With summer on the way, families are looking for more activities they can enjoy together outdoors. A great way to spend more time outside and stay healthy is walking, there are several trails in the area just waiting to be explored.
More and more communities are being connected by trails and trail networks. resulting in a paradise for experienced hikers and casual walkers, writes Suzanne Matyas for railstotrails.org.
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“Whether you’re venturing to a new city or finally getting around to playing the tourist in your own backyard, walking can connect you in a unique and unequaled way.”
The Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) is committed to connecting trails and building trail systems to bring people together, with a vision of healthy thriving communities. “Through our TrailNation™ initiative, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) is working with on-the-ground partners in diverse regions of the country to develop these vital assets—and create endless new connections to all the things that make our communities great.”
Whether you’re a veteran hiker that wants to check another trail off your list, or just curious to see what trails are close by, you’re in luck. Listed below are a few of the trails you can visit in RTC’s TrailNation network.
Anacostia Riverwalk Trail (Washington, D.C.)
The Anacostia Riverwalk trail currently spans 19 miles on both sides of the Anacostia River. The District Department of Transportation plans to expand the 19-mile trail to 28 miles, eventually connecting 16 neighborhoods, multiple parks, and shopping areas. This plan will encourage people to use the trails as a means of transportation as well as for leisure, and is part of a $10 billion dollar initiative to transform the Anacostia Waterfront.
Schuylkill River Trail (Pennsylvania)
The Schuylkill River Trail is huge, spanning over 5 counties between Philadelphia and Pottsville. The section of the trail between Valley Forge and Philadelphia connects hundreds of neighborhoods, parks, transit stations and waterfront areas in Montgomery County. Plans are in the works to extend the already massive trail to 130 miles along the Schuylkill River Heritage Corridor.
Gwynns Falls Trail (Maryland)
The Gwynns Falls Trail is part of the 35-mile Baltimore Greenway Trails Network. The popular 19-mile section of the trail network connects historical sites, neighborhoods, the urban business center and the Inner Harbor. The Inner Harbor is a world-class destination for knowledge, containing the National Aquarium and the Maryland Science Center. The trail system connects over 2,000 acres of public land within the Gwynn Falls stream valley, making it one of the largest woodland parks on the east coast.
For more information about the trails mentioned and to read about five more world class trails click here.
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