What to do when old railroads are abandoned? Here in Southern Virginia, freight and passenger traffic declined on certain branches after highways and air travel grew. What to do? Under the National Trail's System Act, we decided that tracks can be placed in "railbanked" status, meaning the former rails could be used for recreational purposes. Local governments took over overseership of the trail and refitted the rail trails for paths that were ideal for runners, cyclists, and wheelchair users. New amenities were added, such as parking lots, restrooms, and signage. These former rail trails made for perfect running trails due to their gentile slope (about a 2% percent grade), their car-free path, and their good drainage and compact surfaces. One such rail-to-trail route is my favorite: The High Bridge Trail in Farmville. VA.
That's where I got in today's run.
It allowed me to get in my daily step count.
I'm so glad we have these abandoned railways beds. Through a mixture of legislation, local initiative, and clever reuse of ready-made corridors, the gentle grades that once carried trains now carry runners, walkers, cyclists, and wheelchair riders -- linking communities together in a new way!