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Since 2007, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) has been inducting
exemplary rail-trails—singly or in pairs—into its Rail-Trail Hall
of Fame. Of the nearly 2,000 rail-trails in the U.S., 29 inductees
are included in this special group. These Hall of Fame rail-trails
represent nearly every environment—from downtown urban corridors to
pathways stretching across wide-open prairie, along coastlines or through
mountain ranges. Many are pioneers of the movement, inspiring trail
development across the nation and revolutionizing how trails can enrich
communities along their route.
Among their ranks are some of the country’s first and longest rail-
trails, destination hotspots that have served as catalysts for economic
development and healthy lifestyles, and pathways that have helped inspire
regional trail development and define the cultural identity of their local
areas. Trails such as the Elroy-Sparta and Great Allegheny Passage are
American icons—and all in the Hall of Fame serve to inspire trail lovers
coast to coast. Here are some national treasures from the list—with images
that highlight their beauty, majesty and power to captivate.
Learn more about these and other trails on
George S. Mickelson Trail
(South Dakota)
Few rail-trails pack in as much
Wild West charm as South Dakota’s
George S. Mickelson Trail, which
runs 109 miles from the famous gold
rush town of Deadwood into the
heart of the Black Hills. Crossing
dozens of converted railroad bridges
and passing through dramatic rock
tunnels—traversing ponderosa pine
forests, narrow mountain valleys and
open prairie—the crushed-stone trail
offers unparalleled adventure and
natural beauty. Within an easy drive
of the trail, visitors will also find
several notable American landmarks:
Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse
Memorial, Badlands National Park,
Custer State Park and Wind Cave
National Park.
a view from...
Longleaf Trace (Mississippi) 
The second-longest rail-trail
in Mississippi (just behind the
Tanglefoot Trail, a newcomer),
the nearly 41-mile Longleaf Trace
offers mile after mile of the South’s
natural charms on its way from the
University of Southern Mississippi
in Hattiesburg to the quaint town
of Prentiss. The sweet fragrances of
honeysuckle and wisteria linger along
the paved pathway, while dogwood
and magnolia trees show off their
blossoms. The trail’s namesake long-
leaf pine trees, some more than 100
feet tall, also line the serene and sce-
nic rail-trail, which traverses several
bridges and tunnels.
THE RA
KERRY LISTON
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