Today, the United States is home to more than 26,000 miles of rail-trails—multi-use public paths built on former railroad corridors. How this amazing network came about is a story of massive economic changes, breathtaking imagination, endless dedication, and tough political battles. Premiering October 15, 2025 on public television stations nationwide (check local listings) and streaming on PBS.org, the new documentary, From Rails to Trails, captures the 60-year struggle—and transformative triumph—of one of America’s most unlikely grassroots movements.
Narrated by Edward Norton, From Rails to Trails explores how community activists, visionary leaders, and passionate citizens fought to turn defunct railways into vibrant spaces for walking, biking, and recreation. From small-town showdowns to U.S. Supreme Court cases, the documentary unveils the legal, political, and cultural forces that shaped the rails-to-trails movement.
Based on Peter Harnik’s 2021 book, From Rails to Trails: The Making of America’s Active Transportation Network, the one-hour documentary showcases pivotal stories that sparked a national social movement.
