Welcome to NC Rail-Trails


Usage of the Durham section of the American Tobacco Trail has increased steadily over the years and crisp fall weather always bring people out. A portion of the initial funding for planning the ATT came from an Adopt-A-Trail secured by NCRT.
Feb
25

Bridging Rails-to-Trails--A Documentary on the ATT

After several years of preparation, Carol Thomson has now posted her documentary on the history of the American Tobacco Trail. NCRT provided support to her early efforts on this project. A formal presentation of the documentary is scheduled for 7-8pm on March 24th, at the Durham  Arts Council theater. The recent release includes a historical slideshow and a video of tobacco production in Durham and videos of the Apex Street bridge removal, the role of equestrian efforts in western Wake County and a short clip on Norfolk Southern use of the corridor, Jordan Lake's construction and  the New Hope Valley Railroad, showing how all relate to the trail's history and development. { A video on the newly completed Chatham section was aded in late March }.

Feb
18

Project Development Guide Released as Interim Version

On-line access to one of our most comprehensive guidance documents is being made available in an interim version pending on-going revisions to bring it up to date with changes to federal and state laws passed in the last several years. This document discusses the multi-year process from finding and researching unused rail corridors to finding resources and finally getting a rail-trail constructed. AL Capehart, a long time Board member, is heading up the revision project.  If you have questions concerning this interim version AL can be reached via the contact information on our Board of Directors page.

Feb
5

North Carolina Receives Stimulus Funding for High Speed Rail

On January 28th, North Carolina received $545 million to support incremental improvements in the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor (SEHSR) After these upgrades, the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor, a nearly 500-mile route, will allow trains to travel between Charlotte and Washington, D.C. at top speeds of up to 90-110 miles per hour and an average speed of 86 mph. North Carolina's DOT conducted public hearings concerning this corridor in May 2009 and is continuing efforts to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for an even higher speed future corridor. The DOT is considering rail-with-trail segments as possible components of this future high speed corridor. In North Carolina, development of these rail-with-trail (RWT) segments will not be done by the State but will have to be undertaken by local governments and/or private groups. North Carolina Rail-Trails (NCRT) is supportive of RWT and stands ready to provide a variety of technical support and consultation to these local efforts. Please click HERE to see press releases and links to the SEHSR program.

Jan
12

North Carolina Rail-Trails Seeks Executive Director

North Carolina Rail-Trails (NCRT), a private, non-profit 501 c 3 North Carolina corporation, seeks an Executive Director, who will be responsible for leadership, development and management of all NCRT programs and activities. The position will be the first staff position for NCRT, founded in 1989, which has until this time been an all-volunteer organization. The ideal candidate will be a service-oriented manager with successful experience in fundraising, advocacy, and board management and development.

The Executive Director reports to the NCRT Board of Directors and serves as the Executive Director of the organization as well as President of the Board (a voting Board member), discharging such duties as are delegated by the Board. The Executive Director is responsible for the management of the organization, ensuring that optimum results are received for existing programs and services, while developing new programs and funding opportunities. The Executive Director must feel comfortable working in a collaborative environment, with equal sensitivity to the needs of the NCRT Board of Directors, members, and volunteers. Core competencies include the ability to think strategically, manage time strategically, take initiative in developing action plans, and demonstrate strong writing and speaking capabilities.