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What is the C&G Rail Trail Coalition?
Simply put, it is a grassroots movement to convert 92 miles of inactive C&G (Columbus & Greenville) rail line between Greenwood and West Point into Mississippi’s longest rails-to-trails. The proposed C&G Rail Trail would be a multi-purpose recreation trail along the lines of our state’s other major trails; Longleaf Trace and Tanglefoot Trail.
The C&G rail line is a valuable asset of all the towns and rural communities along its route. Community leaders want to tap it for the economic, public health, quality of life, increased property values and other benefits it holds. Converting the C&G route to a multi-purpose trail for walking, jogging, bicycling, and equestrian use is a proven approach that will maximize this dormant asset running through the heart of north-central Mississippi.
Hattiesburg to Prentiss, 44 miles, Opened 2000
New Albany to Houston, 42 miles, Opened 2013
“The Longleaf Piney Resort is the perfect example of a locally-owned and operated small business opportunity created by a rails-to-trails, like the C&G project. Owned and operated by Sean & Missy McGee, the resort is a wooded campground setting with nine “tiny houses” on the Longleaf Trace near Hattiesburg, MS. Check it out in the video.”
Since 1986, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has advocated for trail development in communities nationwide. RTC is the voice of the rail-trail movement and the foremost authority on the benefits of trails for public use.
24,000+ miles of rail-trails, to date.
8,000+ miles of rail-trails, in progress
1 million grassroots supporters
The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 22-mile rails-to-trails conversion in the heart of Greenville, SC and a shining example of how much positive public good is generated by repurposing an existing asset, like a unused rail line.
See and hear local residents testify in this short video.
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Our latest testamonial on the economic, quality of life and health benefits of the C&G Rail Trail project.
Click Here to find all C&G Rail Trail Coalition videos!
“This is a lifeline for rural and central Mississippi”. - Mayor Blake McMullan, City of Eupora
“This is the chance of a lifetime. You do not need to let it pass you by”. - Dr. Cecil Simmons, Former Mississippi Legislature Speaker Pro Tempore
Watch this video message from Johnny Mack Morrow, Project Manager at the Stennis Institute, to hear a compelling voice of experience in favor of the C&G trail.
Our Campaign Slogan
People living in the towns and rural areas along the proposed C&G route are awakening to the many benefits a multi-purpose recreational trail will have for their health, economy and quality of life.
The C&G Rail Trail Coalition was formed in 2008 by Wilson Carroll, a cycling enthusiast and attorney, from Carroll County Mississippi, currently based in Vicksburg. Wilson’s vision is a re-purposing of the defunct C&G rail corridor for public use as a multi-purpose recreation trail from the Delta through the hill country of north central Mississippi.
Wilson Carroll, President of C&G Rail Trail Coalition
As a cycling enthusiast and co-founder of Mississippi’s largest bike ride, Richard Beattie has witnessed the dramatic positive impact of bicycle tourism. In his hometown of Greenwood and numerous out-of-state events, Richard has seen the tangible benefits of having outdoor recreation trails and is now driven to enlighten others through his videography.
Richard Beattie, Co-Founder of Bikes, Blues & Bayous
SIGN OUR PETITION!
Affirm your support by signing our petition. We need to show strong support for the C&G Rail Trail to ensure the project’s success.
The creation of the trail could be the biggest economic development boost for north-central Mississippi in decades.
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