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 2008

Are horses responsible for introducing non-native plants along forest trails in the eastern United States?

Horses have been suggested to be an important source for the introduction of non-native plant species along trails, but the conclusions were based on anecdotal evidence.


posted Feb 19, 2018

Art of Sustainable Trail Management

by Tony Boone with Timberline TrailCraft

The basics behind developing and managing natural surface, shared-use trail systems.


posted Feb 5, 2020

Ashuwilticook Rail Trail Abutter Survey

This survey will not only aid Trail managers and local officials in managing the existing trail and its users, but aid future planners in locating and designing trails that maximize benefits while reducing impacts.


published Dec 2013

Atlanta Beltline 2030 Strategic Implementation Plan

The Atlanta BeltLine is one of America’s most ambitious urban transportation and redevelopment programs and is at its core a testament to public, private and community partnership.


published Mar 2007

Basic Elements of Trail Design and Trail Layout

by American Trails Staff

The goal of trail building is to create a long-term relationship between humans and nature.


published Jan 1993

Beach Access: Assist Devices and Surfaces

A Research Report of the National Center of Accessibility Original Study Conducted at Bradford Woods (1993)


published Jan 2022

Benchmarking Bike Networks

by League of American Bicyclists

This report summarizes guidance and best practices to create safer bicycle facilities and connect them into networks that allow more people to safely bike to more places within and throughout communities.


published May 2008

Best Practices of Accessibility in Parks and Recreation: A Delphi Survey of National Experts in Accessibility

As a result of frequent inquiries regarding best practices from practitioners, NCA initiated this research study in order to ascertain which practices in the field of parks and recreation accessibility management exceed the minimum standards set forth by the ADA and other disability-related legislation.


posted Jan 19, 2018

Bicycling and Walking to Healthy Communities

by Andy Clarke with League of American Bicyclists

People living in pedestrian friendly neighborhoods make four times as many walking and bicycling trips than people living in non-friendly neighborhoods!


posted Jun 5, 2019

Big City Trails: Planning for Forest Protection

by Mike Halferty with City of Toronto - Urban Foresty Branch

This poster session presentation summarizes the process of developing the City of Toronto's Natural Environment Trails Strategy and its outcomes.