About the TrailNation Accelerator Program

The TrailNation™ Accelerator is part of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s (RTC) national commitment to advancing trail network development across the country. As an extension of RTC’s support for the broader trails movement, the Accelerator builds on the organization’s signature TrailNation projects, the TrailNation Playbook, and the TrailNation Collaborative. Together, these initiatives help communities plan, connect, and activate trail networks that serve people and places equitably.

Made possible with generous support from the REI Cooperative Action Fund, the TrailNation Accelerator focuses specifically on rural and small-town communities, offering targeted support to help local leaders and organizations bring their trail visions to life. Drawing on RTC’s 40+ years of experience in trail planning, development, programming, and promotion, the Accelerator provides participants with the tools, strategies, and relationships they need to move from vision to action.

Through the Accelerator, participants will:
  • Receive customized support and guidance shaped by RTC’s decades of leadership in the trails field, with technical assistance grounded in the TrailNation Playbook and tailored to each community’s unique goals and context.
  • Engage in peer learning with other communities facing similar opportunities and challenges.
  • Participate in strategy coaching to strengthen local capacity and coalition-building.
  • Take part in hands-on convenings and field visits to see trail development strategies in real-world settings.
  • Build stronger relationships and a professional network of peers, mentors, and national experts.
The Accelerator program is an 18-month learning and support experience beginning late 2025. It will bring together 2–3 person teams from up to 10 communities to participate in a mix of virtual and in-person activities. Teams will connect regularly with each other, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) staff, and TrailNation Collaborative partners through monthly online sessions and occasional in-person convenings. Participants can expect to spend approximately 2–4 hours per month engaging in peer learning, strategic coaching, and tailored technical assistance. The program is designed to be flexible and manageable for busy local leaders, while offering meaningful support to help advance trail network planning and coalition-building efforts.

There is no cost to join the program, and financial assistance for travel to in-person convening(s) will be provided. To get the most out of the program, participants should expect to engage with RTC and the Accelerator cohort an average of 2-4 hours per month for the duration of the 18-month program.

DEADLINE: Applications are due on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 8:00pm EST.

Before you begin completing this application, please review the full list of questions. We recommend that you prepare your answers in a separate document and copy/paste the information in this form.

Questions? Contact Kelly Pack at kellyp@railstotrails.org.

Please click on the “Next” button to review and confirm program eligibility.
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