Trails enhance our quality of life in so many ways. Here are just a few:
Health — Trails provide very affordable access to outdoor recreation and exercise. Whether walking, running, biking, cross-country skiing, or paddling, trail users’ physical and mental health will benefit. Being outdoors and regularly immersing oneself in nature has been shown to result in a better quality of life.
Community Development — Trail advocates will often say that the reason they love trails is because of what they do for communities. In some communities, the rail-trail that runs through downtown becomes the new “Main Street”, where people regularly see and speak with their neighbors. Trails are often near the top of the lists of what makes an attractive community. And trails connect communities and neighborhoods within communities — they are non-partisan. They are not red or blue, liberal or conservative. Instead, they simply bring people together.
Economic Development — Studies have shown trails to be true economic development drivers. Trails bring visitors and those visitors spend money. But more important are the long-term economic development impacts — trails make communities more attractive places to live and do business. Access to trails is one of the top amenities families are seeking in deciding where they want to live. Trails are effective tools for recruiting families and small businesses.
Harrison Recreational Trails 