FAQ: Do you have any advice for developing a community nature trail?

An ideal nature trail blends the beauty of the landscape with interpretive signage to offer an inspirational and educational resource to a community.

by American Trails Staff

An educational trail, or nature trail, is a wonderful resource to a community or greenway. Typically, these trails meander through a natural area, offering marked stations or stops next to points of natural, technological or cultural interest.

While much of the standard guidelines apply, there are special considerations to consider with nature trails. Nature trails should offer significant visual appeal, sampling elements of the landscape such as a pond or wildflower garden as well as offering educational signage.

The University of Arkansas released an extensive guide, Nature Trail Development on Small Acreages, which serves an excellent overview.

Also, consider studying the work of other nature trails. You can find all the nature trails we have profiled, as well as other resources specific to nature trails, by browsing the NATURE TRAIL tag, in the resource library.

Be sure to check out these related resources, including a webinar on interpretive design: