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



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.


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 Jun 2017

Modeling Large-Scale Winter Recreation Terrain Selection with Implications for Recreation Management and Wildlife

Winter recreation is a rapidly growing activity, and advances in technology make it possible for increasing numbers of people to access remote backcountry terrain. Increased winter recreation may lead to more frequent conflict between recreationists, as well as greater potential disturbance to wildlife.


posted Feb 19, 2018

Motivating and Inspiring the Next Generation of Land Stewards

Join us in learning more about how the next generation plays a vital role in land stewardship, greenway development, and trail building.


published May 2023

Mountain Bike Trail Development

The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) recognized the need to create a resource for mountain bike (MTB) trail construction that would assist land and park managers seeking to build sustainable trails. The result of this effort is the Mountain Bike Trail Development Guidelines, a comprehensive “how to” that breaks down the process from start to finish beginning with assessing the project and ending with how to maintain the newly built trails.


published Dec 2013

Mountain Bike Trails Concept Plan for Moose River Plains Wild Forest

by IMBA Trail Solutions

IMBA Trail Solutions visited the Moose River Plains Wild Forest for one week in October of 2013 to conduct field research, meet with stakeholders, and to begin the process of developing a conceptual design for mountain bike use in the area. All of the designs presented in this report are conceptual in nature and have not been completely field verified. Additional work will need to be done in the field to finalize the designs of reroutes and proposed trails described in this report.


posted Jul 28, 2020

Mud Creek Greenway Feasibility Study

A detailed feasibility study for Mud Creek Greenway done in 2021.


published Jan 2006

Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan - Public Meeting Report

The Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan relied on citizen input gathered at three public meetings in December 2005 as the basis for a master plan to be created by a professional design team.


published Dec 2019

National Conservation Training Center

by American Trails Staff

The National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) offers a unique and diverse range of conservation training courses, designed by and for the conservation professional.


posted Mar 3, 2023

National Park Service − Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program

by National Park Service

This publication is designed to inform the reader about the services provided by the National Park Service – Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program.