
Imagine biking your way through America via a continuous, uninterrupted bike trail passing through several major U.S. states in approximately only 75 days. Well, now you can. The Great American Rail Trail is currently under construction to make such a dream a reality for adventure seekers and cyclists alike.
What Is The Great American Rail Trail?
A “rail-trail” is a multipurpose public trail developed from former railroad corridors.
The Great American Rail Trail will connect the northern part of America’s East and West coasts via an uninterrupted bike path. Beginning in Washington D.C., this 3,700-mile-long bike path will travel through 12 states and ending along the Pacific Ocean in Washington state. Currently, the trail is already 55% complete with the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy working diligently towards full completion.
What States Will The Great American Rail Trail Pass Through?

This revolutionary trail will connect the nation like never before. Although more than half-way complete, there are still some gaps in the trail that needs to be connected. Once fully complete it will run through the following states and locations:
- Washington D.C./DMV/Maryland area
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia
- Ohio
- Indiana
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Nebraska
- Wyoming
- Montana
- Idaho
- Washington
Additionally, the trail will connects many major American cities including Washington D.C., Indianapolis, Chicago, and Seattle. It also travels through dozens of historic trails along the route:
- Great Allegheny Passage Trail
- Three Rivers Heritage Trail
- Montour Trail
- Panhandle Trail
When Will It Be Complete?
White the exact completion date hasn’t yet to be announced, the RTC notes the Great American Rail Trail is well over halfway done. However, the remaining gaps to fill could take “several decades to bring to fruition.” While the groundwork is already done, there are challenges with transforming these tracks into public transit areas.
To read more about this exciting project and to follow along with development updates, visit here.