Home to rugged landscapes, natural stone arches and unique red rock land forms, Utah is a prominent destination on an adventurer’s bucket list. In June 2018, Utah celebrated the completion of the Golden Spoke, a network that offers over 100 miles of connected, paved trails linking Provo, Salt Lake City and Ogden. The Golden Spoke network solidified itself as a national model in outdoor recreation by becoming the longest continuous, multi-use rail-trail network west of the Mississippi. It welcomes trail users from around the world to see the natural beauty exclusive to Utah. The following are some of the rail-trails that make this network a destination to behold.
The Provo River Parkway is a 15-mile asphalt path that weaves through residential and commercial areas following the Provo River. Trail users will pass spectacular scenery like Bridal Veil Falls and Provo Canyon. The surface of the canyon widens and rises, offering more views of flowing water, ancient rocks and surrounding greenery. Several parks along the route offer places to stop for water, use the restroom or have a picnic.
Recreationalists can enjoy almost 25 miles of paved asphalt on this Golden Spoke network trail. Passing through places like Farmington, Kaysville and Clearfield, the Denver and Rio Grande Western Rail Trail links various cities together and provides access to the scenic Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area. It extends north from West Bountiful, but, for a longer route, trail users can continue south on the Legacy Parkway trail from Centerville until they reach another trail in the network, the Jordan River Parkway Trail.
The Jordan River Parkway Trail follows the river of the same name for almost 50 miles, weaving in and out of urban areas and parks. The trail has almost two dozen trailheads that provide restrooms and water fountains, and some that offer picnic areas and playgrounds. The trail travels north, hugging the riverside with spectacular views of open landscapes. The Jordan River Parkway is wheelchair accessible and has opportunities for trail users who want to inline skate or go horseback riding.
Situated in Utah Valley, the Murdock Canal Trail offers a beautiful 17-mile path that connects seven communities in the area. Built over a now-enclosed canal, the concrete and asphalt path also has an adjacent path for equestrian use. The Murdock Canal Trail has trailheads in the Orem, Lindon, Pleasant Grove, Highland and Lehi communities. At the northern end of the trail in Lehi, trail users can connect to the Historic Utah Southern Rail Trail that heads downtown.
The Legacy Parkway Trail is a 14-mile trail that runs adjacent to Legacy Parkway and parallels the Utah Transit Authority’s FrontRunner, the state’s first commuter rail line. The route parallels a freeway, with a grassy median and surrounding mountain views. A connection to the Legacy Nature Preserve also offers a scenic backdrop. The trail later overlaps with the Denver and Rio Grande Western Rail Trail for a short distance before meeting the Jordan River Parkway Trail.
The Chief Ladiga trail winds through the Talladega National Forest and surrounding fields and wetlands...
If you love to be outside, the Withlacoochee State Trail, less than 100 miles west of Orlando, is a must-visit destination...
Louisiana's first rail trail, the Tammany Trace connects communities north of New Orleans...
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