Rails to Trails

As a rail fan, I do get saddened when once great lines are abandoned as it is a part of history. But one thing I do truly appreciate is the actual right of way and some very beautiful pristine areas the tracks used to follow. Now, many are trails for people to enjoy and I do think it is the best use for them.

We have a rail to trail known as the Old Plank Road Trail that runs from Park Forest to Joliet IL. It was created in the 1980s and is very popular today.

For many of you here, I am sure you would want to find a rail to trail near you:

http://www.traillink.com/home.aspx

Many are still being constructed, and if anyone knows where an abandoned railroad is, they can start to get it converted to a trail.

There is actually one that runs behind my house. I don't mind the noise though. It is pretty cool.

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad goes on during the warmer months through early December ending with the "Polar Express" for the kids.. I haven't went on the train yet due to the expensive prices and the schedule fills up so fast. I do want to take my neices on the Polar Express when they get a little older.

http://www.cvsr.com/

The Scenic tour runs through the national park by my house and is known for the gorgeous scenery. It is pretty cool to live so close to so many cool places.

That site is also great for those planning a vacation. I am surprised at how many abandoned rails are out West and have been turned into long wilderness trails. (Railroads have consolidated lines and have eliminated redundancy.)

I hope many here will check it out if they love to hike. There are dozens of such trails in the Chicago area alone.

I think it can be expensive too. People don't spend a lot of money for recreation with the economy. Not all but some.

There are many old rail beds here.
Most are blocked off in some way to stop four wheeling.
Of course it is harder to stop bikes..

They do make great walking or hiking trails

Many former coal lines to mines throughout the country. I was surprised to see so many in the state of Illinois. The coal mines are no longer in use, but the rail beds are still there and make good trails.

The problem is many go through private property and are fenced off for anyone wanting to go hiking.

Out West, there are many former logging lines that are still visible as trails.

Most here run east and west, coal lines to the industrial areas in the east.
Most heavy industry here has down sized, or just gone out of business.
And gas and oil has replaced most of the coal usage.