Rail trails are wonderful for dogpacking adventures because they are usually reserved for non-motorized vehicles and best of all (for those who want a break from steep climbing), they are relatively flat with gradients typically around 2-3%.
1. Empire State Trail – New York
Location: New York City, NY to Fort Erie, ON
Length: 1200km (750 miles)
Description: “The Empire State Trail welcomes bicyclists and walkers of all ages and abilities to experience the Empire State’s urban centers, village main streets, rural communities, and diverse history, from New York City through the Hudson River Valley, west to Buffalo along the Erie Canal, and north to the Champlain Valley and Adirondacks.” – empiretrail.ny.gov
2. Rum Runners Trail – Nova Scotia
Location: Halifax, NS to Lunenburg, NS
Length: 119 km (74 miles)
Description: “Great for off-road cycling or long-distance trekking, the easy, flat Rum Runners Trail is perfect for exploring the vibrant coastal communities and nearby parks, beaches, and hiking trails. Savour local flavours at award-winning restaurants, explore attractions, and shop at a variety of artisan and specialty shops.” – novascotia.com
3. Katy Trail – Missouri
Location: Machens, MO to Clinton, MO
Length: 148 km (237 miles)
Description: “Stretching 237 miles across the mid-section of Missouri, the Katy Trail is built on the former corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (often called the MKT or Katy). The mostly level, crushed-limestone trail connects Machens, located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, and Clinton, a stone’s throw from Truman Lake. Much of the Katy Trail runs alongside the Missouri River, the longest river in North America, and travels through forests and fields, beneath leafy canopies and past towering bluffs. More than 20 small towns are located on or near the trail.” – visitmo.com
4. Olympic Discovery Trail – Washington
Location: Port Townsend, WA to La Push, WA
Length: 216 km (135 miles)
Description: “The Olympic Peninsula is Washington State’s premier destination for non-motorized touring. Starting in the Victorian seaport of Port Townsend, and ending on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, the Olympic Discovery Trail is filled with views of snow capped peaks, ocean vistas, fast flowing rivers and pristine lakes, and everywhere the majestic forests of the Pacific Northwest.” – olympicdiscoverytrail.com
5. Pinellas Trail – Florida
Location: Tarpon Springs, FL to St. Petersburg, FL
Length: 72 km (45 miles)
Description: “The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is a linear, multi-use trail extending from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs. The Trail, created along a portion of abandoned railroad corridor, provides a unique, protected greenspace for walking, jogging, skating and biking.” – pinellas.gov
6. Le P’Tit Train du Nord – Quebec
Location: Mont-Laurier, PQ to Bois-des-fillons, PQ
Length: 234 km (146 miles)
Description: “Le P’tit Train du Nord, a trail of more than 234 km using an old railway line, between Bois-des-Filion and Mont-Laurier: it is the longest linear park in Canada that offers activities in four seasons. Live the experience by bike, rollerblades, cross-country ski, winter bike or even snowmobiles. On your route, visit our lively towns and villages and discover heritage train stations, many restaurants as well as a host of cultural activities, art galleries and shops with unrivaled charm.” – laurentides.com
7. Confederation Trail – Prince Edward Island
Location: Tignish, PEI to East Point, PEI
Length: 237 km (147 miles)
Description: “The Confederation Trail runs tip-to-tip across Prince Edward Island and is best explored on foot or bicycle. Built on the decommissioned railway line, the main trail is 273 kilometres from west to east – Tignish to Elmira. Branch trails run through small towns and communities including the heart of Charlottetown. The gradients along this rolled stone dust trail never exceed two per cent making it suitable for all fitness levels.” – tourismpei.com
8. C & O Canal Trail – DC and Maryland
Location: Georgetown, DC to Cumberland, MD
Length: 295 km (184.5 miles)
Description: “The C&O Canal‘s 12-foot wide, nearly-level path was built for mules to pull the canal boats along the 184.5-mile canal from Cumberland, MD, to Georgetown. Today, the path is an internationally recognized recreation biking and hiking trail, maintained by the National Park Service. Outfit yourself with a bike rental or bring your own to experience the natural beauty and history of the trail.” – mdmountainside.com
9. Hessen Railway Cycle Route – Germany
Length: 245km (153 miles)
Location: Hanau, Germany to Bad Hersfeld, Germany
Description: “The Hessen Railway Cycle Route is the longest bike route in Europe, set along railway lines, spanning nearly 300 kilometers. It consists of six shorter, former railway bike routes: Vulkanradweg (94 kilometers), Vogelsberger Südbahnradweg (33 kilometers), Milseburg-Radweg (27 kilometers), Ulsterradweg (58 kilometers), Kegelspielradweg (27 kilometers), and Solztalradweg (28 kilometers). A standout feature of the Milseburg-Radweg, part of the Hessen Railway Cycle Route, is a railway tunnel stretching a remarkable 1172 meters, illuminated by motion sensor-controlled lights for cyclists’ convenience.” – cyclingthread.com
10. Kettle Valley Trail – British Columbia
Location: Hope, BC to Castegar, BC
Length: 650 km (400 mi)
Description: “Hiking or biking the Kettle Valley Rail Trail is a good way to travel through British Columbia’s wild spaces and learn about the province’s history. The original Kettle Valley Railway opened in 1915. Now, the decommissioned tracks are home to an extensive recreational trail that provides almost 650 km (400 mi) of connected pathways from Hope to Castlegar.” – hellobc.com
Additional tips
If you’re planning a rail-trail dogpacking adventure, be sure to check out route details beforehand including where you can find food, water and accommodations (camping vs hotel/motel). If you’re uncertain about daily mileage, 40-50 km/day (25-30 miles/day) is a conservative distance to aim for, affording stops and a leisurely pace for you and your dog.
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