published Jan 2020

Economy, Environment and Health Benefit from Trails, Two New Studies Show

by American Trails Staff

Trails contribute more than $8.2 billion to Washington state's economy, according to companion studies released by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

published Jul 2018

Educating trail users: advice for planning interpretive trail signs and exhibits

by California State Parks, Statewide Trails Section

It’s up to you as a park steward to instill a sense of appreciation for the story that needs to be told – interpretive theme and messages of the trail must be well planned.

published Jun 2013

Effects of Pack Weight on Endurance of Long-distance Hikers

This study evaluated pack weight to understand the limits of long-term load carriage. Participants were Appalachian Trail hikers who attempted to complete the entire trail in the 2012 season.

published Jul 1977

El Camino Real National Scenic Trail Study

by U.S. Department of the Interior

This study has been prepared and trail recommendations made to meet the requirements of Public Law 90-543. The 1969 El Camino Real Feasibility Study concluded that sufficient documentation of historic, scenic, natural, and cultural significance did exist to warrant further study. This study will present recommendations based on an evaluation of the field study findings.

published Jul 2018

Elevating Outdoor Recreation Together

by Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism at Utah State University

Opportunities for synergy between state offices of outdoor recreation and federal land-management agencies, the outdoor recreation industry, non-governmental organizations, and local outdoor recreation providers

published Oct 2019

Eleven National Recreation Trails to visit this October

by Taylor Goodrich with American Trails

October is the official month for all things spooky, which means for trail enthusiasts, it’s the perfect time to visit these sinisterly named National Recreation Trails.

published Nov 2017

eMTB Land Manager Handbook

by PeopleForBikes, Bureau of Land Management, Chris Bernhardt with C2 Recreation Consulting

This handbook was developed in partnership with the bicycling industry and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in consultation with professional trail builders. It is intended to be a practical field resource for the planning, design, construction, maintenance, and management of electric mountain bike trails.

published Dec 2020

Engaging Children in Nature through Trails

Spending time on trails not only helps a child's mental and physical development, it can also help create healthy habits that last a lifetime.

published Oct 2019

Engaging the Health Community

by Taylor Goodrich with American Trails

Trails are shown to improve health both mentally and physically, yet the healthcare industry and the trails industry rarely work together. There are many reasons for this, such as logistics, bureaucracy, and communication issues. We asked some leading experts how we can begin bridging these gaps.

published May 2004

Environmental Aspects of Horses on Trails

by American Trails Staff

Does equestrian use have an impact on stream and lake water quality?