Distributed to some depository libraries in microfiche.

If, as Wallace Stegner said, the national park is “the best idea we ever had,” the rail-trail is certainly a close runner-up. Part transportation corridor, part park, the rail-trail has revolutionized the way America creates high-quality, car-free pathways for bicyclists, runners, walkers, equestrians, and more. It was only a few decades after railroad barons had run roughshod over America’s economy and politics that they began to shed nearly one hundred thousand miles of unneeded railroad corridor. At the same time, bicyclists were being so thoroughly pushed off ever-more-intimidating roadways they came close to extinction. Through political organizing and lawyerly grit, an unlikely, formerly marginalized advocacy arose, seized on seemingly worthless strips of land, and created a resource that is treasured by millions of Americans today for recreation, purposeful travel, tourism, conservation, and historical interpretation. From Rails to Trails is the fascinating tale of the rails-to-trails movement as well as a consideration of what the continued creation of rail-trails means for the future of Americans’ health, nonmotorized transportation networks, and communities across the country.

Across the country, more than 1600 unused railroad corridors have been converted to level, public, multiuse trails, where people can enjoy a fitness run, a leisurely bike ride, or a stroll with the family. In this updated guide in the popular series, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy presents the finest rail-trails plus other great multiuse trails in three Midwestern states. Rail-Trails Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio covers more than 70 trails in the region. Many rail-trails are paved and run through the most scenic parts of towns. Others, such as the 20-mile Sam Vadalabene Great River Road Bike Trail, travel along lush waterways, dramatic bluffs, and steep hills. The Monoon Trail in Indiana highlights the best of midwestern rail-trails by stitching together neighborhoods, recreational facilities, schools, and cultural centers between Indianapolis and Carmel. Rail-Trails Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio lets readers enjoy the serenity of the rural countryside along the Midwest's many great multiuse trails. This full-color book includes succinct descriptions of each trail from start to finish, plus at-a-glance summary information indicating permitted uses, surface type, length, and directions to trailheads for each trail. Every trip has a detailed map that includes start and end points, trailhead, parking, restroom facilities, and other amenities.

Best Rail Trails Illinois is the complete guide to walking, jogging, biking, and cross-country skiing more than forty of the most popular rail trails in Illinois. Written by an author with expert knowledge of the Prairie State, this easy-to-use book provides mile-by-mile descriptions of the top rural and urban rail trails—from the Chicago area’s Prairie Path, one of America’s first rail trails, to trails in the St. Louis area and those set in the breathtaking beauty of the Shawnee National Forest, as well as numerous other urban, suburban, and rural rail trails statewide. Look inside to find: • Full trail profiles, including length, access points, difficulty rating, and surface type • Detailed trail maps • At-a-glance icons for easy identification of rail trails that best suit one’s interests • Information on wheelchair accessibility, parking, restrooms, where to rent bikes, and points of interest along the trail • Location of ranger stations, visitor centers, and depot museums • Local trail support organizations and how to get involved • Directions to each trailhead including public transportation access