Other meanings of East Coast Greenway
Transportation & Recreation
The East Coast Greenway is a developing 3,000-mile pedestrian and bicycle trail system linking major cities along the U.S. East Coast, from Calais, Maine, to Key West, Florida. When complete, it will be the longest multi-use trail in the United States, connecting 15 states and the District of Columbia. The route weaves through urban, suburban, and rural landscapes, using a mix of off-road greenways, rail-trails, and low-traffic roads. It is designed for long-distance travelers and local commuters alike, promoting active transportation and healthy lifestyles.
The East Coast Greenway was conceived in 1991 by a small group of trail advocates, including Peter Harnik and David Lillard, who envisioned a continuous route from Canada to Florida. The nonprofit East Coast Greenway Alliance was founded in 1992 to coordinate planning and fundraising. The first official segment opened in 1994 in Maine, and by 2025 over 1,000 miles of off-road trail were complete, with the rest using temporary road connections. The project has received federal support through the National Trails System Act, and it is recognized as a National Scenic Trail. Development is ongoing, with a goal of 90% off-road by 2030.
The trail begins at the Canadian border in Calais, Maine, and follows the coast south through cities such as Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Miami, ending at Key West. It incorporates iconic segments like the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, the Schuylkill River Trail, and the Virginia Capital Trail. The route is designed to be accessible to all ages and abilities, with gentle grades and frequent access points. It also connects to other major trails, including the Appalachian Trail and the C&O Canal Towpath, creating a larger network for long-distance cyclists and hikers.
The East Coast Greenway Alliance, a nonprofit organization, leads the project in partnership with federal, state, and local agencies. Funding comes from a mix of federal grants, state transportation funds, private donations, and corporate sponsors. The trail is built and maintained by local jurisdictions, with the Alliance providing technical assistance and advocacy. In 2020, the trail was designated a National Recreation Trail, and it is a priority project for the East Coast Greenway Coalition. The Alliance publishes an annual report detailing progress and future plans.
Beyond its recreational role, the East Coast Greenway serves as a living laboratory for green infrastructure and community development. It has spurred economic growth in small towns along the route, with studies showing increased tourism and property values. The trail also includes several historic sites, such as the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway in Maryland. A notable edge case is the Key West segment, which is entirely on-road due to the island's geography. The trail's mascot, a sea turtle named 'Greenway', was introduced in 2015 to engage children in trail stewardship. Additionally, the Alliance maintains a 'Trail Towns' program that helps communities capitalize on trail traffic.
The East Coast Greenway is a work in progress; check the official website for current maps and trail conditions.
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