Understanding the Economic Impact of the Historic Virginia & Truckee Trail

Download our HVTT Local Economic Impact Model to learn more.

When people first hear about the Historic Virginia & Truckee Trail, they often picture a scenic place to walk or ride a bike.
And yes, it will absolutely be that.

But across the country, projects like this have proven to be something much bigger. They become part of a region’s economic engine. They shape how visitors move through communities, how long they stay, and how much they spend along the way.
That is where the real opportunity lies for Northern Nevada.

The Market Is Already Here

Nevada does not need to create demand for outdoor recreation or tourism. It already exists at scale.

Millions of people already travel through this region each year, visiting Reno, Lake Tahoe, Carson City, and the surrounding areas. Trails do not have to convince people to come. They give them more reasons to stay, explore, and spend.

At the state level, tourism and outdoor recreation are already major contributors to the economy. Outdoor recreation alone generates billions in economic activity and supports tens of thousands of jobs statewide. That includes spending on lodging, dining, retail, transportation, and local services.

The question is not whether people will come.

The question is how we give them more ways to experience the region once they are here.

What We See in Other Communities

Across the country, paved regional trail systems have consistently delivered measurable economic impact.

Long-distance trails like the Katy Trail in Missouri and the Great Allegheny Passage have shown that when you connect communities through a continuous, well-designed corridor, visitors do more than pass through. They stop. They stay overnight. They return.

Small towns along these routes have seen new businesses open, existing businesses grow, and steady increases in visitor spending tied directly to trail use.

The pattern is remarkably consistent:
• Visitors spend money locally on food, lodging, and experiences
• Businesses benefit from increased foot and bike traffic
• Communities see new opportunities for tourism-related growth
• Tax revenue increases alongside that activity

These are not one-off success stories. They are repeatable outcomes when trails are designed as connected systems rather than isolated segments.

Why This Project Is Different

What makes the Historic Virginia & Truckee Trail especially compelling is that it is not starting from zero.

This project already has momentum.

Segments are built. Partnerships are in place. Communities across five counties are already involved. The vision has been shaped over years of collaboration between local governments, nonprofits, and regional stakeholders.

As outlined in the project planning materials, the trail is designed to connect Washoe, Carson City, Douglas, Lyon, and Storey counties through a shared-use path that follows, wherever possible, the historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad corridor.

That kind of regional connectivity is what transforms a trail from a local amenity into a corridor.

A Corridor, Not Just a Trail

HVTT Board President Donna Inversin delivers a presentation to civic leaders, service clubs and organizations, and just about anyone who will listen. Donna’s presentation brings this to life in a way data alone cannot.

She describes a future where someone can ride from Reno to Carson City without dealing with traffic. Where visitors can experience Virginia City, Carson Valley, and the Tahoe Pyramid Trail in a single, connected journey. Where multi-day bike tours bring travelers from across the country to explore Northern Nevada in a completely new way .

That vision matters because it shifts the conversation.

This is not about a single destination or a two-mile stretch here and there. We are creating movement between destinations, which drives economic activity.

When people move through multiple communities, they eat in one place, stay in another, shop in another, and explore along the way. That is how a trail becomes an economic connector.

Local Alignment Matters

One of the strongest indicators of success is when a project aligns with existing local plans.

The Douglas County Comprehensive Trails Plan reinforces exactly what this type of project can deliver. It identifies connected trail systems as a way to promote economic development, improve quality of life, and support tourism across the region.

It also emphasizes that trails serve a dual role. They are both recreational assets and transportation routes that connect communities, services, and destinations.

That dual purpose is critical.

It means the trail is both attracting visitors and serving residents, improving mobility, and strengthening the region’s overall livability.

What It Means for Northern Nevada

When you bring all of this together, the opportunity becomes clear. The Historic Virginia & Truckee Trail is positioned to:
• Capture more visitor spending from an already strong tourism economy
• Support local businesses across multiple communities
• Encourage longer stays and repeat visits
• Create opportunities for new tourism-related services and experiences
• Strengthen regional connectivity across five counties
• Improve quality of life for residents through safe, accessible transportation options

It also tells a story.

This trail follows the path of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, one of the defining forces in the development of Northern Nevada. It connects historic sites, landscapes, and communities to create a deeper, more meaningful visitor experience.
That kind of experience encourages people to stay longer and engage more fully with a place.

Moving Forward

Projects like this do not happen overnight.
This project is being built piece by piece, connection by connection, with the support of communities, partners, and stakeholders who understand what is possible. This work is already underway, with the foundation, partnerships and demand already there.

We are continuing to build, connect, and invest in a project that has the potential to shape how people experience Northern Nevada for generations. We need your help – whether you join us as a member, a volunteer, a donor or join our board, we are stronger with you!

Click here to learn how you can get involved!

Download our HVTT Local Economic Impact Model to learn more about what HVTT brings to the five Northern Nevada counties that comprise the Historic V & T Trail.