Resource Library:

Planning And Design

Subcategories • Accessible Trail DesignCase StudiesCost EstimatingFeasibility StudiesLivable/Active CommunitiesLand Acquisition and ConservationMaster PlansSignage and InterpretationTrailheadsTrail Networks DesignTrails as TransportationClosing Trail System GapsWildlife and Habitat



published Jun 2016

Great Trails: Providing Quality OHV Trails and Experiences Guidebook (Nationwide)

by National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC)

The definitive guide for the planning, designing, constructing, managing and maintaining Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) trails


posted Feb 19, 2018

Green Avenues

Hear how a western city links recreational and commerce areas with non-motorized transportation facilities.


published Nov 2005

Green Threads in the Urban Fabric

by Stuart Macdonald

A comprehensive look at the elements of greenways and their benefits to communities.


published Jun 2008

Greenway Planning, Criteria, and Strategies for Implementation

Greenways provide numerous and diverse benefits to local municipalities and their residents. This plan focuses on the economic, ecological, recreational, social, and transportation benefits of greenways.


published Mar 2016

Guidebook for Developing Pedestrian and Bicycle Performance Measures

by Federal Highway Administration

This guidebook is intended to help communities develop performance measures that can fully integrate pedestrian and bicycle planning in ongoing performance management activities.


published Feb 2018

Guidebook for Measuring Multimodal Network Connectivity

by Federal Highway Administration

The Guidebook for Measuring Multimodal Network Connectivity is a guide for transportation planners and analysts on the application of analysis methods and measures to support transportation planning and programming decisions. It describes a five-step analysis process and numerous methods and measures to support a variety of planning decisions. It includes references and illustrations of current practices, including materials from five case studies conducted as part of the research process.


published Jun 2018

Guidelines for a Quality Trail Experience

by Bureau of Land Management, International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)

In the context of mountain bike trails, excellence is realized when a trail design merges the desired outcomes and difficulty that a rider seeks with the setting in which the outcomes are realized.


published Jan 2004

Guidelines for Managing and Restoring Natural Plant Communities along Trails and Waterways

by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

These guidelines are designed to assist resource managers in conducting management activities that enhance the quality of natural plant communities, wildlife habitat, regional landscape integrity and visual quality, particularly as related to planning, development, and maintenance of trails, water trails, and water access sites.


posted Jan 16, 2018

Guidelines for the Design, Construction and Maintenance of Sustainable Trails

The Ontario Trails Strategy describes our vision for trails in Ontario and recognizes the many benefits of trails for health and prosperity and highlights the importance of environmental protection.


posted Jan 19, 2018

Guidelines for Trail Development within Montgomery County, Pennsylvania

The purpose of this document is to provide desirable and minimum trail design standards to municipalities applying for county open space funds to develop trail connections. The municipality’s open space plan must indicate connections to existing or proposed county trails, and county parks and historic sites to be eligible for county trail funding.