The purpose of this publication is to provide an introduction to trail design for those who intend to develop trails for nature walking, hiking, horseback riding or ATVs on less than 40 acres. Some technical aspects are presented for those planning to expend resources for constructing trails such as around schoolyards or community facilities or as part of a wildlife enterprise.
by University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Nature trails are popular for wildlife viewing, walking, hiking, horseback riding, bike riding and other outdoor activities. Land managers often design and maintain trails in expansive public use areas. There is increasing interest from home owners, business owners, wildlife enterprise entrepreneurs, school teachers, boy scouts, hospital personnel, parks department staff and others to develop and maintain nature trails on smaller landholdings.
The purpose of this publication is to provide an introduction to trail design for those who intend to develop trails for nature walking, hiking, horseback riding or ATVs on less than 40 acres. Some technical aspects are presented for those planning to expend resources for constructing trails such as around schoolyards or community facilities or as part of a wildlife enterprise.
Many trail design and maintenance features are the same regardless of property size. With proper planning and construction, nature trails can be designed to minimize human disturbance and impacts on wildlife, plants, soils and waterways. A well designed trail can aid in land management, such as through simplifying timber evaluations or creating fire breaks. Properly built trails also provide opportunities to teach youngsters about wildlife, forestry and natural resources.
As a land grant institution, the mission of the Division of Agriculture is to strengthen agriculture, communities and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices.
posted Sep 26, 2023
Adults living within a half mile of a park visit parks and exercise more often, but according to the 2014 State Indicator Report on Physical Activity, less than 38 percent of the U.S. population lives within a half mile of a park.
Guidelines for Managing and Restoring Natural Plant Communities along Trails and Waterways
posted Sep 18, 2023
These guidelines are designed to assist resource managers in conducting management activities that enhance the quality of natural plant communities, wildlife habitat, regional landscape integrity and visual quality, particularly as related to planning, development, and maintenance of trails, water trails, and water access sites.
Q&A: Trail Construction Costs, Risks, and Tips for Success
posted Aug 28, 2023
Q&A from the 2021 webinar Trail Construction Costs, Risks, and Tips for Success
Naugatuck River Greenway Trail Cost Estimates
posted Aug 28, 2023
The Naugatuck River Greenway (NRG) is an officially designated Connecticut State Greenway, consisting of the open and green spaces along the Naugatuck River. Greenways are corridors of open space that may protect natural resources or provide recreational opportunities, and typically follow a natural feature like a river or manmade features like a canal or disused rail bed.
