Trail Development Services:

Our goal is to turn trail visions into realities, whether you use our Web site resources through Quick Assist, hire Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) through our Consulting Services, receive our Training, or request to receive notification of impending abandonments through our Early Warning System. These services are provided based on your location. Click on your state on the map above to be directed to contact information for the appropriate RTC office.

Quick Assist: 
RTC provides an abundance of trail building resources through our Web site, including trail building information, regularly updated rail-trail statistics, and a listserv with over 900 members where you can post information and share discussions with other trail advocates and builders.  We also provide in-depth reports and fact sheets on areas of specific interest such as Railbanking, Rails-with-Trails, liability, safety, management, and maintenance.  If you can't find the information you need in our Trail Building Resources section, feel free to call or email us at the appropriate office based on your location by clicking on your state in the map above.

Consulting Services: 
With over 20 years of rail-trail development experience, RTC is uniquely positioned to provide a range of services tailored to meet the needs of individual projects.  We have specialized experience in training, workshops, research, report development, public outreach, corridor inventories, feasibility studies, and concept, marketing and management plans.  Costs for this fee-for-service program vary based on individual needs.  Please contact us at the appropriate office based on your location by clicking on your state in the map above.

Read our Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)
View Portfolio of Projects

Training: 
RTC trail experts are available to present comprehensive, one-day trail development courses that provide the resources and strategies you need to get your trail built. Programs can be tailored for the unique training needs of your audience.  Topics include benefits of trails, acquisition, railbanking, safety and liability, engaging the community, funding, design, management and maintenance.  For more information and training costs contact us at the appropriate office by clicking on your state in the map above.

Read our Successful Strategies for Trail Development Brochure

Early Warning System:
RTC monitors requests filed by the Surface Transportation Board (the Federal agency which oversees rail transactions) and notifies community activists and officials of impending abandonments. Notifications through the Early Warning System include the tools and information needed to successfully preserve rail corridors for public- and trail- use through railbanking. Federal regulations require interested parties to request railbanking within 30 to 45 days, so without this program, many community leaders would learn of rail abandonments too late. Sign up for RTC's Early Warning System if you would like to receive notice of pending rail abandonments in your area.