Rails to Trails

**Blackbeauty** · 10-21-2006, 08:09 PM

I've had the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a worthy program that is gaining popularity - Rails to Trails. It's where a group is formed to convert old abandoned railroad lines to nature trails for cyclists, runners, walkers, etc. There is one local to me that I have enjoyed for several years now and today was a beautiful sunny day so we went on the historic tour with the Chairman and a few dozen other people and their pets. Some pics:

This is a great way to see beautiful scenery and learn about the history of your area. All the work is done by volunteers, boy scouts, local clubs/organizations, some businesses, and local township municipal workers (who the organization must pay from fundraising). The website for this particular organization is:

http://www.irontonrailtrail.org/

Check your area to see if any exist where you are. It's a great organization and a great way to have a nice day out with your family or friends and definitely worthwhile to support!

**Blackbeauty** · 10-21-2006, 08:26 PM

A few more pics:

The kilns in my sig pic are also part of this trail. They are the very first cement kilns ever built in this country and are located near Coplay, Pennsylvania. The website for the kiln restoration is:

http://www.saylorcementkilns.org/

They are a huge part of this area as the high-calcium limestone and dolomitic limestone indigenous to the area was used for the first cement made in America. The base of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and many many other early famous structures was made from cement from these kilns and the Atlas Cement Company right here in Pennsylvania.

Anyway, I could ramble on about this. But I think it's pretty cool and hope we can enjoy these types of trails and events for a long time.

Here's a website we made with more pictures of today's hike.

http://www.geocities.com/sitntrtl/IR...Hike_2006.html

Brundy · 10-22-2006, 06:56 AM

I donated $$ to them years ago. I would love to ride them but most are on your half of the earth. We've got a small 1 in Prescott (4 mi.). I used to do work projects with the BLM & Forest Svc. I was an IMBA member but got tired of being notified about projects a month late.
Great pics, keep up the good work.

PittTitan · 10-22-2006, 07:18 AM

Hey, I didn't realize you lived in Whitehall, your avatar is too distracting. I live in Irwin and my wife and I go to the Sutersville access area all the time. It's nice because the trails are pretyy flat so it's easy to bike a long way.

**konigfritz** · 10-22-2006, 09:28 AM

Man I wish we had some of those around here. We had some in ohio and they were great walking/biking places.

*TitanFan59* · 10-22-2006, 09:38 AM

Great lookin stuff there.

**Kronos1965** · 10-22-2006, 09:55 AM

There's a program that is connecting the lower west side of Michigan all the way up to Mackanaw City.

Everytime I go home, I bring the bike so that I can enjoy the trail at different parts.

A very worthwhile cause IMHO...

stlblues · 10-22-2006, 12:30 PM

We have the longest rail trail here in MO. Over 200 miles stretching from North of St Louis to Sedailia, not counting surs in Columbia and St Louis areas. . It runs past our town so we ride it some. Its part of the State Parks so we just get taxed to mainitain it.

FRD ETR · 10-22-2006, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stlblues

We have the longest rail trail here in MO. Over 200 miles stretching from North of St Louis to Sedailia, not counting surs in Columbia and St Louis areas. . It runs past our town so we ride it some. Its part of the State Parks so we just get taxed to mainitain it.

They also were very hotly debated when they were created, the land owners wanted their ground back, not to mention the liability of someone leaving the trail and entering private property. Until the mid-80's we had train track crossing our farm, when they took it out (big mistake in my opinion) we immediately converted it back to farm land as the original agreement stated that the ground returns to the current adjacent landowner and cannot be transferred to another group. Just the other side of the coin.

stlblues · 10-23-2006, 05:38 AM

Didn't say the trail was perfect. Its used by a lot of people, how responsibley I don't know, we stick to the trail but I've seen paths run off from it. I'ts been a help to a lot of towns along the trail. Cape Cod has an awsome trail. We did 100.3 miles on it in June.

**Blackbeauty** · 10-23-2006, 05:49 AM

Quite honestly, I think the trails do a lot to help preserve the heritage and history of the area. If it gets returned to the original owners, depending on the situation, it's possible that it will be sold to a contractor, demolished, and another housing development will sprout up. Some will just like to maintain it as their private property, but I'd venture to guess that if the opportunity to make some big bucks by selling it arises, we know the direction it will take. And even if it doesn't, when the owner passes, the kids can't get rid of it fast enough once the will is settled. I've seen it dozens of times in my area. To be fair, I live in a fairly populated area with a high cost of living. So land is at a premium here. I like to have these little glimpses into our past. Other areas may not be so greedy. That's just the way it is around here.

TitanOwnr · 10-23-2006, 08:21 AM

We have several trials here in the North Texas area as well. They make for great getaways from the city.