Rails to Trails Conservancy Announces 2026 Grants to Boost Trail Networks Across the U.S.

Rails to Trails Conservancy: A Step Toward Safer Trails

The Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) has recently revealed its plans for the 2026 Trail Grants, allocating over $435,000 to more than 35 community organizations and public agencies dedicated to constructing and improving trail networks across the United States. With a staggering demand for safe spaces to walk and bike outpacing available funding, the announcement shines a light on the critical need for sustainable investment in trail infrastructure.

Since 2008, RTC has distributed over $4.5 million in grants, significantly contributing to the development of essential trail networks. In 2026 alone, RTC received applications from over 170 organizations, totaling more than $3.1 million in requests. These figures illustrate the growing recognition of trails as vital infrastructure necessary for enhancing quality of life in both urban and rural settings.

Liz Thorstensen, vice president of trail development at RTC, emphasized the transformative impact of trails on local communities. “These projects help close critical gaps in trail networks and create more opportunities for people to safely walk, bike and spend time outdoors,” she noted. The grants this year will support a variety of projects aimed at improving connectivity and promoting community engagement.

Among the recipients of this year's funding is the Friends of the Lowline in South Carolina, which is advancing the construction of the Lowcountry Lowline, poised to turn a historic rail corridor into a vibrant linear park through Charleston. Equiticity, based in northeastern Illinois, will conduct a feasibility study for converting the Altenheim Line into a multi-use trail. In Wisconsin, the Iron County project aims to secure a trail corridor that will connect the existing Iron Bell Trail with broader national networks.

One prominent feature in this year’s announcements is the involvement of local organizations like the Special Olympics regional chapters, which will utilize the grant to support outdoor activities encouraging physical activity among athletes. This initiative recognizes inclusivity and accessibility as core elements in the development of trail networks.

The need for safe and well-planned outdoor spaces has never been clearer. As communities across the nation experience a surge in cycling and walking, public investment becomes crucial to meeting this demand. Thorstensen noted that while RTC's contributions will leverage over $5.5 million in state and federal funding, continuous public funding is necessary to accommodate the unmet needs identified in this year's applications.

The statistics are revealing. With over 150 trail networks in development across the country, the response to RTC's 2026 Trail Grants reaffirms the importance of these spaces to foster not only recreational opportunities but also economic growth and communal bonds.

The grants program serves as a catalyst for local changemakers, with targeted investments fostering vibrant communities. Each project reveals the potential of trails to create more connected, vibrant, and healthier communities. RTC's ongoing commitment to empowering local leaders ensures that the voices of communities are heard and heeded.

In summary, the 2026 Trail Grants program illustrates a significant step toward fulfilling the aspirations of communities seeking safe spaces for walking, biking, and healthy outdoor activities. Looking forward, RTC continues to champion this cause, striving for a nationwide network that connects people, promotes sustainability, and enhances overall wellbeing.