Rails to Trails Magazine Names Platte River Trail “Trail of the Month” for June 2019

Summer is certainly the busiest time for Platte River Trails Trust (PRTT) and the Casper trail system. While Casperites have long known what a jewel our trail system is, last month, the Rails to Trails Conservancy named the Platte River Trail the June 2019 “Trail of the Month!” in their quarterly magazine. ​

​The Rails to Trails Conservancy is the nation’s largest trails organization, which works to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines. The Platte River Trail and the Casper Rail Trail are both part of the Great American Rail Trail; a 3,700-mile route that runs from Washington D.C. to Washington State. The article, while certainly focusing on the trails, also highlights a lot of the other recreational opportunities that make Casper a great place to live and visit.

As documented in the publication, our trails have a deep connection to Casper’s history and the river that winds through it. Much of the system follows right along the river, marrying these two great assets. Beginning in West Casper at Paradise Valley Park, the trail continues northeast through Morad, Amoco Park, and Crossroads Parks, to Bryan Stock Trail at the North Casper Sports Complex. Throughout the 10 miles of trail, users can enjoy all kinds of natural and urban scenery, as well as opportunities to meditate and connect at the Bart Rea Learning Circle or utilize a number of fitness stations along the trails. Don’t worry—we have trail maps available to help you find your way!

Despite the current beauty and functionality of our trails, PRTT, trail advocates, and partners have plans for future improvements, including an extension of the River Trail from Paradise Valley to Robertson Road via a new bridge over the North Platte River as well as connecting downtown to both the Platte River Trail and the Casper Rail Trail.  With Casper City Council’s recent approval for PRTT to utilize $1.5 million in One-Cent Tax funds, the future is only going to get brighter for our Casper trails!
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Learn more of what PRTT staff, board, partners and trails users had to say about being featured as the June 2019 “Trail of the Month” in the complete Rails to Trails article.