New England Trails: Trail History

Trails began in New England out of necessity. Pre-Twentieth Century Pathways of Transportation will examine the contributions of the animals, early American Indians and Europeans in creating trails. Not only will the footpaths of our ancestors be explored, but also, a brief look at canal and railroad systems will be reviewed in Twentieth Century Railroads, Trails and Parks. The footprints of the abandoned canal systems and the partially abandoned railroad systems are the potential trail ways of today. Finally, Current Trail Planning and Development In and Beyond New England will highlight some of the most recent regional trail planning efforts in the United States, Canada and Western Europe.