Wheelchair Accessible Trails

I am extremely pleased to announce that I've discovered a website that features wheelchair accessible trails.

It is www.wheelchairtrails.net. It provides access information about San Francisco Bay Area parks.


You've probably read my rants about the senseless focus on only mountain bike trails and road bike routes. 


Yes, I'm an avid mountain biker, and I realize there are hundreds of thousands of people who enjoy riding on mountain bike trails and on roads. But I believe there are even more people who would enjoy riding bikes if they had access to multipurpose trails such as rail-trails. 


everyone, regardless of age, ability, physical condition, or bicycle type. To help improve health, the environment, and family togetherness, we must promote bicycling for everyone, not just people of a certain age or ability.That is one of the reasons why I started trailsnet.com. It is a website that features trails for literally 


For a listing of multipurpose trails and multi-use paths throughout the U.S., visit trailsnet.com to find the best trails.

Wheelchair Accessible Trails

Crazy Guy on a Bike

I just found an interesting website called Crazy Guy on a Bike. It features user-generated information about bike trips including information by category such as recumbent bike trips. I didn't see anything specifically for rail-trails (multi-use).
I checked out the daily log page (it wasn't quite what I'd call a blog) of a guy who toured the perimeter of Britannia on a recumbent bike. It was a fascinating trip and he was an excellent photographer.
If you've found any great trail/bike websites, let me know.

Crazy Guy on a Bike

Are trails a waste of money?

Recently, Senator John McCain of Arizona commented "...Congress is frivolously spending the Highway Trust Fund for pet projects like walkways and bicycle paths..."
Do you consider bicycle paths a waste of money?
Now's your chance to voice your opinion.

Are trails a waste of money?

Wisconsin #1

I just read an article today about rails-to-trails in general and about Wisconsin rails-to-trails specifically. According to the article, Wisconsin is the #1 rails-to-trails state in the nation. Personally, I've never been there, but I'd love to visit this summer.
I hope to hear from some of you about your favorite trail experiences. Any proud Wisconsinites who want to affirm your #1 ranking. How about those of you from other state who may want to refute Wisconsin's ranking as #1.

Wisconsin #1

trailsnet

Do you enjoy riding your bike? Do you enjoy exploring new trails? Are you looking for great trails all over the country?

I would answer yes to all of the above. Over the years, I've enjoyed mountain biking, road biking, and recumbent biking. Now, I prefer multitrails such as rail-trails. One of my favorite pursuits is to travel across the country to ride on a great trail. I know there are other people out there like me, because I see them on the various trails.

Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of forums out there for us active travelers. That is why I developed a website called trailsnet.com. It posts the names, locations, descriptions, and photos of great trails located from Washington D.C. to Hawaii. All of the trails (45 at this point) are ones that I've personally ridden. And all the trails are widely accessible for bikers of all levels.

Please visit my site and tell me what you think. There's a contact page and another blog located directly on the site.
Visit a network of trails on the internet at trailsnet.com.

trailsnet