Developing a Multi-use Trail in Northern Nevada
The Historic Virginia and Truckee Trail is a proposed 60 mile long multi-use path that will highlight the history and natural beauty of the high desert of northern Nevada.
The Historic Virginia & Truckee Trail follows one of the most famous short-line railroads in Nevada history. The rail line dates back to 1868, when the Virginia and Truckee Railroad was built by the Bank of California to carry ore from the Comstock silver mines of Virginia City to the processing mills along the Carson River. The rail road ceased operations in 1950, and we are building a multi-use trail paralleling the original route.
Stretching approximately 60 miles, the trail will wind through diverse landscapes, from downtown Reno to the tranquil rural town of Gardnerville. Along the way, trail users will pass through native desert valleys, over the Carson River, and through beautiful Nevada scenery, including inspiring views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.
The trail will be accessible to people of all ages and abilities, with gradual gradients and well-maintained surfaces suitable for a variety of non-motorized activities. In addition to providing a safe and enjoyable space for outdoor recreation, the trail will also serve as a valuable transportation corridor, connecting local communities and providing an alternative means of travel between urban and rural areas.
Trail construction includes careful consideration of environmental needs and sustainability. Efforts are being made to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape, as well as protect native wildlife and habitats along the corridor. We will install interpretive signs and educational materials along the trail to provide information about the area’s history, ecology, and indigenous people’s significance.
The rail corridor’s new life as the Historic Virginia and Truckee Trail will connect five counties, five cities, and six museums. Bicyclists and walkers can already follow several miles of the original V&T route through Washoe and Pleasant Valleys in Washoe County. Portions of the trail through Carson City have already been completed. We are working on extending the path to Minden and Gardnerville, and to Virginia City.
The Reno to Gardnerville multi-use rail trail promises to be a valuable asset to the entire community, offering a recreational and transportation resource that will promote health, wellness, and connectivity for years to come.
Building a rail trail
