Recommended Resources

Trail-Specific Recommended Resources

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published May 2018

Economic Impact of Parks

by National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)

An Examination of the Economic Impacts of Operations and Capital Spending by Local Park and Recreation Agencies on the U.S. Economy


published Nov 2009

Economic Impact of Recreational Trail Use in Different Regions of Minnesota

The main objective of this report is to present the local economic impacts of trail use in various regions of the state.


published Jan 2009

Economic Impacts and Motivations of Off-Highway Vehicle Recreationists

This Florida case study surveys the economic impacts, motivations, and travel and equipment expenditures of OHV recreationists.


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.


published Jan 2015

Economic Importance of Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation: An Analysis of Idaho Counties

During the period August 2012 through November 2012, the University of Idaho, in cooperation with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR), surveyed Idaho’s registered off-highway-vehicle (OHV) owners. The goal of the survey was to determine the economic importance of OHV use in Idaho during the previous 12 months. The survey sample was drawn from IDPR-registered OHV owners. OHV activities not related to recreation (e.g., work) and out-of-state visitors could not be sampled. Trips and expenditures for OHV recreation in Idaho would be higher if nonresident OHV recreation could be estimated.


published Oct 2004

Economic Value of Walkability

This paper describes ways to evaluate the value of walking (the activity) and walkability (the quality of walking conditions, including safety, comfort and convenience).


published Jan 2019

Economic, Environmental and Social Benefits of Recreational Trails in Washington State

by Washington Recreation and Conservation Office

This report evaluates the economic, environmental, and social benefits of outdoor recreation activities associated with trails and their nexus with the economy of Washington.


published Jun 2014

Economics of Idaho Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation

Off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation in Idaho is big business. Idaho OHV enthusiasts took close to 1 million recreation trips in Idaho during 2012 and spent about $434 million – $186 million on OHV recreation trips and $248 million on OHV capital expenditures such as the vehicles themselves.


published Jan 2020

Economy, Environment and Health Benefit from Trails, Two New Studies Show

by American Trails Staff

Trails contribute more than $8.2 billion to Washington state's economy, according to companion studies released by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.


published Jul 2018

Educating trail users: advice for planning interpretive trail signs and exhibits

by California State Parks, Statewide Trails Section

It’s up to you as a park steward to instill a sense of appreciation for the story that needs to be told – interpretive theme and messages of the trail must be well planned.


Jan 19, 2023

Effective Communication with Elected Officials

This webinar will discuss successful tactics and strategies to engage lawmakers in securing public funding and innovative policy initiatives that support the development of trail networks in leading communities.


Apr 22, 2021

Effective Programs to Improve Access and Use of Trails for Youth from Under-Resourced Communities

This webinar will identify trail studies and existing programs that may effectively promote and increase the use of trails among youth, especially those from under-resourced neighborhoods or communities.