Friends of Hoover Nature Trail

Hoover Nature Trail included on preferred route for the Great American Rail-Trail™

2019-05-10T13:17:00.002-05:00

WASHINGTON—Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) today unveiled its preferred route for the Great American Rail-Trail™—or the “Great American”—underscoring the organization’s commitment to creating an iconic piece of American infrastructure that connects more than 125 existing trails and 90 trail gaps over 3,700+ miles between Washington, D.C., and Washington State.

“Since the 1980s, RTC has understood the potential of a trail like the Great American Rail-Trail that could connect the nation. That vision has been a guidepost for the organization for 30 years. Now, we have the chance to create from that vision a national treasure that unites millions of people over thousands of miles of trail,” said Ryan Chao, president of RTC. “This trail is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to provide—together—an enduring gift to the nation that will bring joy for generations to come.”

The preferred route of the nation’s first cross-country multiuse trail is detailed in a comprehensive report released by RTC today. The Great American Rail-Trail Route Assessment Report outlines RTC’s recommendation for the route, developed in close partnership with states and local trail planners and managers.

“When defining the preferred route of the Great American Rail-Trail, we sought a cross-country route that would provide the highest-quality experience while delivering significant economic and social benefits to the communities it connects,” said Liz Thorstensen, vice president of trail development at RTC. “This route achieves those things and more, in large part thanks to the input, support and leadership of state agencies and local partners who have built the existing trails that will make the Great American Rail-Trail possible, and whose ongoing collaboration is vital to its completion.”

The route assessment was developed over 12 months with input from RTC’s GIS analysis of more than 34,000 miles of multiuse trails; review of state and local trail plans; and discussions with hundreds of local trail partners and state agencies representing the trails along the route. The preferred route aligns with RTC’s and its partners’ criteria that specify the Great American be one contiguous route that is initially more than 80 percent, and ultimately entirely, off street and separated from vehicle traffic; comprises existing trails to the extent possible; is the most direct route possible between Washington, D.C., and Washington State; is amenable to the state and local jurisdictions that will host it; and will serve as a catalyst for local economic development, including providing services for long-distance trail travelers.

Traveling through 12 states and the District of Columbia, RTC and its partners have defined the Great American Rail-Trail as more than 3,700 miles, comprising more than 1,900 miles of existing trails—those trails already developed that will help carry the route across the country—and more than 1,700 miles of “trail gaps,”—sections of trail in need of development to fully connect the Great American into one contiguous route.

As the nation’s first cross-country multiuse trail, the Great American will connect people of all ages and abilities with America’s diverse landscapes and communities. Nearly 50 million people living within 50 miles of itsroute will be able to call this iconic American infrastructure their own as the trail delivers new access to the outdoors and new opportunities for physical activity and recreation. Hundreds of communities along the route will experience new opportunities for business development and tourism thanks to the Great American Rail-Trail, all while contributing to the growth of the country’s burgeoning outdoor economy—one of the largest sectors in the United States.

“We believe the Great American Rail-Trail will be a transformative project for the nation, as it magnifies on a grand scale the benefits that trails have delivered to communities for decades,” said Chao. “Whether bridging gaps within and between communities, creating safe walking and biking access to jobs, transit, shopping and green space; or serving as recreation for cyclists, runners and casual daily explorers, this will be America’s trail.”

While completion of the Great American Rail-Trail is a significant undertaking and several decades away, 52% of the path is already complete and available for public use, with plans for RTC to work in partnership with states and local jurisdictions and organizations to bring new segments online year after year. RTC and its partners view the route assessment as a blueprint for the trail’s development that is based in the reality of existing plans and priorities.

To spur trail completion, RTC has identified initial catalyst initiatives—projects or challenges that would most benefit from RTC’s national breadth of resources. Through these initiatives, RTC will directly support local and state partners, investing time, expertise and organizational resources in specific projects that are critical to catalyzing the completion of the Great American Rail-Trail.

RTC is also enlisting the support of trail lovers across the country to demonstrate national enthusiasm for the Great American’s development. Setting a goal to reach 1 million pledges in support of the cross-country trail, RTC is asking the public to pledge at greatamericanrailtrail.org.

“We know that it will take a significant investment of time, resources and energy to complete the Great American Rail-Trail—but it will be worth it. It will take the help of trail lovers and leaders to bring this vision to life,” said Kevin Mills, RTC’s vice president of policy. “Federal, state, local and private investment will all be needed to complete this project. To support the ongoing advocacy necessary to secure critical public resources, we hope everyone will be inspired to proudly pledge to show the widespread desire that exists for this trail.”

Today, in celebration of the Great American route reveal, RTC and its partners will host a series of cascading live events in select locations on trails along the preferred route, including Washington, D.C.; Columbus, Ohio; Three Forks, Montana; and South Cle Elum, Washington. These events will be broadcast live on RTC’s Facebook Page (@railstotrails, #GRTAmerican) and at greatamericanrailtrail.org from 1 to 2 p.m. EDT (10 to 11 a.m. PDT).

The Great American Rail-Trail is a signature project of RTC and the most ambitious in its portfolio of TrailNation™ projects—the organization’s initiative to encourage the rapid replication of regional trail networks across the country. The Great American was first envisioned at RTC in the late 1980s, and for decades has been an underpinning of the organization’s strategy to create a nationwide network of public trails.

To learn more about the Great American Rail-Trail and RTC and to view the preferred route, visit greatamericanrailtrail.org and follow @greatamericanrailtrail on Facebook and Instagram.

It will take public and private support to complete the Great American Rail-Trail. To learn more about how you can support the project and RTC’s national leadership to plan, organize and advocate for the trail, contact Alisa Borland, vice president of development at RTC, at alisa@railstotrails.org or 202.974.5126.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community more than 1 million strong—dedicated to connecting people and communities by creating a nationwide network of public trails, many from former rail lines. Connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Check out an interactive map of the preferred route at https://gis.railstotrails.org/grtamerican/.

Ely to Johnson County line segment could be paved by next year

2015-08-06T14:11:00.001-05:00

The Gazette reports that the segment of the Hoover Nature Trail that runs from Ely to the Johnson County line "will get federal funding sooner than later." $760,000 in federal aid will be available in FY2016, according to the 2016-19 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, released by the Iowa Department of Transportation earlier this week. That means a new, paved segment could be ready to ride on early next year.

“By the beginning of summer, end of spring, they could be out there paving the trail,” said Brandon Whyte, a multimodal transportation planner for the Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization. “That trail construction is extremely quick.”

A draft of the 2016-19 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program is available on the Iowa DOT’s website. The DOT is taking public comments until September 2. Comments can be directed to Matt Chambers at 515-239-1409 or Matthew.Chambers@dot.iowa.gov.

Things are progressing in the West Liberty to Conesville segment

2014-03-12T17:32:00.000-05:00

According to The West Liberty Index, representatives from West Liberty, Nichols and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation met Thursday, March 6, at the West Liberty City Hall to discuss ways to go about restoring a nearby portion of the Hoover Nature Trail, connecting West Liberty, Nichols and Conesville. The segment they hope to upgrade starts three miles north of Nichols, stops right before Nichols, then picks up again for another four miles south of Nichols.

HNT Improved Near Nichols

2013-10-27T01:25:00.001-05:00

According to the West Liberty Index, the Nichols Betterment Committee worked throughout the month of September, weeding, mowing and improving a section of the Hoover Nature Trail, in preparation for a 5K run/walk held on the trail in conjunction with Nichols' annual October Festival on September 28.

If anyone has photos of the improved sections, please send them to me and I will share them on the blog.

Nichols begins restoration efforts on its portion of the HNT

2013-09-26T01:37:00.000-05:00

According to the West Liberty Index, Nichols Mayor Cyle Geertz has begun an initiative to restore a long-dormant seven-mile section of the Hoover Nature Trail near the town. The segment, which is owned by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF), starts three miles north of Nichols, stops right before town, then picks up again for another four miles south of town.

Mayor Geertz and members of the Nichols Betterment Committee have already done some work to the trail, flattening out much of its gravel foundation and removing weeds.

Future plans for the trail were outlined by Mayor Geertz at a special meeting September 12:

Reconnect Nichols’ portion of the HNT to West Liberty's portion in the north and Conesville's portion in the south.
Apply a sealant to the rock, making it less dusty.
Install cement and educational spots along the path that discuss the history of Nichols and its families.

$32,000 for Trail Development Results From Easement on HNT Between Ely and Solon

2011-05-01T01:17:00.011-05:00

According to easterniowagovernment.com, Central Iowa Power Company signed easement papers on Friday for a portion of the HNT between Ely and Solon. The agreement will provide the Johnson County Trail Foundation with $32,000 for trail development.

Cedar Rapids Portion of HNT Receives Trails & Paths Paving Award

2011-05-01T01:09:00.004-05:00

The Linn County Conservation Board, Anderson-Bogert Engineers & Surveyors, Inc. and LL Pelling Company received the 2010 “Trails & Paths Paving Award” from the Asphalt Paving Association of Iowa for the northern section of the Hoover Trail paving project in Linn County. The northern section of the Hoover Trail connects to the southern tip of the Cedar River Trail (which runs through Cedar Rapids) and extends south from 76th Avenue SW to Wright Brothers Blvd. It is currently open for public use.

Ely-to-CR Connection to be Completed Later This Year

2010-06-26T20:52:00.003-05:00

According to an article in The Cedar Rapids Gazette, the Iowa DOT has awarded the bid to finish the HNT link between Ely and Cedar Rapids to Vieth Construction. The 1.08 mile asphalt-paved trail will run from Ely Road in Cedar Rapids to the new Ely City Park. The project is scheduled to be completed later this year (weather-permitting) at a cost of $303,270.

West Liberty City Councilman Cites Connection to Hoover Nature Trail as Top-Five Project for City

2007-11-01T07:47:00.000-05:00

In a letter to the editor of the West Liberty Index, current (and possibly outgoing) city councilman Chad Thomas outlined five projects that he would really like to see get done in West Liberty. Two of them relate to recreational trails and the HNT:

Developing the walking/biking trails identified in West Liberty's comprehensive plan
Getting West Liberty connected to the larger Hoover Nature Trail and connected to the trail system in Iowa City

He went on to say "All of these projects are going to require cooperation and input from the City, but when it comes to planning, follow through, and fundraising, I do not believe the City is the best organization to get this done. I can be more effective in advocating for these projects through individual efforts and collaboration with other private and/or non-profit organizations."

Photos of the Hoover Nature Trail on Flickr

2007-10-19T00:24:00.000-05:00

More photos of the Hoover Nature Trail, northwest of West Branch.

Photos of the Hoover Nature Trail

2007-10-18T23:35:00.000-05:00

Scot Skinner is a photographer who has some really nice photos of the Hoover Nature Trail on his website.

Another (Better?) Interactive Map of the Hoover Nature Trail

2007-10-18T23:12:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure who put it together, but this is a pretty good map and guide for anyone who wants to attempt to bike the length of the intermittent Hoover Nature Trail. This resource is along the lines of what I was aiming for with my trail map.

Entire Hoover Nature Trail Now Mapped in Google Earth/Maps

2007-10-18T22:34:00.001-05:00

Earlier this year I painstakingly mapped the entire Hoover Nature Trail in Google Earth by simply looking at the satellite imagery. I am just now getting around to posting it here. I started in West Branch, so I ended up with two sections, a north section and a south section. I am not very experienced at Google Earth, KML/KMZ or computer mapping, so I did not know how to link the two sections to create just one continuous trail. If there is someone out there who can "fix" my map or one-up me, please do.

One of the cool things about this exercise is how the route of the former rail line is still fairly evident, even in places where landowners have tried to wipe out any trace of it. If you have Google Earth, you can download my KMZ files, fly over the trail, and see exactly what I am talking about.

Has West Branch Forgotten About the Hoover Nature Trail?

2007-10-18T21:49:00.000-05:00

I discovered tonight that the City of West Branch no longer has a page on their website devoted to the Hoover Nature Trail, so I have removed that link to the right. Amazingly, after searching around the city's redesigned website, I can find no mention of the trail at all. Even the map of the city provided as a downloadable PDF just has white space where the trail should be. Makes you wonder how important this resource is to West Branch's leaders.

New West Branch Volksmarch Includes Segment of Hoover Nature Trail

2007-10-18T21:27:00.000-05:00

From The Press-Citizen:

The Hawkeye Hikers, an Iowa City-based affiliate of the American Volkssport Association, announced a new Volksmarch walk through West Branch. The 10-kilometer walking route begins in downtown West Branch and includes the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. The route also travels through West Branch's historic commercial district, residential neighborhoods, through the town cemetery, past local churches and along part of the Herbert Hoover Nature Trail. Visitors to West Branch interested in walking the route may pick up directions and a map at Dewey's Jack and Jill grocery store at the corner of Main Street and First Street/Parkside Drive.

For information about Volkssport and Volksmarching, contact Cathy Johnson of the Hawkeye Hikers at 337-5989.

West Branch Times Editorial Makes Trail Suggestions

2007-05-31T05:12:00.000-05:00

In a recent West Branch Times editorial, Rob Poggenklass tossed out a few ideas related to cycling and the Hoover Nature Trail:

How about asking Johnson County to add a bike path to the Herbert Hoover Highway?
How about connecting the trail from the high school to the Hoover Nature Trail, through the cemetery?

The first suggestion is already in the Johnson County Trails Plan, although I am not certain of its priority or funding. Regarding the second suggestion, I think we are seeing that trail connectivity is important for their use and vitality. I'm not familiar enough with the exact route that Rob was suggesting to make any commentary beyond that.

Map of Land Deeded to Hoover Nature Trail in Johnson County

2006-12-05T05:05:00.000-06:00

This map, from the Johnson County Trails Plan, shows which portions of the former railroad right-of-way have been deeded to the Hoover Nature Trail (according to the Johnson County Assessor. As you can see, there are some breaks. For anyone familiar with the history of the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, these breaks can be major roadblocks to the successful completion of the trail.

Seeking Members for Johnson County Trails Advisory Committee

2006-12-05T04:52:00.000-06:00

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors has twelve vacancies on the Johnson County Trails Advisory Committee. Six members will serve a one-year term ending December 31, 2007 and six members will serve two-year terms ending December 31, 2008. Beginning January 1, 2008, members will then serve two-year terms.

County Trails Advisory Committee’s role will be to give advice and recommendations on trail funding priorities, maintenance levels, signage policies, and other trail-related issues.

This person needs to be an eligible elector of Johnson County.

Application form is available available here.

Completed applications must be returned by December 15, 2006.

Terry Dahms Asks Johnson County to Set Aside Money for Hoover Nature Trail

2006-12-05T04:46:00.000-06:00

Terry Dahms asked the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to set aside money for the Hoover Nature Trail, in case matching funds can be found. He estimated that it would cost $110,000 to replace the two missing bridges between Solon and Ely. Read the Press-Citizen article here.

2006-09-29T00:28:00.000-05:00

Superman ice cream for two pee-wee pedalers.

Trail information center

Hart-Montague Bike Trail in Western Michigan

2006-09-29T00:22:00.000-05:00

A portion of the trail doubles as an exercise circuit. The same kids that were too tired to pedal any farther has to try out every station!

Trying to make it to the ice cream store...

Here is a look at some of the trail signage and one of the parks that the trail passes by/through.

Hart-Montague Bike Trail in Western Michigan

2006-09-29T00:13:00.000-05:00

It was a nice, easy ride for a family. The trail is paved.
Much of the trail has a nice tree canopy.

Even our four-year-old enjoyed it (Note: No training wheels!)

One of many fields of asparagus we passed. While we knew that the area was known for its blueberries and apples, we were not aware that it is the asparagus capital of the U.S. In addition to asparagus fields, the trail passes by a number of orchards and fruit farms.

Hoover Nature Trail Needs Funding, Volunteers

2006-09-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

Johnson County Conservation Board members are in favor of a trail system that would involve a portion of the Hoover Nature Trail, but questions remain about who is going to pay for the trail creation and maintenance. Full article from the Iowa City Press-Citizen is here. I for one would volunteer to perform maintenance and upkeep on the trail. If there is anyone else out there that would like to help perform this community service, please speak up.

Hoover Nature Trail Chosen for Iowa City - Cedar Rapids Link!

2006-08-25T14:46:00.000-05:00

Great news! Johnson County and Linn County officials chose the Hoover Nature Trail route over the Highway 965 route for the planned link between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. This is a huge momentum builder for Hoover Nature Trail supporters! Read the Press Citizen article here.

Riding the Trail Northwest of West Branch July 1, 2006

2006-07-13T14:47:00.000-05:00