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posted Jul 24, 2023

Trail Competency Framework

by The Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University

A group of nationwide trail professionals representing federal agencies, trail nonprofits, and the private sector initiated this project to develop a common trail competency framework, focusing on enhancing professionalism as well as a higher level of skill.

posted May 9, 2022

Hub for Information on Trail Users

Everything you need to know about trail counters, trail user surveys, and other information to better understand and engage your trail users.*

posted Apr 11, 2022

Impact of Trails Hub

Everything you need to know about the positive impact of trails on health, environment, economics, and more.

posted Feb 14, 2022

Trail Planning and Design Hub

Everything you need to know about trail planning and design for long lasting trails.

posted Jan 18, 2022

Shared-Use Trail Hub

Everything you need to know about planning, building, and managing shared-use trails.

posted Nov 9, 2021

Trail Accessibility Hub

Everything you need to know about planning, building, and maintaining accessible trails.

posted Sep 13, 2020

12 Resources for Building Trail Stewards

by Taylor Goodrich with American Trails

Use this library of resources, articles, and trainings to create an army of effective trail stewards.

posted Aug 5, 2019

Planning Trails With Wildlife in Mind - Wildlife and Trails Primer

by American Trails Staff

The Primer provides discussion of broad wildlife topics, plus key concepts and rules of thumb to help with trail planning and management.

posted Jun 24, 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.

posted Aug 14, 2018

Fort River Birding and Nature Trail, Massachusetts

The one-mile trail provides a chance to enjoy the natural world at Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.

posted Aug 14, 2018

Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail, Delaware

This designated National Recreation Trail runs 4.18 miles through northern Delaware and includes Recreational Trails Program funding.

posted Mar 13, 2018

Active Transportation and Parks and Recreation

by National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)

A national study on Active Transportation and Parks and Recreation.

posted Feb 16, 2021

Submit Your Project to the Trails Move People Survey

This survey aims to quantify the capacity of the trails community to build, maintain, and develop trails now, and to provide input to GAOA and LWCF funding.


posted Feb 15, 2021

Five Iconic Trails Under 50 Miles

by Amy Camp with Cycle Forward

A trail need not be over 100 miles in length to become a travel destination. Plenty of people desire shorter trail experiences and are willing to design a trip around them just the same.


posted Feb 12, 2021

Promoting Parks and Recreation’s Role in Economic Development

by National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)

This study builds on previous NRPA research on the economic importance of local park and recreation agencies by exploring the role that quality park amenities play in 21st century regional economic development.


posted Feb 11, 2021

2020 NRT Photo Contest Winners Announced

by American Trails Staff

The results are in! Here are our picks from the 230 photos submitted for the 2020 photo contest.


posted Feb 5, 2021

Book Review of Journeys North: The Pacific Crest Trail

by Jim Schmid

Jim Schmid shares his review of this recently released book. In Journeys North, legendary trail angel, thru hiker, and former PCTA board member Barney Scout Mann spins a compelling tale of six hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2007 as they walk from Mexico to Canada.


posted Jan 27, 2021

Conflicts On Multiple-Use Trails

by Roger Moore with North Carolina State University

This synthesis is intended to establish a baseline of the current state of knowledge and practice and to serve as a guide for trail managers and researchers.


posted Jan 14, 2021

Texas Recently Got Their First National Water Trail

by American Trails Staff

The newly designated Trinity River Paddling Trail is the first National Water Trail in Texas!


posted Jan 14, 2021

FAQ: What is the definition of a trail?

by American Trails Staff

Defining a trail corridor in law, policy, and planning.


posted Jan 8, 2021

Design for Understanding: Protecting Trail Users in the Time of Covid-19

by Don Meeker with Terrabilt Wayfinding Solutions

Don Meeker, president of Terrabilt, reflects on trails as a critical sanctuary during COVID-19, and provides guidance on signage to keep everyone on trails safe. Terrabilt will also provide the production artwork for their COVID-19 trail sign for free.


posted Dec 22, 2020

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.


posted Dec 22, 2020

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.


posted Dec 22, 2020

Pedal-Assist Mountain Bikes: A Pilot Study Comparison of the Exercise Response, Perceptions, and Beliefs of Experienced Mountain Bikers

This study aimed to compare conventional mountain bike and eMTB use. This was done by investigating 2 questions: (1) What proportion of exercise response is retained for an experienced mountain biker while using an eMTB when compared with a conventional mountain bike? and (2) What are the perceptions and beliefs of experienced mountain bikers toward eMTBs both before and after riding an eMTB?