Castillo Rancon
Rusting tracks and forgotten tunnels once echoed with the rhythm of passing trains. Today, these abandoned railways have been reborn as scenic trails, weaving through forests and mountains. Their transformation offers breathtaking views, rich history, and a chance to walk where locomotives once roared. For those seeking adventure and nostalgia, here are ten remarkable paths to see.
Katy Trail State Park (Missouri)
Originally serving as the backbone of Missouri’s railway commerce, the Katy Trail now invites visitors to traverse its historic 240-mile route. The journey unfolds through towns like Rocheport, a once-vital riverport for settlers and traders founded in 1825. Cyclists encounter remnants of old rail bridges, now offering sweeping river views.
Great Allegheny Passage (Pennsylvania & Maryland)
Once an important rail corridor connecting Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland, this 150-mile trail intertwines industrial history with natural beauty. Adventurers pedal past relics of 20th-century rail tunnels, including the inspiring Big Savage Tunnel. Towering viaducts provide panoramic perspectives, making each ascent a rewarding spectacle.
Empire State Trail (New York)
Across 750 miles, the Empire State Trail binds together New York’s cultural and historical heritage. The route winds through the picturesque Hudson Valley and passes historic villages like Kinderhook. Beyond nature, it leads into vibrant urban corridors, which provide a glimpse of revitalized industrial districts.
Union Pacific Rail Trail (Utah)
With a path through Utah’s rugged terrain, this 28-mile trail traces the remnants of an abandoned Union Pacific railway. The route begins in Park City, where old rail lines once transported silver ore from nearby mines. Today, towering cottonwoods line the way, their golden leaves fluttering over the gravel path in autumn.
Silver Comet Trail (Georgia)
The 61-mile trail in Georgia follows the historic path of the Silver Comet train, blending suburban edges with deep forest corridors. Riders enjoy a peaceful, steady ride—until they reach the Brushy Mountain Tunnel, where silence breaks with echoes of engines that haven’t run in years.
Elroy-Sparta State Trail (Wisconsin)
Considered the first rail-to-trail conversion in the U.S., this 32-mile pathway provides a journey through Wisconsin’s countryside. The route is punctuated by three tunnels, each carved through limestone ridges in the 19th century. Along the way, small towns like Kendall and Wilton provide welcoming rest stops for travelers.
High Bridge Trail State Park (Virginia)
A journey along this 32.2-mile trail unveils the remnants of the South Side Railroad, culminating at the impressive High Bridge. Originally constructed in 1854, the bridge played a pivotal role in Civil War troop movements and now stands as one of the longest recreational bridges in America.
Donner Pass Summit Tunnel Hike (California)
High in the Sierra Nevada, hikers follow the path once carved by the Central Pacific Railroad. Massive granite tunnels, chiseled by Chinese workers in the 1860s, still stand strong. Stepping out of the dark, visitors are greeted by sweeping views of Donner Lake and rugged alpine beauty.
John Wayne Pioneer Trail (Washington)
This former Milwaukee Road railway route has been transformed into the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail. The Iron Horse State Park section winds through dense pine forests, while the eastern stretches cross arid terrains dotted with historic trestles. Moreover, the recently restored Beverly Bridge reconnects the trail across the Columbia River.
Cowboy Trail (Nebraska)
Spanning 195 miles across Nebraska’s rolling plains, the trail follows the former path of the Chicago & North Western Railway. Near Valentine, the towering Niobrara River Bridge offers sweeping prairie views. Historic trestles and railbeds carry travelers deep into the state’s enduring frontier spirit.
