Hikers have the Appalachian Trail on the East coast that traverses from the State of Georgia to the State of Maine. 
Now bikers have their own trail that starts in the Florida Keys and heads north, or south, from Maine. The East Coast Greenway (ECG) has been hailed as an urban Appalachian Trail. It is almost 3,000 miles long and it heads through some of the most populated centers in America. It is a multi-use trail, and right now the East Coast Greenway has 26% of its trails built up for just bicycle and walking traffic. Working in conjunction with local, state, and federal officials the ECG is one of the largest public transportation projects that have received financial support to the tune of $2.1 billion dollars over the next twenty years. It is one of the most cost effective uses of public funds when compared to road automobile projects. ECG is quick to point out that a recent bridge project crossing the Potomac cost the government $2.5 billion. Right now 800 miles of the trail are strictly a two-lane bicycle trail that is been kept strictly for riders and walkers. Part of the ECG’s overall mission, and why it secured funding, is that it brings healthier options to local communities along the trail. ECG’s web site provides current riders PDF maps on the local trails that traverse through all of the states it runs. ECG is a non-profit organization, and besides federal, state, and local funding it has partnered with corporations and individuals to help keep this going. You can learn more by visiting www.greenway.org.
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