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 Jul 13, 2018

National Park Service Active Transportation Guidebook

by National Park Service

This resource aims to support parks, gateway communities, and partners who are interested in pursuing opportunities to enhance walking and bicycling to and within national parks. The Guidebook provides key information, best practice examples, and numerous useful resources to help inspire and guide efforts that would allow visitors to experience their natural, cultural and historical places in new ways - through active transportation.


published Mar 2013

National Wildlife Refuge System Land Protection Project

by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with our partners, is charting a course for the future of the National Wildlife Refuge System.


posted May 22, 2018

Nature Trail Development on Small Acreages

by University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture

The purpose of this publication is to provide an introduction to trail design for those who intend to develop trails for nature walking, hiking, horseback riding or ATVs on less than 40 acres. Some technical aspects are presented for those planning to expend resources for constructing trails such as around schoolyards or community facilities or as part of a wildlife enterprise.


published May 2020

Naugatuck River Greenway Trail Cost Estimates

The Naugatuck River Greenway (NRG) is an officially designated Connecticut State Greenway, consisting of the open and green spaces along the Naugatuck River. Greenways are corridors of open space that may protect natural resources or provide recreational opportunities, and typically follow a natural feature like a river or manmade features like a canal or disused rail bed.


published Mar 2007

New England Greenway Vision Plan

The New England wide vision plan for a network of greenways and green spaces is built on the continuation of a great tradition of planning in New England.


published Jun 2008

New Trails for a Significant Texas Playa Wildlife Preserve

by American Trails Staff

Design for trail system provides wildlife viewing and teaches about playa resources.


posted Jul 27, 2020

New York Avenue Rail-with-Trail

by Rails to Trails Conservancy

The purpose of this study is to provide a preliminary assessment and concept plan for developing a shared-use path along the New York Avenue corridor within the defined study area. Conducted as the first phase of determining feasibility for trail development, this preliminary assessment did not include extensive stakeholder outreach but can be used to inform future public participation and stakeholder outreach efforts in the next phase of planning.


published Apr 2018

New York to build the Empire State Trail, the largest state multi-use trail in the nation

The 750-mile trail will provide new opportunities for hiking and biking along scenic vistas and through charming, historic communities, driving tourism and economic activity across New York.


posted Jun 4, 2019

New York's Breakneck Ridge: A Challenge for Hikers Becomes a Challenge to Sustain

by Chris Morris with New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, Hank Osborn with New York - New Jersey Trail Conference, Sara Hart with New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation

This presentation will showcase elements of a comprehensive planning effort underway, and will focus on specific management actions including data collection, trail stewardship, maintenance, and a Leave No Trace hot spot event.


published Feb 2015

New Zealand Cycle Trail Design Guide

The New Zealand Cycle Trail Design Guide draws on a wealth of trail design and construction techniques from New Zealand and around the world. The goal is to streamline the design process for building sustainable trails that meet the expectations of the target audience, and require minimum ongoing maintenance.