Cattle trails are paths used for driving cattle from one location to another, often over long distances. These trails were especially important in the 19th century when ranchers needed to move their herds to markets or grazing lands. The most famous cattle trail in the United States is the Chisholm Trail, which connected Texas to Kansas. Cattle trails were typically marked by the movement of cattle and cowboys, who guided the herds. These trails often followed natural features like rivers and hills, making it easier for the cattle to travel. The use of cattle trails declined with the advent of railroads, which provided a faster way to transport livestock.