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 Feb 19, 2018

Parks Paradigm Shift

by Nancy Desmond with Cleveland Metroparks, Andy Williamson

Best practices for either establishing a new bike optimized off-road trail system or better managing your current network.


posted Feb 19, 2018

Partners for Trails

Formal comprehensive non-motorized trails program


posted Feb 19, 2018

Pathway to the Pacific

Exploring options for trail types, surfaces, and alignments, along with trailheads and facilities, for a wide variety of activities.


published Nov 2020

PedNet is Making a Difference on the Ground in Missouri

by Josh Adams

American Trails contributor Josh Adams recently interviewed Lawrence Simonson, who serves as the Chief Strategy Officer of the PedNet Coalition, to talk pedestrian safety, projects and obstacles, and making a difference in Missouri.


published Jun 2001

Pennsylvania Greenways - An Action Plan for Creating Connections

This plan is designed to provide a coordinated and strategic approach to creating connections through the establishment of greenways.


posted Sep 30, 2021

Pennsylvania Trail Design & Development Principles

by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation & Conservation Partnerships Division

A compilation of best practices and guidelines for the planning, design, construction, and management of your trail employing sustainable design.


posted Jun 29, 2018

Piqua Ohio Placemaking Initiative

by City of Piqua

The aim of this project is to redesign downtown public spaces to celebrate and enhance the spatial relationships between destinations; to create public spaces that offer an inviting public realm that contributes positively to the surrounding built environment and promotes high quality of place and quality of life experiences.


posted Jan 26, 2018

Plan, Design, Fund, Get Right of Way, and Build a Greenway in 1,500 Days

This webinar tells the story of how the Razorback Greenway was conceived, designed, funded, and implemented— a case study with multiple innovative and enabling solutions.


posted Feb 19, 2018

Planning and Designing Cross Country Skiing and Winter Trails in an Era of Climate Change

This presentation will review fundamental trail design considerations for skiing and winter trails.


published Jun 2006

Planning and Managing Environmentally Friendly Mountain Bike Trails

This guidebook can be used to assist in successfully planning, designing, and constructing mountain bike trail systems, while keeping in mind that user issues must be addressed at every stage of development.