The Vestal Rail Trail

I've blogged, from time to time, about the Vestal Rail Trail in Vestal, New York.

In fact, if you look at my blog posts from Friday and Wednesday of last week, these took place on the Vestal Rail Trail. 

Here's a brief history of the trail:

Years ago, when the railroad industry was a main method of transportation in our country there were thousands and thousands of miles of railroad tracks crossing our country.  Now, a lot of those tracks are no longer needed.

Historic marker, near Western end of Vestal Rail Trail

Around 1968, people had an idea:  take up the tracks, build trails on the railroad right of ways, and have these trails available for exercise and other community activities. Several rounds of federal legislation followed. The application for the first rail trail, in Missouri, was filed in 1986.  Almost 20,000. miles of these trails have now been built

Train Crossing Device on Side of Vestal Rail Trail

 The Vestal Rail Trail has been open for some 20 years now, and exists in two sections.  The portion my spouse and I use is flat, straight, and  is a tiny bit over 2 miles long each way.  It is well maintained, and many 5K walking running events are held during the year.  Hopefully, spouse and I will be walking in one in early September.

This is a post about the other section, which we walk on less frequently.

On the west end of the trail sits the historic Rounds Coal House (the first picture on Friday shows it).  Moved several years ago from its original spot, where it was in danger of being torn down, it was renovated.  It now has a refreshment concession with outdoor seating, and hosts many running and walking events along with trivia and other "happenings'.

How wonderful that an unused railroad was given a second life.

Do you have a local rail trail that you utilize for exercise or recreation?