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 Oct 2020

Proper Signage Makes a Trail Come Alive

From wayfinding signage that help the public navigate your trail, to informational signs that educate trail visitors about the area, promote conservation, and create a more interactive experience, proper signage can take trails to the next level.


posted Jul 23, 2020

Pursuing Equity in Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning

by Federal Highway Administration

The purpose of this paper, intended for transportation practitioners and decision-makers, is to define transportation equity-related terms in the context of planning for bicycle and pedestrian facilities and programs; synthesize and highlight recent research findings related to the travel needs of traditionally underserved populations and the role of pedestrian and bicycle planning in addressing equity concerns; and to share strategies, practices and resources to address bicycle and pedestrian planning inequities.


published Jul 2021

Q&A: Trail Construction Costs, Risks, and Tips for Success

Q&A from the 2021 webinar Trail Construction Costs, Risks, and Tips for Success


published Jun 2014

QUESTIONS and ANSWERS from webinar on Mountain Trail Sustainability

by Hugh Duffy with National Park Service

Webinar Follow up Questions & Answers, by Hugh Duffy, National Park Service


published Feb 2020

Rail Trail Development: A Best Practices Report

This report focuses on the issues surrounding the proposed development of the Palouse to Cascades Rail-Trail.


posted Feb 5, 2018

Rail-Trails, Smart-Growth, and…Realtors?

This webinar explores how to engage Realtors and other untraditional allies to see the benefits of trails


posted Dec 13, 2023

Rails to Trails Conservancy's TrailNation™ Playbook

by Rails to Trails Conservancy

Rails to Trails Conservancy's TrailNation™ Playbook brings the decades of experience building trail networks across the country to a resource of case studies, best practices and tools for trail network development on a local and national level.


posted Feb 19, 2018

Rails With Trails

This presentations discusses unique opportunities for trail development along the right of way adjacent to railroad tracks.


published May 2021

Rails With Trails: Best Practices and Lessons Learned

by Federal Highway Administration

This updated Rails-with-Trails: Lessons Learned report documents how the state of the practice, perspectives, and context for rails-with-trails have evolved since 2002 and includes updated effective practices.


posted Jun 4, 2019

Rails-with-Trails: Lessons Learned

by Jared Fijalkowski with Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Eli Griffen with Rails to Trails Conservancy

This session demonstrates how communities can develop Rails-with-Trails that facilitate both rail and active transportation.