Networks of converted rail road corridors and bike paths of all kinds are being diligently expanded throughout the country. They are built and maintained by dedicated organizations all over, working toward linking trails together and making them available to the general public through organized tours that bring awareness to these growing trail systems.
Almost every state—even some towns and cities—has an organization devoted to trail development and maintenance.
While there are literally thousands of web sites that offer information about local trails, there are at least two major organizations that come to mind when it comes to bicycle trails.
1. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy located in Washington, DC, a major national non-profit organization whose staff maintains a database of converted rail trails thoughout the US. Their TrailLink.com site offers national rail trail search capability.
2. The Adventure Cycling Association which publishes a monthly magazine sent out to its members, as well as excellent trail maps for trails all over the country which are available for sale. They "help cyclists explore the landscapes and history of America for fitness, fun, and self-discovery."
Rail trails other trail systems provide a fantastic resource for credit-card touring cyclists to use when planning cycling vacations. BBTouring.com will be adding featured routes in various locations to this site that utilize rail trails, or other routes that are light on the legs, but heavy on the fun.
