Central Georgia Rails-to-Trail: A Geography Capstone
There are currently 48 Rails-to-Trails sites in the state of Georgia, ranging from 1 mile to 90 miles in length. The majority of these trails are located in and around the Atlanta area, with a few exceptions (i.e., Augusta, Columbus)
What is the problem?
As displayed in the image below, there are currently no Rail-to-Trail routes in central Georgia. This project focuses on the proposed Rail-to-Trial route to be installed in Jones and Baldwin counties and the trails’ impact on the environment, economy and citizens.
The trail system would benefit Middle Georgians in many ways:
As displayed in the image below, there are currently no Rail-to-Trail routes in central Georgia. This project focuses on the proposed Rail-to-Trial route to be installed in Jones and Baldwin counties and the trails’ impact on the environment, economy and citizens.
The trail system would benefit Middle Georgians in many ways:
- Providing alternative modes of transportation to work or play
- Promoting healthy living by creating green space that could be used for fitness and wellness, etc.
- Rail-to-Trail strives to ‘recycle’ former railroads in America and use them for a more functional purpose. Many of these railroads were once an integral part of American culture and society. Building trails would provide an opportunity for communities to engage in history and preservation.
- Resource preservation and environmental benefits. If the railroad wasn’t used to build a greenway or a trail, the space might someday become a strip mall or a parking deck, which would not provide nearly as many benefits as a park or greenway.
- Building a Community based on Integrity. Having a network of trails throughout the country creates new avenues of connectivity between counties, states and regions. These trail systems could be used for an endless amount of activities: benefit races, town hall meetings, a space for community service, public lessons, etc.
The image to the right shows the path of the proposed Central Georgia Rail-to-Trail route. The trail would ultimately link Milledgeville to Macon in Bibb County, passing through Jones county.