Here are 5 great rail routes to explore this summer

When the American rail trail movement took off in the 1980s, most of the old railroad tracks that had been converted into trails ran through idyllic rural areas. They were beloved by early rail trail enthusiasts for their serene scenery and seclusion.

Rail trails have become indispensable pathways through some of our largest cities. Thanks to our friends at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, here’s a list of five great rail trails to explore by bike.

BURKE-GILMAN PATH

Seattle, WA

17 miles (27 kilometers)

The Burke-Gilman Trail runs west from the shores of Puget Sound, passing through Lakes Union and Washington as it connects Seattle’s quirky and vibrant neighborhoods like Fremont, Ballard, and Bothell. Beloved and used by students and commuters to local tech offices, the Burke-Gilman Trail is becoming as quintessentially Pacific Northwest as coffee and craft brews.

SCHUYLKILL RIVER TRAIL

Philadelphia, PA

27 miles (43 kilometers)

The Schuylkill River Trail follows the winding waterway into the heart of Philly’s best attractions, including Boathouse Row, Schuylkill Banks, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Heading northeast, the Schuylkill River Trail offers an escape from the city for those seeking greener pastures, connecting to Valley Forge National Historic Park and a network of trails throughout southeastern Pennsylvania.

SACRAMENTO RIVER TRAIL

Redding, California

16 miles (26 kilometers)

Tucked away in Northern California’s Shasta County, the charming city of Redding boasts a rail-trail system that’s been attracting new residents and businesses. The Sacramento River Trail runs along the banks of the Sacramento River, offering stunning views of the water and nearby mountains, as well as access to local attractions including Turtle Bay Aquarium and Exploration Park, the McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, and the striking Sundial Bridge.

Sacramento River Trail

ATLANTA BELLINE

Atlanta, GA

Planned 33 miles (53 kilometers)

In a city once known as the Terminus, the BeltLine reimagines the city’s railroad past in a new wave of pedestrian- and bike-friendly urban design. Though still new, the BeltLine’s development is poised to become one of the best trail-going experiences in the country. The 2.25-mile (3.6 km) Eastside trail section—which connects Piedmont Park, Historic Fourth Ward Park, and the destination neighborhoods of Virginia Highland and Midtown—already draws thousands of residents each spring and summer weekend.

CAPITAL CRESCENT PATH

Washington, DC

11 miles (18 kilometers)

A leafy gem for commuters and tourists alike, the Capital Crescent Trail connects the growing cities of Silver Spring and Bethesda, Maryland, to downtown Washington, D.C. Deer, foxes, and owls are common sights along this heavily wooded path, which winds along the Potomac River and emerges into the heart of historic Georgetown.

Capital Crescent Trail (photo: Montgomery Parks)