published Apr 2021

Criteria for Trail Placement, Control Points, and Layout

The following criteria are used in order to determine suitable locations for new trails and trail reroutes within the Kremmling Field Office, Colorado

published Jul 2019

Design a Trail to Last 100 Years

by Michael Osborne with Five Rivers MetroParks

The challenges of balancing ecological protection, physical management and social demands on natural surface hiking, equestrian, mountain biking and multi-use trails can be overwhelming. However, it IS possible to meet these challenges by designing sustainable trails that are created to last into the next century.

published Aug 2003

Design and Management for Backcountry Horse Trails

by Jim Murphy with Back Country Horsemen of America

Trail conflict occurs: among different user groups, among different users within the same group, and as a result of factors not related to a users' trail activities.

published Jan 2021

Design for Understanding: Protecting Trail Users in the Time of Covid-19

by Don Meeker with Terrabilt Wayfinding Systems

Don Meeker, president of Terrabilt, reflects on trails as a critical sanctuary during COVID-19, and provides guidance on signage to keep everyone on trails safe. Terrabilt will also provide the production artwork for their COVID-19 trail sign for free.

published Jan 1991

Developing Sustainable Mountain Trail Corridors

by Hugh Duffy with National Park Service

This article introduces the criteria of maximum profile grade relative to the existing cross slope (fall line) as key to the development of natural surface trail projects that are sustainable. Key trail design concepts excerpted from trail documents are presented in this article.

published Aug 2021

Digging Into the Numbers Behind the Pandemic Trail Boom

by Matt Ainsley with Eco-Counter, Inc.

As the summer unfolds, park and trail managers across North America are preparing for yet another recording breaking season. While it is too early to make definitive calls about the state of pandemic trail boom and future volumes on trails and in parks, early analyses suggest the boom is alive and well. During this unprecedented time, automated count data serves as a crucial tool to track changes, understand use, and make the work of trail managers just a little bit easier.

published Mar 2021

Earmarks are an Opportunity for Trail Funding

by American Trails Staff

The reemergence of earmarks in the infrastructure and appropriations process in Congress is creating huge opportunity for trail projects that are ready to go.

published Aug 2008

Economic Benefits of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System

by Karen Umphress with UP! Outside

An interview with Bill Reed, Marketing Specialist for the Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Authority.

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.