published Dec 2018

How to Contact Your Representatives About Trail Issues

by American Trails Staff

Are you worried about the future of our trails and public lands, but not sure what you can do? Calling your congressional delegation about trails issues is one of the most powerful things we can do as individuals.

published Jan 2003

USDA Forest Service Agreements Desk Guide

The Forest Service has a tradition of partnership as old as the Service itself. In the broad sense, partnership denotes sharing a common interest with the Forest Service in National Forest values and a relationship in pursuit of those common interests. Please keep in mind that this is just a guide. It is not meant to replace, supersede or compete with FSM 1580 or FSH 1509.11. The guide provides direction to reference sources. It also may alleviate research, but not eliminate it. Its biggest value may be in helping develop creative thinking about partnerships and what is possible within the authorities now in place. The information provided in this Desk Guide is current up to its 2003 date of publication, but keep in mind that like everything else things change, so always refer back to the appropriate FSM or FSH for any updates to agreement provisions and direction.

published Dec 2018

Sandy Hook Remembered

by American Trails Staff

Permanent Memorial to Take Shape under the Watchful Eyes of Two SWA Designers

published Apr 2014

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 Jun 2016

San Francisco Bay Trail Design Guidelines and Toolkit

These guidelines offer direction and define goals to facilitate the design and development of a San Francisco Bay Trail system that is safe, connected and continuous; provides a positive user experience that encourages people to use the trail; and maximizes access to and use by the broadest spectrum of people possible.

published Nov 2018

Discovering the North Country Trail

by Taylor Goodrich with American Trails

Dedicated volunteers are working to improve and complete the trail that runs across seven northern states.

published Nov 2018

The 2017 International Trails Symposium Created Lasting Momentum in Ohio

by Kristen Wicker with Five Rivers MetroParks

When advocates gather, trail magic happens.

published Nov 2018

The World is Our Classroom

by Jim Schmid

Cindy's story begins in the Rocky Mountain wilderness on a unique and extraordinary journey: two parents leading their young children 3,100 miles on the backs of llamas.

published Nov 2018

Celebrating Trails Across America

by Taylor Goodrich with American Trails

Stories from trail enthusiasts of all ages

published May 2018

Best Practices for Trail Management

by Maricopa County Parks and Recreation

Maricopa County (AZ) has put together a comprehensive guide to best practices in trail planning, construction, and maintenance. The 99-page guide includes Planning Objectives for a variety of trail types, motorized as well as nonmotorized. Barrier-free trails are also discussed, along with vegetation management, signs and wayfinding, and many more details of trail development and sustainable maintenance.