Great Shasta Rail Trail

Extending from Burney to McCloud, the Great Shasta Rail Trail is an important new community resource that supports local heritage and culture and boosts the economic and social vitality of communities in Siskiyou and Shasta Counties.

The Shasta Land Trust has been deeply involved in the development of the trail concept and our staff negotiated complicated transactions necessary to acquire the 80-mile rail corridor. We were a Core Team member of the trail creation from the very beginning, and former Executive Director Ben Miles continues to sit on the board of the newly launched Great Shasta Rail Trail Association (GSRTA). Executive Director Anne Murphy has continued Shasta Land Trust’s efforts to finalize the transaction and take interim ownership of the rail trail while the transition to the next phase of ownership with the GSRTA and trail implementation and improvements commence. Our Stewardship Team volunteers continue to support the trail as well and through their hard work have conducted ongoing trail maintenance and culvert clearings.

The Great Shasta Rail Trail provides numerous benefits to the rural communities of Burney and McCloud, including stimulating tourism and recreation-related commerce, increasing neighboring property values, and attracting new businesses. Additional opportunities for outdoor exercise and recreation provided by the rail trail improve the quality of life and offer health benefits for residents and tourists alike. The rail trail also connects with the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, and recreation facilities on adjacent national forest land. 

Offering gentle grades for diverse users, the Great Shasta Rail Trail passes through miles of expansive timber lands and features magnificent scenery and provides year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation. With impressive views of Burney Mountain and Mt. Shasta along the trail, the majestic natural beauty of far northern California is now accessible to residents and visitors as they enjoy this historic rail corridor.