We can all do our part in making the trails places of Respect, Inclusivity, Safety, and Enjoyment for everyone.
No matter our differences in backgrounds or how we choose to enjoy the great outdoors, trails create common ground that connects us. Access to trails is a privilege we acknowledge and can only safeguard through our actions toward one another.
Trails are Common Ground™ is a proactive, growing, and inclusive national community of passionate trail users woven together by a love for trails and respect for one another. Together, we are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment every time anyone steps, rides, or rolls onto the trail.
We don’t have to tell you that it’s been getting pretty crowded out on the trails lately. On the one hand, it’s great that so many people are enjoying the outdoors. On the other hand, sometimes we struggle to understand each other on the trail.
That’s why Trails are Common Ground was created. We want to help reduce friction and increase respect and kindness by all users on all trails. It’s a broad-based national effort powered by people like you who care about having a great day on the trail every day.
We’re not asking you to go out and be a trail cop. We expect that you already ride, run, or walk the talk when it comes to the core values at the heart of Trails are Common Ground.
We’re asking you to raise your voice to help remind others that everyone deserves to pursue happiness in nature and that creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment on the trail is a responsibility that we all share.
Get Involved with Trails Are Common Ground
And stay tuned, as this initiative builds momentum and tackles tough issues around trail messaging, trail design, trail planning, and building a safe and welcoming trail system in every community. Together we can bring the opportunity to enjoy trails to everyone.
Share a smile. Step aside. Lend a hand. When it comes to supporting the idea that trails are common ground for us all, a little courtesy is a big step in the right direction.
Don't forget to sign up for our upcoming webinar on September 9 - Trails are Common Ground: National Campaign to Reduce Conflict, Promote Respect, and Increase Diversity on Our Trails
Published September 2021
TRAILS SAFE PASSING PLAN: STOP, SPEAK, and STAND BACK
posted Feb 14, 2023
Horses are prey animals and naturally can be afraid of unfamiliar people and objects. Horses have natural "flight“ survival instincts and prefer to move their feet towards an exit route. Therefore, people with horses should pass at a walk while other trail users remain STOPPED until passed.
ORV – Social & Management Issues
posted Jul 15, 2022
Off-road vehicles can have a substantial impact on the experience of other non-motorized visitors on trails that are shared or even on adjacent forest or park settings.
Informal and Formal Trail Monitoring Protocols and Baseline Conditions
posted Jul 15, 2022
This research developed and applied state-of-the-art trail condition assessment and monitoring procedures and applied them to the park’s formal and informal (visitor-created) trails.
posted Jul 15, 2022
This research investigates horse trail impacts to gain an improved understanding of the relationship between various levels of horse use, horse trail management alternatives, and subsequent horse trail degradation.
