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Celebrate Trails Day with a bike ride along the iconic Katy and Capital Crescent Trail
Image: Rails to Trails Conservancy
As Spring weather hits, there's no better time to pump up those tires and experience the joy of a bike ride in nature than to hop on a trail. Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming unused or abandoned railway corridors into multi-use trails (called “rail trails”) for biking, walking, hiking, and other recreational activities. Electric bikes are welcome on rail trails too!
On the fourth Saturday of April, RTC hosts Celebrate Trails Day; an annual celebration of this broad network of American trails. Celebrate Trails Day is more than a beautiful Spring day outside, it’s an opportunity to discover the magic of bicycling along one of the nation's 41,000+ miles of multi use trails - all thanks to the advocacy of Rails to Trail Conservancy.
No matter if you’re a new bike rider or have been exploring trails for years, Po Campo is with you for the ride. The freedom of two wheels and the endless possibilities they represent is what inspires us to create quality bike bags that make it fun and easy to explore the beautiful rail trails that RTC provides. So, let's jump on a journey to explore two iconic trails that offer unforgettable experiences for cyclists of all ages and abilities: the Katy Trail in Missouri and the Capital Crescent Trail in the heart of Washington, D.C.
These two epic trails were also the inspiration behind our Katy Bike Trunk Bag and Crescent Bike Basket; the two new additions to the Po Campo bike bag range.
Capital Crescent Trail - Washington D.C
13 miles
Hightlights
- Roll through beautiful parklands.
- Route following sections of the Potomac River.
- A relatively flat trail ride, making it perfect for bike riders of all skill levels.
- Plenty of entry and exit points make it easy to use this bike trail: use it as a bike commuter route or pleasure ride of any distance.
Image: Rails to Trails Conservancy
This scenic pathway, once a bustling railway corridor, now offers cyclists, joggers, and nature enthusiasts a tranquil escape from city life. Winding its way through lush parklands and along the banks of the Potomac River, the trail showcases both the region's rich history and its vibrant present.
Gear up for the ride with Crescent Bike Basket
Clocking in at only 13 miles end-to-end, this trail is a fitting namesake for our brand new Crescent Bike Basket; the perfect casual and convenient way to carry the necessities while during your bike ride. Think of the Crescent as the big sister of our best-selling kids bike basket- the Whoosh. She’s larger and comes equipped with a removable lid to keep snacks, wallet, water bottle and other extras secure during your ride.The Crescent is perfect for shorter trail rides like the Capital Crescent trail, where you want to pack a little but don’t need too much. With its historical trestle bridges, and convenient access points, the Capital Crescent trail is sure to deliver a serene day out and the Crescent bike basket is the perfect accessory for your trail ride!
- An iconic destination trail that people from all over the world travel to ride.
- Delicious stops along the way such as breweries, wineries and cafes to fuel your bike ride.
- This scenic trail passes through charming small towns.
- A popular trail with pockets of quiet and serenity, too.
Image: Rails to Trails Conservancy
Embark on a journey along the Katy Trail, a picturesque pathway tracing the historic route of the railroad link Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT - hence its name ‘Katy’) through the heart of Missouri. Spanning 240 miles from Clinton to Machens, this iconic trail invites cyclists, hikers, and nature enthusiasts to explore the diverse landscapes and charming small towns that dot its path.
Put this trail on your summer bucket list and get ready to ride all weekend long (or more!)
Gear up for the ride with the Katy Trunk Bag
Of all the American rail trails, the feature-rich Katy Trail was the most obvious namesake for our newest bicycle trunk bag - the Katy. Sure to become your bff of bike bags, Katy is big enough for a day out exploring this epic trail while also doubling as a crossbody bag that’s ready to go anywhere else your day may take you. Look cute as you hop off your bike to relax at one of the many cafes or breweries along the route. As you experience the beauty of rolling farmland, dense forests, and majestic river bluffs along this converted rail corridor, you can ride easy knowing your trusty Katy trunk bag is securely equipped with everything you need for a day on your bike.
Not quite ready for a full day trail ride? With numerous trailheads offering parking and restrooms you can make your ride along the Katy trail as long or short as you feel comfortable with. Whether you're seeking adventure or simply some peace and quiet in nature, the Katy Trail promises an unforgettable outdoor experience!
Finding a bike trail near you
Celebrate Trails Day is the perfect time of year to check out a new trail near you but you can find rail trails to ride any time of the year. Find your new favorite trail using the Rails to Trails TrailLink site and start dreaming of summer adventures by bike. Looking for recommendations? Check out the Top 10 Trails By State blog post by Rails To Trails for bike friendly paths in your area.
Grab your bike helmet, pack some snacks, and let's hit the trails together, as we pedal our way through history, nature, and the vibrant communities that line these beloved rail trails.
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