Rails to Trails Conservancy Announces National Grant Recipients, Fueling Trail Network Growth

Since 2008, RTC has distributed more than $3.7 million in grants, helping communities nationwide address the missing links in their trail networks and maximize the impact of this essential infrastructure

WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rails to Trails Conservancy today announced it awarded $398,000 in funding through its 2025 Trail Grants program to community organizations and public agencies working to maximize the impact of America's trail networks by increasing the connectivity of these essential spaces.

"RTC's Trail Grants remind us of the visceral impact that trails deliver in communities of all sizes, and to people's daily lives," said Liz Thorstensen, RTC's vice president of trail development. "At a time when our society is increasingly disconnected, this year's grantees illustrate how this infrastructure is essential to fostering physical and social connection. These projects are closing gaps in infrastructure that generate joy and impact—from the community they inspire to the economic opportunity the yield."

RTC's 2025 grantees represent 40 organizations that are advancing projects across rural, suburban and urban communities tackling critical elements of the work to advance the nation's trail networks, from expanding trail access, to powering new opportunities for mobility and economic development, and creating programs that welcome young people and families to experience the outdoors in new ways.

"There are more than 150 trail networks in development across the country, with projects reaching every single state," said Thorstensen. "The funding necessary to advance these projects is far-reaching. RTC's grants are a small fraction of what's needed, but they make a big difference, often funding projects that fall through the cracks of local, state and federal programs, and allowing for investment in the community-based organizations critical to bringing these spaces to life. These grants also help leverage additional public and private funding, amplifying their impact and accelerating progress on the ground."

For example, a grant to Laramie County, Wyoming, is furthering development of the Clear Creek Pathway which will serve as an important connection in the Greater Cheyenne region's emerging trail network. In Harrison County, Ohio, a grant supports planning and design of the Bowerston-Dennison Rail Trail, eventually creating a connection between communities in Harrison and Tuscarawas Counties. In Virginia, Riviana Trails Foundation Trailblazers received a grant for trail maintenance and workforce development for youth pursuing careers in outdoor recreation while addressing deferred maintenance in area parks and trails. A grant to Groundworks Jacksonville will support community engagement for the Emerald Trail, connecting more than 14 neighborhoods in Jacksonville, Florida. Further, in partnership with several Special Olympics programs across the country, RTC's grant will support on-trail programming that encourages physical activity and community independence. A list of 2025 RTC Trail Grant recipients is available at railstotrails.org/grants.

"Every mile of trail, every new program, every story of a family discovering the outdoors adds up," said Thorstensen. "That's what we're celebrating today: The people and projects who are making trails an essential part of everyday life in America."

The 2025 Trail Grants are part of RTC's longstanding program, which has distributed more than $3.7 million across more than 450 grants to over 280 organizations. RTC's Trail Grants invest in transformative projects and programs that create more access to trails for more people across the country, supporting organizations at all levels—from local and national nonprofits to public agencies—with a focus on community-based leadership and engagement and long-term impact. Learn more about RTC's Trail Grants program at railstotrails.org/grants.

Rails to Trails Conservancy is the nation's largest trails organization—with a grassroots community more than 1 million strong—dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors. Connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

CONTACT: Patricia Brooks, [email protected], 202.351.1757 

SOURCE Rails to Trails Conservancy