Lowcountry Receives Rails to Trails Grant

Rails to Trails Conservancy announced it awarded more than $435,000 in funding through its 2026 Trail Grants program to over 35 community organizations and public agencies advancing the construction, land acquisition and activation needed to build out America's trail networks in rural, suburban and urban communities.

"RTC's Trail Grants underscore the profound effect trails have on communities of every size, and on people's everyday lives," said Liz Thorstensen, RTC's vice president of trail development. "These projects help close critical gaps in trail networks and create more opportunities for people to safely walk, bike and spend time outdoors. Whether it's improving connectivity, supporting local economies or bringing people together, these investments help turn community vision into lasting impact."

There are more than 150 trail networks in development across the country, with projects developing in every state. This year's grant recipients show what targeted investment can accomplish on the ground. The 2026 grantees include Friends of the Lowline (South Carolina): Supporting Phase 1 construction of the Lowcountry Lowline, which will convert a historic rail corridor into a 1.7-mile linear park through the Charleston peninsula.

The 2026 Trail Grants are part of RTC's longstanding program, which has distributed more than $4.5 million across more than 480 grants to over 310 organizations. Learn more about the program and the full list of 2026 RTC Trail Grant recipients at railstotrails.org/grants.