10 great places to bike and hike where trains once rolled

For 30 years now, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has literally paved the way for hikers and bikers, helping convert former railroad routes into recreational paths. The Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group celebrates its anniversary with a new book, Rail-Trail Hall of Fame (Wilderness Press, $16.95). Although there are now more than 22,000 miles of trails, the book focuses on the best, says Laura Stark, content manager for the group’s traillink.com. “A hall of fame trail is a destination in itself. It’s a whole package. You have the outdoor experience, the long views and the historical sites.” She shares some favorites with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail, Virginia

Rail-trail fans come from far and wide to experience this 33-mile path in southwest Virginia, which intersects with the famed Appalachian Trail in the town of Damascus. Because it’s steeper than many paths, cyclists often take a shuttle to Whitetop at the east end, which tops out at 3,600 feet. From there, it’s an easy downhill ride to the start. vacreepertrail.org

Elroy-Sparta State Trail, Wisconsin

This 32-mile route across rolling hills, farmlands and pasture opened in 1965, and is considered to be the nation’s first rail-trail. Highlights include three tunnels, which are still graced with original 20-foot-high double doors, used as protection from the snow. “The tunnels are just jaw-dropping,” Stark says. Another plus: The route connects to several other trails, making it easy to build long, multi-day trips. elroy-sparta-trail.com

Minuteman Bikeway, Massachusetts

What this short paved 10-mile trail lacks in length, it more than makes up in history. The path starts in Cambridge, which is easily accessed by a T subway station. Then it heads to the Revolutionary War towns of Arlington and Lexington, where the former depot now has a visitor’s center with a detailed diorama of the famous battle. The site of the actual skirmish lies just across the street. minutemanbikeway.org

Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail, California

This remote 25-mile path winds through rugged Northern California country, at times hemmed in by canyon walls and then broadening out in upland forests. “In the fall the foliage is really outstanding,” Stark says. The trail starts in Susanville, about 90 miles north of Reno, Nev., where a former rail depot houses a museum and an old caboose. blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/eaglelake/bizztrail.html

Silver Comet Trail (Georgia) and Chief Ladiga Trail (Alabama)

Cycling through the heart of Dixie is simple on this paved 94-mile, two-state path. The rolling route passes through the Talladega National Forest in the Appalachian foothills and ends about 17 miles from Atlanta. “It’s all rural picturesque scenery with small towns. It’s a really peaceful feeling along the trail,” Stark says. bikesilvercomet.comand chiefladigatrail.com

Katy Trail State Park, Missouri

You can trace part of the path followed by Lewis and Clark on this state-crossing park, which at 238 miles is the longest continuous rail-trail in the country. Highlights include wineries, Missouri River bluffs and the chance to experience more than 40 small towns. “In a car, you’re driving by these towns. On the trail, you’re biking by all of them, and you really see what they’re like,” Stark says. mostateparks.com/park/katy-trail-state-park

Hike and bike through history on Mo.’s Katy Trail

Great Allegheny Passage, Maryland and Pennsylvania

The nation’s fourth largest rail-trail follows scenic rivers and crosses mountain passes on its 150-mile length from Cumberland, Md., to Pittsburgh. “It has the tunnels, the bridges, and it has the depots. If you haven’t been on a rail-trail before, this is the one you want to pick,” Stark says. gaptrail.org

Route of the Hiawatha, Idaho

Take in Rocky Mountain scenery on this 15-mile trail with 10 tunnels and seven trestles. “You can look down and see these mountain valleys from a height that is really breathtaking,” Stark says. It includes the 1.6-mile Taft Tunnel, which burrows under the Bitterroot Mountains. Local shops rent bike lights if you need one. ridethehiawatha.com

Island Line Rail Trail, Vermont

This path along Lake Champlain near Burlington includes a bike ferry, a 2,500-foot boardwalk and a three-mile causeway. “It feels like you’re right on the lake,” Stark says. Riders also are rewarded with scenic views of the Adirondack Mountains. localmotion.org/programs/islandline/trail

George S. Mickelson Trail, South Dakota

You can’t miss the Wild West flavor on this state park trail passing through the former gold-mining boomtown of Deadwood, once home to Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok. Other highlights include more than 100 railroad bridges, ponderosa pine forests and proximity to Mount Rushmore, just six miles away. “If you want to experience the best of South Dakota, this is your trail,” Stark says. gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/mickelson-trail/