Resource Library:

Signage And Interpretation

  Back to Planning and Design


published Dec 2017

Interpretive Plan for the Huron River National Water Trail

by Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Division

The purpose of this plan is to help communities and stakeholders incorporate heritage on the lower reach of the nationally designated Huron River Water Trail (HRWT), from Flat Rock to Lake Erie, which will create a more meaningful trail experience and a greater sense of place.


published Sep 2007

Historical and Interpretation Study, Trail of Tears National Historic Trail

by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

The purpose of this study is to provide baseline historical information pertaining to those portions of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail that cross onto lands managed by the FWS at the White River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Arkansas, the Wheeler NWR in Alabama, and the Tennessee NWR in Tennessee.


published Jun 2012

THE INTERTWINE Regional Trails Signage Guidelines

by Mayer/Reed

This manual serves as a technical resource to guide parks and transportation agencies as they plan, design, and fabricate wayfinding signage along regional trails in the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area.


published Jul 2020

Wayfinding Signs: Who, What, When, Where, and Why

by Taylor Goodrich with American Trails

Wayfinding signs are the perfect way to easily communicate with trail users and keep them safe and oriented on the trail.


published Aug 2018

Signs and Etiquette for Shared-use Urban Trails

by Stuart Macdonald

Encouraging different types of users to share the trail is just as important on urban trails as it is on backcountry trails.


published Dec 2019

Mile Markers and Distance Signs Along Trails

by Stuart Macdonald

Mileage can be marked off on signs, posts, stones, or stencils on the pavement.


published Sep 2019

Interpretive Signs and Displays Along Trails

by Stuart Macdonald

Trails and greenways create an opportunity to teach visitors about history, the environment, and the community


published Jul 2018

Educating trail users: advice for planning interpretive trail signs and exhibits

by California State Parks, Statewide Trails Section

It’s up to you as a park steward to instill a sense of appreciation for the story that needs to be told – interpretive theme and messages of the trail must be well planned.


published Aug 2009

Florida National Forests Sign Plan for Motorized Trails

This plan is intended to be used as a guide in designing and purchasing signs and materials for trails on the National Forests in Florida. It is intended to allow flexibility and variability depending on specific site conditions.


posted Jun 7, 2018

Michigan Motorized Trail Signing Handbook

by Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Division

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible for assuring the motorized trail system is appropriately signed. This handbook is intended to assist trail sponsors, DNR, United States Department of Agriculture, and Forest Service employees with trail signing responsibilities in developing trail facilities.