A Love Letter to Trails

Trails have connected cities long before roads did.? Some unique connections like Cinque Terra, five Italian Villages linked by trail (also a UNESCO World Heritage site), have survived the test of time.? Camino de Santiago is a trail network in Spain that attracts thousands of pilgrims every year with the majority hiking for spiritual reasons.? According to surveys conducted by the National Center for Bicycling and Walking, natural environments – trails paths and parks, rank as some of the most delightful places we encounter.?

What would our lives be like if our days and nights were as immersed in nature as they are in technology?? How can each of us help create that life-enhancing world, not only in a hypothetical future, but right now, for our families and for ourselves? In his book The Nature Principal, Richard Louv argues the more high-tech we become, the more nature we need.

Well before the smartphone, in 1989, the President’s Commission on Americans Outdoors recommended the nation develop a system of recreational corridor described as ‘fingers of green that reach out from and around and through communities all across America.” They called for a “prairie fire of local action” to implement the vision. In fact, green infrastructure projects done in conjunction with trail building can have a very positive impact on overall watersheds.? The Loop in Tucson started out as a flood mitigation project and has turned into a treasured community asset.?

The Carolina Thread Trail is network that will eventually wave through most of North and South Carolina.? It will link people with cities, towns, attractions and nature.? More than a hiking trail, more than a bike path, it will preserve natural areas and be a place of exploration of nature, culture, science and history.? It is encouraging to see the long-term vision of this endeavor, currently made up of over 150 separate trails.? As communities formulate strategic development plans, a trail network should be a part of every decision.

Steve Nygren, the founder of Serenbe was quoted “No matter how stressful life gets, or how difficult certain talks can be with your kids, a walk in the woods can change the whole tone of life.”? As an aside, my wife and I actually got engaged on the trail system in Serenbe!

TOURISM

It doesn’t take much sleuthing to realize the most sought-after destinations also offer robust trail systems.? Even in the most urban environment in America, the cherished High Line in New York attracts over eight million annual visitors.? Washington DC has a highly underutilized trail system.? Austin’s trails along the river over a great respite from the city.? San Antonio has been expanding the trail network connected to its famous Riverwalk which is spreading tourism and economic development further through its core.

Damascas, Virginia, known as “Trail Town USA” since seven trails converge on this small idyllic mountain town, boasts the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail.? Downtown Greenville, South Carolina offers a robust trail system including Swamp Rabbit Trail and has led to a proliferation of breweries and local restaurants along the route.?

The Pinhoti Trail system in the Cohutta Wilderness outside of Ellijay, GA offers connections to Benton McKay and the Appalachian Trail.? On the trail is Mulberry Gap, a mountain bike focused resort that offers lodging, instruction, meals and guide services.? Interestingly, the Conservation Fund is working to extend the Pinhoti from Georgia through Alabama to the Gulf of Mexico, a segment that was highly contested and ultimately left out of the original AT.

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

The CDC has conducted research that states “parks and trails can provide resources most communities need when addressing many of today’s public health problems.? When well designed, they have been shown to reduce stress and foster community interaction.”? In Amy-Jane Beer’s FLOW, she argues that time spent in nature keeps people out of doctor’s offices, surgeries and hospitals and reduces sick leave.? It is not a leap to believe more active parks and trails could lead to long term health care savings.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

I was in awe the first time I went to Katy Ice House on the Katy Trail in Dallas.? Bikers, walkers and townies all gathered together taking a break from their endeavors to have a cold beer amongst friends.? It was a peek into the future of the Atlanta BeltLine and I didn’t even realize it.? Speaking of, the Atlanta Beltline, a 22-mile loop that will eventually encircle the city, has already attracted over $8 billion in private investment.? It has given life to old neighborhoods and is now an important piece of the city’s tourism.? Major companies including Blackstone, and others have located out of city center to be located on this trail.

Touted as the number one bike path in America, the Loop in Tucson is a 136-mile trail circling the city winding through several neighborhoods and greenspaces.? Along the way are numerous parks, coffee shops, hotels, campsites and even the Tucson Boneyard (IYKYK). ?According to one study, for every dollar in invested in The Loop, Pima County realizes $9.40 in economic benefit. According to the Arizona Star, several companies, including giants Caterpillar and Comcast, located in Tucson at least partially because of the Loop. ?

PROPERTY VALUES

The National Association of Realtors cites John L. Crompton, Ph.D of Texas A&M who compiled 20 studies pertaining to the impact of trails on residential property values. The results suggest living near trails and greenways will likely positively impact property values 3-5% with outliers as high as 15%. There is also no correlation that trails increase crime in their surrounding areas.

At Little Miami Scenic Trail, Duygu Karadeniz found that the trail positively impacts single-family residential property values, with sale prices increasing by $7.05 for every foot closer a property is located to the trail.

COMMERCE

Trails and commerce are mutually beneficial.? Although sometimes it is nice to be solely among the trees and lichen, we humans also crave gathering spots and venues to socialize.? For a recent date night, my wife and I parked in downtown Alpharetta, walked to Avalon for a cocktail and to look at furniture via the Alpha Loop, and then came back to Citizen Soul in Alpharetta for dinner.? The walk was extremely enjoyable, didn’t cost a thing and we weren’t on our devices once.? The city has ambitious plans to greatly expand the Alpha Loop to serve as a connector to other trail systems, including the Big Creek Greenway stretching from Roswell to Forsyth County.? PATH 400 additions will further enhance this burgeoning network of trails and no doubt be a boost to the communities’ tax bases.

CONCLUSION

Trails can shape our communities in fascinating ways.? My family may be outliers, but the availability of trails has had a great impact on where we spend our time, be it at home or vacationing.? With a little education, communication and cooperation, trails can bring investment, culture, health, and rising property values to your town.

There is never a shortage of awe and inspiration to be found outdoors.? Of all the great works that we can experience, nature is the most absolute and enduring. -Rick Rubin