Is it illegal to walk railway lines in the U.S.A?

Question

I'm on a backpacking tour of the U.S.A and i was considering taking my journey to the railway lines. I know it's not safe for obvious reasons but I've done it a lot back in my home country where its not illegal. Is it illegal in the U.S. I'd hate to be picked up by the cops on my journey.

Answer 1

Yes it is.

Sorry.

Answer 2

I'm not sure that there is a law 'on the books' that specifically makes it illegal to 'walk on a RR right of way" but ,treaspassing onto someone elses property be it a RR or any other property is illegal.

Answer 3

IT IS ILLEAGAL TO BE WITHIN 4 FEET OF A RAILWAY,IT IS FOULING A RAIL, CSX HAS ITS OWN POLICE FORCE IN PLACE TO HELP SEE TO THIS...........

Answer 4

Unfortunately, yes, it is illegal and considered trespassing on private property (not to mention dangerous, of course).  Another reason I would not suggest it is that in recent years many railroads are keeping a closer eye on trespassers than in years past so there is an increased risk of being confronted by law enforcement (either the railroad's own or the local county sheriff/state trooper).

Answer 5

Yes it is.Since 9-11 security has increased on the railroads.Now when we see someone hanging around the tracks we are supposed to report it so it can be checked out.If the railroad special agents see you walking on railroad property you will be questioned and removed at the very least.

Answer 6

Trespassing on private property. Yes, it is illegal---and dangerous.

Just last week, two young men were riding ATV's on RR tracks and didn't see a train coming.

One was killed instantly, and the other was cited by the police for trespassing on private property.

Don't do it.

Answer 7

An oft asked question.  The answer is both yes and no.

Railroad is private property.  Where fenced, posted "No Trespassing" or where access is otherwise controlled, you will be arrested, or at the very least cited, if caught on the property.  This can also apply to certain areas that are not posted.

But, there is a loophole.  Much railroad right of way lies along public waterways including the oceans, rivers, lakes and streams.  These are "public domain" and access cannot be denied.

A perfect example is a mile or two from where I now sit.  The UP (formerly SP) I-5 Corridor line runs along the banks of the Sacramento River for miles.  It is a public waterway and, here, a primo trout fishery.  The only access to much of it is by walking the railroad property to move up or down stream.  Here, the UP has posted signs telling hikers that this is indeed railroad property and if they proceed they do so "At Their Own Risk."

So, it is perfectly legal, though inadvisable, to be there.  All they want is to have their rump covered whenever someone gets greased.

In other areas, right of way runs through a State or National Forrest (like where I live and where the railroad runs here through the Shasta-Trinity National Forrest and the Klamath National Forrest a few more miles north of here) or across Parks land.  It is public domain and access cannot be denied.

Keep in mind, especially when dealing with the UP, having absorbed the SP, that much of the lands these railroads owned was given to them via land Grants persuant to the Pacific Railway Act, signed into law by President Lincoln to create the First Transcontinental Railroad.  A "grant" of any kind has strings attatched.  A quid pro quo.  Access was a part of the deal for much of it.

It works much the same was as an "easement."  Here again, by way of example, the road to one of my my neighbor's house runs across a portion of my property.  It is his only access. The land is mine.  I own it.  But the easement gives him the right to pass up and down that road.  I can post "No Trespeassing" signs every half inch forever, and it will not take away the right to use that easement for him, or any successive owners of the property.

Use your head.  Stay away from rail "installations," wear high top boots, stay aware and listen for danger.  Don't step on top of a rail.  You'll slip and bust your head open.

If it looks like or feels like a place you shouldn't be, best not to go there.

Other 'n that, have a nice tour...

Answer 8

Yes, it is.  Amtrak police will arrest you if they catch you.  Rules are in place to insure that people do not get run over by a train and disrupt service.