Studies

published Jan 2012

Outdoor Recreation: An Overlooked Economic Giant

In total, 6.1 million American livelihoods directly depend on outdoor recreation, making it a critical economic sector in the United States.

published Mar 2010

Physical Activity Facilities Have Economic as Well as Health Benefits

Not only do open spaces, recreation areas, and walkable neighborhoods strongly influence how active people are, they provide fiscal benefits to municipal governments as well as nearby residential property values.

published Jun 2010

Trail Operation and Maintenance Requirements

The County of Cumberland, NJ studied a series of railroad corridors for possible trail use including maintenance responsibilities. The Feasibility Study was written by Campbell Thomas & Co. of Philadelphia, PA.

published Jul 2001

More Physical Activity Leads to Less Cognitive Decline

A Prospective Study of Physical Activity and Cognitive Decline in Elderly Women: Women Who Walk

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 Sep 2005

Trails in New Developments: A Case Study

by Roger Bell

With the growing frugality of government funding for trails, private developers can be significant partners in developing public trail systems.

published Aug 2017

Improving Public Health through Public Parks and Trails

by U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Parks and trail corridors have been important for public health in the United States for more than 100 years.

published Jul 2014

Study Cites Health Benefits of Urban River Parkways

by American Trails Staff

Urban river parkways may particularly benefit health in urban environments where access to open spaces is limited and adverse health effects such as obesity and depression are prevalent.