Trust for Public Land (TPL), Park County, community partners, local leaders, and supporters have celebrated the groundbreaking of the first 3-mile segment of the Yellowstone Heritage Trail, a project that will convert a historic rail corridor into a vibrant 56-mile multi-use trail connecting Paradise Valley communities to one another and to Yellowstone National Park.
Once completed, the Yellowstone Heritage Trail will create safer opportunities for walking and biking, expand access to outdoor recreation, and strengthen local connections for residents and visitors alike. The trail is designed to support long-term community health, recreation, tourism, and economic vitality across Paradise Valley for generations to come.
The project also carries a unique connection to the region’s national park and railroad history. President Theodore Roosevelt famously travelled on the first railroad to Yellowstone in 1903, arriving by train at the park’s north entrance to dedicate the iconic Roosevelt Arch. Over time, the railroad disappeared, but much of the corridor remained undeveloped. Today, portions of that historic route will serve a new purpose as part of the Yellowstone Heritage Trail.
“Teddy Roosevelt helped expand Americans’ connection to Yellowstone more than a century ago, and this trail continues that legacy by creating safe, accessible ways for people to experience the outdoors,” said David Weinstein, Northern Rockies program director for Trust for Public Land.
“The Yellowstone Heritage Trail will connect communities, open new opportunities for walking and biking, and help more residents and visitors enjoy the incredible landscapes that make Paradise Valley so special.”
The trail is included in Rails to Trails Conservancy’s vision for a 3,700-mile Great American Rail-Trail. The Yellowstone segment will encourage exercise and enhance the connection to outdoor areas surrounding towns like Livingston and Emigrant, which aren’t always easily accessible.
According to some estimates, in Montana alone, the Great American Rail-Trail is projected to increase visitor spending by $16m, create 200 jobs, and generate $7m in income.
The Yellowstone Heritage Trail reflects years of collaboration among local partners, public agencies, businesses, and community members working together to create a safer and more connected future for the valley while honouring its rich history and character.
“Fifteen years ago, the idea of a 50‑mile multi‑use active transportation trail stretching from Livingston all the way to Yellowstone National Park was just that – an idea,” said Kristen Galbraith, Park County grants and special projects director.
“It lived on maps, in community meetings and in the imaginations and side conversations of people who believed that connecting our communities, our landscapes and our outdoor heritage was not only possible, but essential. Today, that long‑term vision is no longer a distant dream. It’s taking shape on the ground.”
The groundbreaking ceremony featured remarks from project partners, elected officials, and community leaders, as well as a ceremonial kick off celebrating the beginning of construction.
