Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) is an American nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. that works with communities to preserve unused rail corridors by transforming them into rail trails within the United States of America. The mission of RTC is to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors to build healthier places for healthier people.[1]
The organization publishes a quarterly magazine for its members. (ISSN 1523-4126) Rails to Trails magazine covers existing trails, planned trails, and member experiences, as well as news and items of interest to the bicycling public.
The organization is presently engaged in a multi-year task of mapping all rail trails with GPS devices. The 13,500 miles (21,700 km) of open and operating trails are the first priorities of this project. Trails under construction or in the development phase are secondary priorities. RTC anticipates that the GPS data will lead to better maps, and assist in oversight and maintenance. Volunteers are used for a considerable amount of the organization's work.