Rail-Trails Mid-Atlantic: The definitive guide to multiuse trails in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia

ISBN: 0899977952

Author: Conservancy, Rails-to-Trails

Condition: New

Product DescriptionExplore the best rail-trails-4 states, 57 trails and 1,100 miles-with the official guideLooking for a level trail where you can enjoy a brisk fitness walk, bike ride, or stroll with the family? All across the country, unused railroad corridors have been converted to public multiuse trails. Here, the experts from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy present the best of these rail-trails in the Mid-Atlantic regionMany rail-trails are paved and run through the most scenic parts of town. Others, such as the 34-mile Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail, travel along dense forests, open fields, and lush waterways. Some explore the area's history, such as Maryland's 13-mile Baltimore and Annapolis Trail. Tour the nation's capital, visit the site of a historic Civil War battle, and enjoy the serenity of the rural countryside along the Mid-Atlantic's many great multiuse trails.In this book, youll find: Detailed maps for every rail-trail, plus driving directions to trailheads Icons indicating the activities each trail can accommodate Succinct descriptions written by rail-trail expertsYou can now throw away all your self-help books on fighting depression, losing weight, toning muscles, finding something to do with your kids, and learning American history. Just use this guide, find a great trail-and enjoy!-Peter Harnik, Director, Center for City Park Excellence, Trust for Public LandAbout the AuthorRails-to-Trails Conservancy is a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to converting former railroad corridors to public, multiuse recreational trails that offer easy access to runners, hikers, bicyclists, skaters, wheelchair users, and equestrians. It serves as the national voice for more than 160,000 members and supporters, more than 23,000 miles of open rail-trails across the country, and more than 8,000 miles of potential trails waiting to be built-with a goal of ensuring a better future for America made possible by trails and the connections they inspire. To find out more about Rail-Trails, check out the Conservancy's official website at railstotrails.org.Excerpt. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail Counties Grayson, Washington Endpoints Green Spring Road and Pecan St. (Abingdon) to VA 726/Whitetop Gap Road (Whitetop) Mileage 34 Type Rail-Trail Roughness Index 2 Surface Gravel Uses Cycling, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, walking, cross-country skiingThe Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail offers scenic wonders: from dense forests, open fields, and lush waterways to railroad relics and delightful small towns. Cyclists and equestrians love the length of the Creeper, and many local walkers and joggers take advantage of the pleasant opportunity for a little exercise.The route offcially begins at the Virginia-North Carolina border, but the easiest place to start the Creeper is from the Whitetop trailhead. (However, to cover the entire trail, simply ride the extra mile from Whitetop to the North Carolina border before turning around to begin your journey.)The first 17-mile stretch to Damascus allows for numerous restroom breaks at its many trailheads, some of which are housed in restored or replica railroad depots. This section travels through terrific scenery, from Christmas tree farms and grazing llamas to river views and deep forestland. The Appalachian Trail also weaves on and off the Creeper. After going through dense trees, you will emerge to glide over bridges high above Laurel and Green Cove Creeks.Around the midpoint of the Virginia Creeper Trail, youll reach the Damascus trailhead. Before tackling the rest of the trail, consider taking a break in this sweet town. Damascus is the self-proclaimed friendliest town on the trail, and it wont take you long to see why: Here, youll find restrooms, a caboose housing an information booth, a replica train engine, and parking. Veer off the trail to find lunch stops and bike shops in town.Afte

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