Rail-to-Trail Conversions Reach a Milestone Mile Count

Decommissioned railway corridors are being converted into walking and cycling trails faster than ever.Advocacy groups say abandoned rail beds are ideal for trail conversion since they're already graded flat and often connect towns that lack safe walking or biking routes between them. The trails have become unexpected economic drivers, with small businesses opening along popular routes to serve cyclists and hikers passing through. Planners are now studying whether some of the busiest converted corridors could eventually host light rail again alongside the trail.