The darkness hit me like a wall as I stepped into the first tunnel. My headlamp beam disappeared into the void ahead, and the temperature dropped 20 degrees instantly. I was hiking the Historic Railroad Trail at Lake Mead, and these weren’t just any old tunnels—they were massive 25-foot-wide bore holes blasted through solid rock in 1931 to haul materials for Hoover Dam construction.
As I emerged from that 300-foot tunnel into blazing Nevada sunshine, with Lake Mead sparkling below and the Sierra Nevada rising beyond, I understood why historic railroad hiking trails represent some of America’s most unique outdoor experiences. These aren’t just converted pathways—they’re time machines that let you literally walk in the footsteps of industrial history while enjoying some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.
That day at Lake Mead launched my obsession with railroad trails. Over the past decade, I’ve hiked hundreds of miles of converted rail routes from coast to coast, discovering that each one tells a different story about America’s transportation heritage while offering surprisingly diverse hiking experiences.
Here are 47 historic railroad hiking trails that will transport you through time while delivering unforgettable outdoor adventures.
What Makes Railroad Trails Special
Historic railroad trails combine the best of engineering precision with natural beauty. When railroads were built, engineers chose routes that minimized grades while maximizing efficiency—creating pathways that are naturally suited for hiking, biking, and walking.
Gentle Grades and Accessible Routes
Railroad engineers rarely built tracks steeper than 3% grade, making these trails accessible to hikers of all abilities. Where mountains couldn’t be avoided, they built tunnels and bridges that eliminate the steep climbs typical of mountain trails. You can experience dramatic elevation changes without the punishing climbs.
This engineering legacy means families with young children, older adults, and people with mobility challenges can access scenery that would otherwise require advanced hiking skills.
Preserved Historical Structures
Railroad trails preserve industrial archaeology that would otherwise crumble and disappear. Tunnels, trestles, depot buildings, and equipment tell the story of America’s transportation revolution. Many trails include interpretive signs that explain the historical significance of what you’re experiencing.
The tunnels at Lake Mead, for example, were engineered to accommodate the massive equipment needed for Hoover Dam construction. Walking through them connects you directly to one of America’s greatest engineering achievements.
Unique Scenic Corridors
Railroads followed river valleys, mountain passes, and other natural corridors that offer constantly changing scenery. Unlike modern highways that bulldoze straight lines, historic rail routes wind through landscapes following the path of least resistance.
This creates hiking experiences where the scenery evolves gradually, revealing new vistas around every curve while maintaining comfortable walking conditions.
Famous Historic Railroad Hiking Trails
Lake Mead Historic Railroad Trail (Nevada)
Distance: 3.7 miles one-way
Highlights: Five railroad tunnels, Hoover Dam history, Lake Mead vistas
This trail follows the exact railroad bed used to haul 9 million tons of materials for Hoover Dam construction. The five tunnels—each 25 feet wide and 300 feet long—were blasted through volcanic rock to accommodate massive equipment.
Best Feature: The tunnels provide cool respite from desert heat while offering a tangible connection to 1930s dam construction. Concrete plugs from the original dam construction are visible in ravines along the trail.
Trail Conditions: Compacted gravel surface suitable for all abilities. The trail is wheelchair accessible and connects directly to Hoover Dam visitor facilities.
Virginia Creeper Trail (Virginia)
Distance: 35 miles total
Highlights: 47 trestles and bridges, Appalachian Mountain scenery, Damascus to Whitetop descent
Named for the steam locomotives that “crept” slowly up steep mountain grades, this trail occupies the bed of the former Virginia-Carolina Railroad. The route climbs 1,600 feet from Damascus to Whitetop, offering spectacular mountain vistas throughout.
Best Feature: The 17-mile downhill section from Whitetop to Damascus features nearly continuous descent through pristine National Forest land. Shuttle services let you ride uphill and hike down.
Current Status: Hurricane Helene severely damaged the trail in September 2024, destroying 18 trestles and washing out 17 miles of trail. Check current conditions before visiting.
Great Allegheny Passage (Pennsylvania/Maryland)
Distance: 150 miles
Highlights: Appalachian Mountain crossing, historic towns, connection to C&O Canal Towpath
This trail follows former Western Maryland Railway and Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad routes from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. The gentle grade makes the mountain crossing achievable for hikers while passing through tunnels, over bridges, and past remnants of industrial heritage.
Best Feature: Combined with the C&O Canal Towpath, you can hike from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C.—a 334-mile journey through American history.
Multi-Day Options: Numerous towns along the route offer accommodations, making this perfect for multi-day hiking adventures.
Looking for more trail options? Our comprehensive hiking trails with waterfalls guide covers additional scenic hiking destinations throughout the country.
Longest Rail-Trails for Multi-Day Adventures
Katy Trail State Park (Missouri)
Distance: 239 miles
Route: St. Charles to Clinton across Missouri
America’s longest developed rail-trail follows the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad across the entire width of Missouri. The trail parallels the Missouri River for much of its length, passing through small towns that once thrived as railroad stops.
Historical Significance: The route includes Lewis and Clark historical sites and is designated as part of the American Discovery Trail. Four restored railroad depots along the way provide rest stops and historical interpretation.
Trail Experience: Mostly flat terrain through farmland and river bottoms, with 26 trailheads providing access points for shorter sections. The trail surface is crushed limestone, suitable for hiking boots or trail runners.
Great American Rail-Trail (Cross-Country Project)
Planned Distance: 3,700 miles
Route: Washington, D.C. to Washington State
This ambitious Rails-to-Trails Conservancy project aims to create America’s first coast-to-coast rail-trail. Currently about 50% complete, the trail connects existing rail-trails with new construction to create a continuous non-motorized route across the country.
Completed Sections: Major portions in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Iowa, and Washington State are already hikeable. The project represents the largest trail development effort in American history.
Regional Railroad Trail Highlights
East Coast Historic Conversions
Silver Comet Trail (Georgia/Alabama) – 61 miles
Considered one of America’s finest rail-trails, this paved route starts just outside Atlanta and crosses into Alabama. The trail follows the former Seaboard Air Line Railway and connects to the Chief Ladiga Trail for 95 total miles of hiking.
Virginia Creeper Trail (Virginia) – 35 miles
Beyond the famous Damascus to Whitetop section, the full trail extends from Abingdon through rolling farmland and National Forest. Multiple access points allow for day hikes of varying lengths.
Little Miami Scenic Trail (Ohio) – 78 miles
Ohio’s longest paved rail-trail passes through charming river valley towns including Milford and Xenia. The trail connects to the 326-mile Ohio to Erie Trail for extended hiking opportunities.
Midwest Prairie and Farmland Routes
High Trestle Trail (Iowa) – 25 miles
Features the spectacular High Trestle Bridge, a half-mile span 13 stories above the Des Moines River. LED lighting makes the bridge a destination for evening hikes with dramatic views of the surrounding valley.
Elroy-Sparta State Trail (Wisconsin) – 32 miles
America’s first rail-trail passes through three tunnels up to 3,810 feet long. The route showcases Wisconsin’s rolling countryside and historic railroad engineering through challenging terrain.
Western Mountain Railroad Grades
Rio Grande Trail (Colorado) – 42 miles
Follows the former Denver and Rio Grande Railroad between Aspen and Glenwood Springs. The paved trail offers spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery with preserved railroad artifacts including crossing signs and trestles.
Banks-Vernonia State Trail (Oregon) – 21 miles
Oregon’s first rail-trail passes through dense Pacific Northwest forests with multiple trestle crossings. The route showcases the engineering challenges of logging railroad construction in steep terrain.
For comprehensive hiking preparation, our what to pack for hiking guide covers essential gear for rail-trail adventures.
What to Expect on Railroad Hiking Trails
Trail Surfaces and Conditions
Most rail-trails feature crushed stone or paved surfaces that provide stable footing for hiking boots or trail runners. The engineered foundation of former railroad beds creates excellent drainage, keeping trails usable even after rain.
Surface types vary by trail:
- Crushed limestone: Common on Midwest trails, provides firm walking surface
- Asphalt: Found on high-traffic trails near urban areas
- Compacted gravel: Typical of Western desert trails like Lake Mead
- Original ballast: Some trails retain railroad rock ballast between former rail lines
Historic Structures and Tunnels
Tunnels create unique hiking experiences found nowhere else on traditional trails. Most railroad tunnels are large enough to walk through comfortably, though carrying a flashlight or headlamp is essential for safety.
Trestles and bridges provide dramatic viewpoints and photo opportunities. Many have been converted with decking and railings for safe passage while maintaining their historic appearance.
Station buildings, depots, and rail equipment along many trails offer rest stops and historical interpretation. Some have been converted into visitor centers, restaurants, or overnight accommodations.
Wildlife and Scenery Opportunities
Rail corridors create wildlife highways through landscapes where natural habitat has been preserved. The linear nature of trails provides excellent opportunities for bird watching and wildlife observation.
Seasonal changes are particularly dramatic on rail-trails that pass through diverse ecosystems. Spring wildflowers, fall foliage, and winter landscapes create different experiences throughout the year.
Planning Your Railroad Trail Adventure
Trail Access and Parking
Most rail-trails feature multiple trailheads with parking areas, restrooms, and information kiosks. This allows for out-and-back hikes of varying lengths or point-to-point adventures using shuttle services.
Urban trail access often includes public transportation connections, making car-free adventures possible. Many East Coast rail-trails connect directly to subway or commuter rail systems.
Seasonal Timing and Weather Factors
Spring and fall offer ideal conditions for most rail-trails, with moderate temperatures and scenic seasonal changes. Summer can be challenging on exposed prairie trails, while winter may limit access to mountain routes.
Desert trails like Lake Mead are best hiked between October and April to avoid extreme heat. Mountain trails may be snow-covered from November through March.
Gear Recommendations
Standard day hiking gear works perfectly for rail-trails: comfortable hiking boots, layered clothing, water, snacks, and sun protection. The gentle grades mean you don’t need specialized mountain equipment.
Bring a headlamp or flashlight for trails with tunnels, even during daytime hiking. Many tunnels are several hundred feet long and completely dark in the middle.
Consider trail runners instead of heavy hiking boots on paved or well-maintained crushed stone trails. The stable surfaces don’t require the ankle support needed for rocky mountain trails.
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy provides comprehensive information about trail conditions, maps, and current construction projects for rail-trails nationwide.
Historic railroad hiking trails offer something truly unique in American outdoor recreation—the chance to experience dramatic landscapes while walking through industrial history. These engineered routes take you places that would otherwise require advanced hiking skills while preserving stories about America’s transportation heritage.
Start with shorter rail-trails near your area to experience the unique character of railroad hiking before attempting longer adventures. Many rail-trails connect to form regional trail networks that can provide week-long hiking experiences.
Remember that these trails exist because communities chose to preserve transportation corridors rather than abandon them. By hiking these routes, you’re participating in one of America’s most successful conservation movements while experiencing landscapes and history that might otherwise be lost forever.
For more hiking adventures that combine history with outdoor recreation, check out our guide to hiking in hawaii which features trails with rich cultural and natural heritage.
The National Park Service trails website offers additional resources for finding and planning historic railroad trail adventures in national recreation areas and parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are railroad hiking trails suitable for beginners?
Yes, railroad trails are ideal for beginning hikers due to their gentle grades and stable surfaces. The engineered routes eliminate steep climbs while providing access to scenic areas that might otherwise require advanced hiking skills.
Do I need special gear for railroad trail hiking?
Standard day hiking gear works perfectly. Bring a flashlight or headlamp for trails with tunnels, comfortable hiking boots or trail runners, and usual outdoor essentials like water and sun protection.
Can I hike railroad trails year-round?
Seasonality varies by location. Desert trails are best in cooler months, while mountain trails may be snow-covered in winter. Most rail-trails are accessible spring through fall, with some maintained for winter use.
Are railroad trails safe for solo hiking?
Most rail-trails are very safe due to their popularity and multiple access points. Stay aware in tunnels and inform someone of your plans. Popular trails often have good cell coverage and regular foot traffic.
How do I find railroad trails near me?
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy website provides comprehensive trail maps and information. State park systems often maintain rail-trails, and many tourism websites feature local trail information and conditions.