Recommended Resources

Trail-Specific Recommended Resources

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published Aug 2019

Why You Might Consider Conservation Corps on Your Next Trail Project

by Hannah Traverse with The Corps Network

Why trail managers often engage Conservation Corps on maintenance projects, and why you might see more Corps on our trails.


published Aug 2019

What You Need to Know About Building Trails with Crusher Fines

by Lois Bachensky with USDA Forest Service

A crusher fine trail combines the rustic feeling of a natural surface trail with a surface type that's durable (but not concrete or asphalt). The natural gravel-like surface feels more like a trail than a hard surfaced path and fits in well with primitive settings.


published Aug 2019

6 Solutions for Managing Multi-Use Trails and Conflict

by Taylor Goodrich with American Trails

Let’s face it. Motorized, equestrian, biking, and hiking users do not always get along. When conflicts inevitably arise, what do we do, and how can we avoid it in the first place?


published Aug 2019

Wildlife and Trails Checklist — Introduction

by American Trails Staff

The Wildlife and Trail Planning Checklist is a sequence of wildlife-related questions and possible steps to consider in planning a trail.


published Jul 2019

Design a Trail to Last 100 Years

by Michael Osborne with Five Rivers MetroParks

The challenges of balancing ecological protection, physical management and social demands on natural surface hiking, equestrian, mountain biking and multi-use trails can be overwhelming. However, it IS possible to meet these challenges by designing sustainable trails that are created to last into the next century.


published Jul 2019

Highway-Rail Crossing Handbook

by Kimley-Horn Planning and Design Engineering Consultants

The purpose of the Highway-Rail Crossing Handbook, 3rd Edition is an information resource developed to provide a unified reference document on prevalent and best practices as well as adopted standards relative to highway-rail grade crossings.


published Jul 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 Jul 2019

Funding Needs For Wildlife, Working Lands, and Recreation In Montana

by American Trails Staff

A study shows that from 2014 to 2018, there was a $6.8 million gap between trail projects proposed to RTP and funding awarded.


published Jun 2019

Volunteer Stewardship Tools

by Taylor Goodrich with American Trails

Managing volunteers to achieve high quality trail stewardship work for land managers is not easy. Explore the tools and resources available to you that will help you start, expand or enhance your outdoor stewardship volunteer program, achieving your goals, and providing exceptional service to land managers.


published Jun 2019

Counting Trail Users

by Matt Ainsley with Eco-Counter, Inc.

Until recently, user count data was collected manually through an annual volunteer effort. In 2017, however, a program in Pennsylvania took their count program to the next level by rolling out 17 automated Eco-Counters in all four corners of the state.


published Jun 2019

Standing Boy Creek State Park Mountain Bike Trails Master Plan

by IMBA Trail Solutions

This master plan is a result of the entirety of IMBA TS site visits, with greater importance placed on those 2018 and 2019 planning and design site visits. The master plan represents industry best practices, professional expertise and experience, modern trail theory, and insights gained from numerous conversations with GA DNR, CVA-SORBA, and many others.


published May 2019

Economic Impacts of Mountain Biking and Bike Trail Events and Festivals in West Virginia

WVU Extension Service Working Paper on how mountain biking and mountain biking facilities can bring an array of benefits to rural communities.