By the 1850’s, these innovative roads became less and less traveled. As railroads became more common, the high maintenance of plank roads fell out of favor with simple trails and wagon trails (in spite of mud and other hazards) being more appealing. Plank roads were expensive, demanding, and needed constant attention. They were also bumpier than most dirt and open-field options. We must also remember horses were still the mode of transportation for most people, and it wasn’t until 1908 that the tipping point of alternative modes of transportation replaced the horse.