United Group Insurance

Rails-to-Trails Hosts Celebrates Trails Day April 27

Ag/Outdoor, News

April 25th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) –  Celebrate Trails Day, this Saturday, April 27th, in Cass County. Spring is a great time of year to get outside and enjoy trails–biking, walking, or running. The
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is hosting Celebrate Trails Day, an annual celebration that encourages people to enjoy the nation’s trails. Cass County is home to multiple walking and biking trails. Some of the most popular trails in Cass County include: the four-mile paved trail circling Lake Anita State Park, paved and grass trails at Cold Spring Park near Lewis, and the paved and gravel trail system north of Atlantic connecting the Schildberg Recreation Area and the Little League ball diamonds and AMU wellfields.

A map of Cass County trails, including information on trail type, ADA accessibility, and restrooms, can be found at https://www.atlanticiowa.com/experience/cass-county-trails-map-2/.
Printed copies of the Cass County Trails Map can be picked up at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce (102 Chestnut St., Atlantic, IA 50022).

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is a nonprofit organization founded in 1986 whose mission is to build a nation connected by trails. One of the organization’s flagship initiatives is the Great
American Rail Trail. The Great American Rail Trail is designed to be the nation’s first cross-country multi-use trail for biking, hiking, and more. While the trail is still under construction, the preferred route of the Great American Rail Trail goes through Cass County and Atlantic.

Atlantic is the only town on this year’s RAGBRAI route that is also on the preferred Great American Rail Trail route. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy will have a team of cyclists participating in RAGBRAI who will recognize Atlantic’s part in this cross-country trail. For more information on the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Celebrate Trails Day, and the Great American Rail Trail, visit www.railstotrails.org or contact Nishna Valley Trails President Dave Chase at 712-249-3059.

Nishna Valley Trails is a tax-exempt local nonprofit that promotes the development of recreational trails and cycling. People who support these causes are welcome to join the group. For more information on Nishna Valley Trails or to join the organization, contact President Dave Chase at barbdavechase@gmail.com or 712-249-3059. Nishna Valley Trails is partnering with Cass County Conservation and other area organizations to host a local trails celebration event on June 1. The event will include organized bike rides, food, and entertainment. Details to come.