Two trails that run through Montgomery County are in line to become part of a national network of a dozen “gateway trails” connecting the East and West Coasts, the Washington-based nonprofit Rails-to-Trails Conservancy announced Wednesday.
The 11-mile Capital Crescent Trail, between Bethesda and Georgetown in the District, along with the 185-mile C&O Canal trail along the Potomac River that extends to Cumberland, will be among the trails in the network, named the Great American Rail-Trail, the group said.
Rails-to-Trails, an organization that works to convert abandoned rail lines in the United States into hiking and bike trails, said linking the pathways into a nearly 4,000 mile network is a “vision” that could take years to accomplish.
No cost estimates for the project were provided.
With a start in Washington, D.C., the trail would end at the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail in Washington State, according to a statement.
“With open trails comprising more than 50 percent of the potential route, combined with strong local and state enthusiasm, we are now confident that the Great American Rail-Trail can be completed,” Conservancy President Keith Laughlin said in a statement announcing the effort. “RTC is ready to lead the effort to connect the trail across communities, counties and state lines to create a seamless off-road biking and walking journey for the country.” wrote Rails-to-Trials.
The group said it studied more than 34,000 miles of open trails over 18 months before selecting the 12 that could become part of the national network.
Dan Schere can be reached at Daniel.schere@moco360.media
