Studies

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published Jul 2012

The Adirondack Rail Trail Lake Placid to Old Forge

by Rails to Trails Conservancy

The purpose of this study is to present options for the development of a recreational and economic resource for the Adirondack region between Lake Placid and Tupper Lake.


published Jan 2012

The Association of Natural Elements With Physical Activity Intensity During Trail Use by Older Adults

When promoting trail-use among older adults, natural elements should be considered.


published May 2003

The Benefits that Trails Provide to Communities

This planning effort directs the development of goals and action plans to meet the future needs in advance of their demand.


published Jul 2014

The Economic and Fiscal Impact of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System in West Virginia

The analysis indicates that the nearly $1.7 million in spending conducted by the Hatfield-McCoy Trails for day-to-day operations generated an additional $1.6 million in economic activity within the State, for a total operational impact of $3.3 million. Even more notably, the Hatfield-McCoy Trails bring non-local visitors to the area whose spending is estimated to generate an additional $19 million in economic activity in West Virginia. Together, the total estimated economic impact of the Hatfield-McCoy Trails is more than $22 million.


published Jun 1997

The Economic Benefits of Mountain Biking at One of Its Meccas: An Application of the Travel Cost Method to Mountain Biking in Moab, Utah

This 1997 paper estimates the value of a relatively new form of recreation: mountain biking. Its popularity has resulted in many documented conflicts, and its value must be estimated so an informed decision regarding trail allocation can be made. A travel cost model (TCM) is used to estimate the economic benefits, measured by consumer surplus, to the users of mountain bike trails near Moab, Utah.


published Aug 2012

The Economic Contributions of Outdoor Recreation: Technical Report on Methods and Findings

This study is an update and expansion of an earlier study of active outdoor recreation produced in 2006 by the Outdoor Industry Association. The 2006 study focused solely on human-powered (i.e. non-motorized) activities. While this study includes the same human-powered activities as the earlier work, an additional survey was conducted to gauge the economic contributions of outdoor recreation.


published Aug 2015

The Economic Impact of Greenways and Multi-Use Trails

A review of literature prepared as part of the Naugatuck River Greenway Economic Impact Study August, 2015


published Jun 2018

The Economic Impact of Snowmobiling in Utah

by Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism at Utah State University

An analysis on the value of snowmobiling to Utah’s economy, the sociodemographic composition of participants, and more.


published Jul 2014

The Economic Impact of the Erie Canalway Trail

by Parks and Trails New York

An assessment and user profile of New York's longest multi-use trail


published Jan 2012

The Economic Impact of the South Dakota Snowmobiling Industry

by University of South Dakota

South Dakota’s snowmobile trail system is maintained without any contribution from general fund dollars, but brings substantial economic activity into the state. This study estimates the magnitude of that economic activity and its effect on the overall state economy.