Trail Ecosystems Connect Nature and Community.
A Vibrant Trail Culture Emerges When People and Places Unite.
Let's envision the trail as more than just a haven for cyclists, hikers, and runners. Today's trails are much more, dynamic ecosystems that connect people to nature and strengthen local communities and economies. Many communities see trails as sources of pride and identity.
Don't see the trail only as a path with trailheads. I invite you to see the wider network of people, businesses, organizations, and communities found along the trail. With this broader view, your definition of trails and their significance in our lives will undoubtedly change.
Ohio to Erie Trail Beginnings
Let's step back to 1991. The rail-trail movement was in its infancy, with less than a thousand miles of rail-trails in the United States. It was at this time that Ed Honton envisioned a visionary project of building an off-road, non-motorized trail connecting Lake Erie at Cleveland with the Ohio River at Cincinnati.
Honton saw how Ohio’s aging canal and rail corridors, former commercial lifelines now overgrown relics, could be the key to his vision. He imagined rejuvenating these forgotten pathways, ensuring they wouldn't vanish into history. The resulting trail would become a state-spanning linear park, a living testament to Ohio’s canal and railroad heritage.
Fast Forward to 2025
Today, the United States boasts over 26,000 miles of rail-trails. The Ohio to Erie Trail, nearing completion, features 294 of its 326 miles (90%) as off-road trails. The remaining 10% utilize quiet country roads or marked city streets. Achieving a fully off-road experience remains a priority, and work continues converting those final segments to trail.
But what’s truly remarkable is not just the trail’s mileage. It’s what has grown and prospered around it.
The Trail Ecosystem
Picture a place where living things flourish through their interactions with each other and their physical environment. This is an ecosystem. It thrives with a shared energy that creates a balance that supports all within the place.
Expanding on this definition, think of a trail in the setting. This is a trail ecosystem. A trail ecosystem thrives when people and places work together, channeling their energy to foster mutual support, resulting in a vibrant trail culture that benefits everyone.
The Rewards of Trail Ecosystems
Trails flourish when communities, locations, and organizations along their paths collaborate and support each other. Seeing the trail as larger and multidimensional unites people with different interests fostering mutual support. This transformation leads to greater benefits as it grows and prospers.
Wellness and Connection - Trails provide fresh air, exercise, and community in this screen-bound, and sedentary world. People use trails for physical activity, mental clarity, and social interaction. They walk dogs, join outdoor clubs, and enjoy the solitude of nature. Trails promote healthier, happier lives.
The Outdoor Economy - As trails connect, recreational tourism flourishes. Trails are destinations for day trips, weekends, or multi-day adventures. Small towns along the trails are hubs with bike shops, cafes, breweries, B&Bs, and other businesses catering to trail users. Towns brand themselves as trail towns, welcoming visitors while enriching residents' lives.
Active Transportation - The 2000s saw the rise of active transportation, with people increasingly turning to human-powered travel. Trails offer safe, car-free routes for commuting and errands, promoting equitable access to affordable, traffic-free transportation that connects neighborhoods to key destinations.
Community Identity - Trails are reshaping community identities. The Great Allegheny Passage trail town model boosted tourism, pride, and community identity. The model is contagious and spreads to other trails. Communities gain recognition for unique experiences along the trail, with residents, businesses, and government viewing trails as key to their identity.
Quality of Life: - Trails improve residents' quality of life by enhancing physical and mental well-being, providing opportunities for social interaction, and encouraging walking, running, and biking, strengthening neighborhood bonds.
7 Keys to a Thriving Trail Ecosystem
A trail becomes more than just a path through the collaboration of many benefiting all in the trail ecosystem. Here are seven keys to unlock the full potential of any trail to become a thriving trail ecosystem.
Celebrate and Advocate - Trails don’t just appear out of thin air. They exist because people care enough to raise their voices, build coalitions, and advocate for preservation and access. Consider joining in advocacy or starting a trail-focused advocacy group.
Enhance the Trail Experience - Maintaining a safe and welcoming trail ensures visitors return, share positive experiences, and remember your trail. Continuously improve and upkeep the trail to inspire others along the trail to do likewise.
Prioritize Hospitality - Fancy infrastructure won’t matter if a place doesn’t feel friendly. The most memorable trail experiences often come from human kindness, not fancy signs or bike racks. Say hello, recommend places to eat, and help a person who is lost or in need.
Understand Visitor Needs - Get to know your trail users. Talk to them. Ask what they need and what they love. Do the same by collaborating with government agencies, park districts, and community groups to ensure that trails meet real community needs.
Tell Your Trail’s Story - In the age of social media, each of us is an influencer and storyteller. Share photos, anecdotes, and updates. If you work in tourism or hospitality, make sure your marketing reflects the heart and soul of your trail.
Volunteer - Trails thrive through community support. Whether it's a cleanup, helping at an event, or serving on a board, your time matters. Local trail groups need volunteers. Be that person.
Collaborate - Trails flourish through cooperation. Find partners who can help enhance the trail together. Remember that the voice of many is much stronger than the voice of one. Make an impact together.
The seven keys are adapted from the seven practices outlined in Deciding on Trails: 7 Practices of Healthy Trail Towns by Amy Camp to focus on trails as dynamic ecosystems. If you’re interested in exploring how trails and their surrounding communities can thrive together, I highly recommend this insightful resource.
Miami Valley Cycling Summit
If you are interested in exploring this topic further, I presented it at the 2025 Miami Valley Cycling Summit. The presentation is a deeper dive that includes five examples that illustrate how the trail ecosystem was enhanced in various communities through different approaches.
Thanks for a good read, Tom. I found the portions on the outdoor economy and active transportation interesting. It would seem the two work hand-in-hand to support one another.