published Jun 1, 2018

Guidelines for a Quality Trail Experience

by Bureau of Land Management, International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)

In the context of mountain bike trails, excellence is realized when a trail design merges the desired outcomes and difficulty that a rider seeks with the setting in which the outcomes are realized.

published Oct 21, 2009

Virginia’s Long-Distance Trail Network: Connecting Our Commonwealth

The purpose of this plan is to assess progress to-date and develop a strategy to connect local and regional systems into a statewide trail network reaching to all areas of the Commonwealth.

published Jul 1, 2014

Developing Trail Systems Toolkit

by San Luis Valley Great Outdoors (SLV GO!)

Trails are more than simply lines on a map, a form of transportation or route to destinations. Trails are an experience. Engaging trails systems provide a sense of unique place, highlight natural topography and attract outdoor-based tourism. A vast and varied experience hooks trails users and leaves them wanting to return for more exploration. This tool kit offers suggestions for building destination-worthy trail systems.

published Jan 1, 1986

Anatomy of Backcountry Management Costs

by USDA Forest Service

A 1986 study from the USFS on backcountry management costs.

published Sep 15, 2005

The San Francisco Bay Trail Project Gap Analysis Study

The Bay Trail Project is a nonprofit organization administered by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) that plans, promotes and advocates for the implementation of a continuous 500-mile bicycling and hiking path around San Francisco Bay. Two of the most commonly asked questions regarding the Bay Trail: “When will it be done?” and “How much will it cost?”

published Dec 1, 2014

How Communities are Paying to Maintain Trails, Bike Lanes, and Sidewalks

by Advocacy Advance

This report addresses both the technical and political challenges of how communities are paying to maintain trails, bike lanes, and sidewalks. It examines agency maintenance policies and provides examples of communities who’ve successfully made these facilities a priority.

published Aug 1, 2016

Community Trail Development Guide

by Virginia Department of Transportation

VDOT developed this guide to aid the process of grassroots trail planning, based on the knowledge of experienced planners, research of best practices around the nation as well as the State, and the understanding gained from trail development process in the Town of Middleburg.

published Feb 1, 2020

Rail Trail Development: A Best Practices Report

This report focuses on the issues surrounding the proposed development of the Palouse to Cascades Rail-Trail.

published Jul 1, 2019

DCR Trails Guidelines and Best Practices Manual

by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation

The DCR’s Trails Program seeks to provide a safe, quality recreation experience for a diverse range of trail users while practicing sound stewardship of the Commonwealth’s natural and cultural resources. This “Trails Guidelines and Best Practices Manual” meets this responsibility by providing a consistent set of trail management policies, guidelines, procedures, and best practices in sustainable trail development.

published Dec 1, 2017

Interpretive Plan for the Huron River National Water Trail

by Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Division

The purpose of this plan is to help communities and stakeholders incorporate heritage on the lower reach of the nationally designated Huron River Water Trail (HRWT), from Flat Rock to Lake Erie, which will create a more meaningful trail experience and a greater sense of place.