Ultimate Bike Trail Across The U.S. Will Come Through Montana
Montana is a great state for biking for all skill levels. We have mountains, prairies, and trails. Montana is also part of an epic undertaking with the "Great American Rail to Trail" project. It is a project that is attempting to combine more than 3700 miles of trails from Washington D.C. to Washington state.
The "Great American Rail to Trail" is Planned to Come Through Montana
They are trying connect a trail system using trails and old rail lines, that would connect the East Coast with the West Coast. The trail would come through Montana along the way. The route is planned to also go through Washington D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho and Washington State.
Keep Up to Date on the Progress of the Trail
Their website is an amazing resource for all of the trails that are included in the project. Including over 20 trails in Montana alone. It will give you updates on the trails and give you information about already existing trails in our state. If you are looking for a new trail to explore you can check it out. According to their website this is their vision:
Picture yourself … pedaling across the entire country on a safe, seamless and scenic pathway—or walking a local trail that connects along historic routes. Imagine the incomparable experience of exploring America’s heritage by trail—its potential, its beauty and bounty, its people and places. Consider the economic opportunities and the benefits for communities along the route of a multiuse trail that stretches more than 3,700 miles between Washington and Washington.
You Can Keep Updated on the Progress of the Massive Undertaking
Their website will also provide updates on the progress of the project, including 9 of the 12 states have introduced new trails along the route, including here in Montana. There is some great economic potential for trail in Montana. The project is expected to create over 200 new jobs, as well as add millions to the local economy. One of the statistics that amazed me is the projection of 50,000,000 people in the United States will be living within 50 miles of the trail when it is completed. Over a million people have helped to try to make this project happen and they are well on their way to making it happen.