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 Sep 2000

Conservation Ethics Guiding The Goethe Trail

by Helen Koehler

The Goethe Trail is part of Florida's Greenways and Trails System which is a combination of Federal, state, local and privately owned lands. While each parcel is unique, they collectively help to preserve and protect Florida's natural, cultural and historic resources.


published Jan 2007

Construction and Maintenance Costs for Trails

Considering the many factors that go into estimating costs for building and managing trails, railtrails, and greenways with examples from Wisconsin.


posted Aug 19, 2020

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Interpretive Plan

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST) Interpretive Plan guides the development and implementation of information, orientation and interpretation for the CDNST. Specifically, this plan includes interpretive goals, objectives, themes, exhibit recommendations, and design guidelines for interpretive efforts associated with the trail.


posted Nov 19, 2018

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Trailhead Design Guidelines

This document provides guidelines to help managers make decisions in a sustainable manner for major trailheads all along the CDNST. Overall principles given here relate to all trailhead sites. However, they also include more detailed guidelines specific to the highly varied settings along the Continental Divide.


published Feb 2011

County of Los Angeles Trails Manual

The purpose of this Trails Manual is to provide an accessible resource that can be used for trail planning, design, construction, and maintenance within the County of Los Angeles


posted May 12, 2021

Creating a SMART Sustainable Safety Sign Initiative Program

This webinar will discuss a strategic partnership that delivers a full solution of design, operations, installation, technology, and sponsorship sales that generate significant revenue for municipalities while enhancing their trail systems.


posted Feb 16, 2018

Creating Accessible Trails with Universally Designed Interpretation

This webinar will provide an overview of Mass Audubon’s All Persons Hiking Trails.


posted Feb 19, 2018

Creating the Next Generation of Trail Planning Tools

by Carl Knoch with Rails to Trails Conservancy, Tracy Hadden Loh with Rails to Trails Conservancy

Tools to help communities make the real case for increased investment in trails, biking, and walking infrastructure.


posted Feb 19, 2018

Creating the Trails That Users Want So You Don't Get the Trails You Don't Want

Case studies of what works, best practices and techniques of building the correct type of trails, and information regarding the creation and maintenance of sustainable trail systems.


posted Feb 19, 2018

Creating Trails Databases Using GIS Technologies

by Robert Spurlock with Oregon Metro Regional Government, Max Woodbury with Oregon Metro Regional Government, Jenny Konwinski, Reid Ammann

The task of developing GIS databases.