A WV VTRAIL meeting participant shares thoughts. Photo by Justin Litton, Lost Trail Film & Photo. West Virginia’s first and only statewide trail plan was published nearly 25 years ago. In a state where the average adult reports feeling physically and mentally unhealthy more often than the average American, access to trails and greenways – and […]
Trail Research
The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor: Trail Towns Process Evaluation
Along The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (DLNHC). Photo courtesy of DLNHC. The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (DLNHC) is a protected region spanning five counties and 165 miles of trail between Wilkes-Barre and Bristol, Pennsylvania. The DLNHC connects people to the region by preserving its rich industrial history, natural resources, and opportunities […]
First-Time Study on Trail Community Programs
For the first time, a collective study has been conducted to understand the structure, challenges, and impacts of Trail Town & Gateway Community programs across the U.S. and Canada. This survey gathered insights from 19 programs that serve hundreds of communities and thousands of trail miles. In his book, On Trails, Robert Moor writes that “every […]
Friends of the Riverfront: Three Rivers Water Trail Management Plan
The Three Rivers Water Trail is a series of 31 river access points along the Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela, and Youghiogheny Rivers in Allegheny County (Pittsburgh, PA). Many Pittsburghers (including Amy!) can be found recreating along these historic rivers. The Water Trail is managed and maintained by nonprofit Friends of the Riverfront (Friends) with assistance […]
North Central Appalachia Mountain Bike Summit: Activating and Connecting Trails and Communities
Photo courtesy of IMBA According to the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), mountain biking contributes $133 billion annually to the U.S. economy. Interest in mountain biking continues to grow and evolve, especially with the rise of new trends such as bikepacking, gravel riding, and electric-assist mountain bikes (e-bikes). When the Pennsylvania Environmental Council wanted to […]
Unlocking the Economic & Community Development Potential of IHTC Trails Report: Positioning Regional Multi-use Trails as Part of a Growing Regional Economy
Photo credit: Renee Rosensteel, Courtesy of Rails to Trails Conservancy The Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition (IHTC) is working to complete and connect a system of multi-use trails across 51 counties in western Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia, eastern Ohio, and southwest New York. One of the coalition’s supporting organizations, Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC), realized that […]
Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition: Working Collaboratively Since 2013
The Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition (IHTC) envisions a 1,500-mile network of trails that stretch from the shores of Lake Erie to the confluence of Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers and on to the Appalachian foothills of West Virginia. Cycle Forward has consulted the IHTC since its inception. The most recent project, evaluating the first 10 years and […]
COVID-19’s Impact on PA Trails: Uncovering Increased Use and Newfound Appreciation
We all know that the outdoors served as a vital outlet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Trail and park managers around the globe reported increased use as people took to nature for their personal wellbeing. Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) recognized the need to understand the pandemic’s impact on trails and hired Cycle Forward to lead the research. […]
