The Case for Trails

The Transformative Power of Trails

Wheelchair on a Trail Trails are more than paths; they are lifelines that connect communities, foster recreation, and stimulate economic growth. In Talbot County, where natural beauty and community pride converge, the potential for trail projects like the Frederick Douglass Rail Trail initiative is immense. Projects like these turn unused rail corridors into vibrant multi-use trails, offering residents and visitors a place to walk, bike, and immerse themselves in nature. Beyond their recreational appeal, trails enhance the quality of life by encouraging active lifestyles, improving public health, and fostering a sense of connection between people and the outdoors.

Economic Development and Community Growth

Trails have a proven track record of driving local economies, and Talbot County is poised to benefit. Studies consistently show that trails attract visitors, who, in turn, support local businesses like restaurants, shops, and lodging establishments. Moreover, trails often become community focal points, hosting events, and activities that draw crowds year-round. For residents, these projects increase property values, making nearby neighborhoods more desirable while creating a positive ripple effect on the local economy. By investing in trails, Talbot County can harness these opportunities to strengthen its economic vitality and build a more resilient community.

Trails as Stewards of Safety and Sustainability

One of the most persistent myths about trails is that they negatively impact adjacent property owners or bring crime to an area. The evidence says otherwise. Trails across the nation have shown that they foster safe, welcoming environments and encourage stewardship of shared spaces. They also provide ecological benefits by preserving green corridors and reducing carbon footprints through alternative transportation options. By embracing trail projects, Talbot County can create an enduring legacy of sustainability, recreation, and economic prosperity—all while maintaining the charm and character that make this community special.

Building Consensus with Land Owners

For farmers adjacent to proposed trail projects, concerns about liability, privacy, and the impact on daily operations are understandable. However, evidence from similar projects across the country demonstrates that these concerns can be effectively addressed through thoughtful planning and ongoing support. Thanks to established legal protections and clear guidelines for shared land use, farmers and adjacent property owners are sheilded from liabilty of trail users who might wander off the trail and onto their land. Additionally, the construction of natural buffers will safeguard privacy and minimize potential disruptions. Talbot Thrive also envisions a community of trail advocates with members who are dedicated to monitoring the trail and serving as liaisons to address farmers’ concerns quickly and collaboratively. By working hand in hand with the agricultural community, trail supporters can ensure that farmers feel supported and respected throughout.

Insights and Resources: Advocating for Trails

Frequently Asked Questions

Won't having a trail hurt my property value?

Studies done after trails have been operational for a number of years, consistently reported that they (trails) were better neighbors than skeptics expected. When evaluated against the status quo benchmark, some perceive a retrofitted trail as a liability that is likely to reduce their quality of life. However, over time two scenarios are likely to emerge that cause negativism to dissipate. First, experience with it reassures proximate residents that their fears were groundless or overstated. Second, since proximity to a trail is relatively scarce in many urban communities, those who view it as a desirable amenity are likely to pay a premium for properties when they are offered for sale. (Compton, 2019)

Articles & Studies

How can a shared use trail function safely within an active agricultural area?

Trails and active agriculture areas can and do exist in harmony, as demonstrated by examples from across the United States, including a wide range of use levels, trail surfaces, and management policies. The following strategies have been essential to the success of trails in agricultural areas:

Natural and physical fencing to clearly delineate trail and agricultural areas and provide barriers
Farmers given the ability to place notifications on the trail when agricultural operations would otherwise be limited by or hazardous to trail users
Controlled crossings that allow farm equipment to reach both sides of the trail, where necessary
Signage to alert trail users to the presence of active agricultural operations and instructing users to stay on the trail (since the trail will continue to be owned by the state, landowners whose property abuts the trail are not liable for the activities of those who leave the state's property and trespass onto privately-owned land)
Creating advocacy groups or clubs to ensure maintenance and observation of the trail to minimize vandalism and encourage a self-policing environment.

Articles:

Won't a trail bring crime and homeless people to my property?

Numerous studies have shown that the development of rail-to-trail projects do not bring with them an increase in crime. The National Rails to Trails Coalition studied the impact of three major rail-trail projects in 1996 and found that the incidence of crimes on trails was very low compared to overall crime rates. Their study of rural trails concluded:

There are an estimated 26 million annual users on the 254 surveyed rural trails cover ing 5,282 miles.
The national rate of mugging in rural areas is 19 per 100,000 inhabitants; none of the rural rail trails reported muggings in 1995 and only one reported an incident in 1996
The national rural rate of aggravated assault is 203 incidents per 100,000 persons; only three rural rail trails reported three assaults in 1995 and the same number in 1996
Nationally, there were 26 forcible rapes per 100,000 rural inhabitants; two rural rail-trails reported rapes in 1995 and one trail reported a rape in 1996
The national murder rate for rural areas is 5 per 100,000; none of the rural rail trails reported a murder over the two year period

Articles & Studies

How can hunting activities safely coexist with a shared use trail nearby?

There are more than 22,000 miles of rail-trails across the US, and as you can imagine, many of them traverse rural areas where hunting is an important part of the community. Trail managers (some might be state or national forest superintendents) have provided different solutions to conflicts that may arise on trails due to hunting. In fact, historic evidence of trail and hunting compatibility is deep rooted in single-track hiking trails like the Appalachian Trail. One of the oldest rail-trails in the nation, the 20-mile Stony Creek Railroad Grade in Dauphin County, PA, traverses through 40,000+ acres of state game lands and has been in operation since 1943 with no known injuries.

Some examples of other rail trails that have been established adjacent to or through public and private game lands and private hunting lands and have successfully accommodated trail users and hunters.

Articles

Clarion, PA – Little Toby Creek Rail-Trail and the West Penn Rail-Trail (The Clarion-Little Toby Creek Trail and the West Penn Trail require that trail users to wear blaze orange during hunting season.)
Springvalley Wildlife Area (Xenia, OH) A multiuse bike trail runs along one of the heaviest hunted marshes in the state. Karen Kelley, director of the Marion County Park District, recognizes the importance of the trail in preserving the wildlife habitat, saying, “Our park district is going to try to showcase via the railtrail the marshes and tallgrass prairies in season to support those efforts to preserve and maintain wildlife habitat.”
No-hunting Buffer: Some trails that bisect public and private hunting lands enforce a “no-hunting buffer” (Amherst, MA) Carrying loaded firearms is prohibited within 150 ft. of the trail, which corresponds to Massachusetts state law regarding hunting near paved roads. However, hunters often use the rail-trail to get to and from hunting locations.
Genesee Valley Greenway
(Western New York) On this 90-mile multiuse trail, hunters are allowed to use the trail to access hunting locations, but may not shoot from or across the trail. The trail isn’t closed during hunting season, and one of the adjacent landowners is a hunting club.
A Summary of Maryland's Hunting Regulations
The Complete Guide to Hunting and Fishing in Maryland states:
- It is illegal to target shoot on state lands except in designated areas. (Rail Trails are State Lands)
- It is illegal to hunt, shoot or trap wildlife within 150 yards of any building or camp occupied by human beings without permission of the owner or occupant.

My property is next to the rail corridor. How can I benefit from the rail trail and how will the trail provide economic development to this area?

How landowners along the rail corridor benefit from the rail trail through business opportunities is up to them and their entrepreneurship. Talbot County Economic Development officials will be actively working with those who express an interest in a business venture to maximize that opportunity and their success. Also, county planning and zoning officials are committed to ensuring the right zoning is in place along the rail corridor to support any business proposals that arise. Agritourism and trails in general can be a major economic driver for the entire area, especially with the uptick in visitors expected from the Frederick Douglass Park on the Tuckahoe River.

Articles & Studies

"Repurposing old railroad right of ways into vibrant trail systems requires planning, community engagement, collaborative partnerships, and innovative best practices combined with a focus on equity and inclusion. The results are rail-to-trail systems that offer a variety of affordable housing options, promote economic and transportation opportunities, and enhance the quality of life for all residents."