Sort: Date Posted Title

posted May 3, 2018

FAQ: Is asphalt a good choice for a trail surface?

by American Trails Staff

Asphalt deteriorates over time and will require expensive maintenance to keep cracks and weeds and tree roots from making it unusable.


posted Mar 21, 2019

FAQ: Tips and Techniques for using Crusher fines surfacing for trails

by American Trails Staff

Finely crushed rock (crusher fines) is a useful alternative to paving trails that accommodates most trail activities.


posted Feb 3, 2020

FAQ: What is the Typical Width of a Shared-Use Trail?

by American Trails Staff

The best answer that you will get for how wide a trail should be is “It depends.”


posted May 23, 2018

Geosynthetics for Trails in Wet Areas: 2008 Edition

Guidelines for use of Geosynthetic materials in trail construction.


posted Sep 13, 2020

How Permeable Pavers Make a Difference

Permeable Pavers provide stable, low-impact pathway through Rookery Bay Research Reserve.


posted Apr 29, 2019

Multi-use Trail Surface Study

by Connecticut Equine Advisory Council

The Equine Advisory Council conducted research and interviews throughout Connecticut to determine project cost and general installation, maintenance, environmental impacts, and suitability for multiple user groups for various surface materials.


posted Apr 29, 2019

National Trail Surfaces Study

by U.S. Access Board, National Center on Accessibility

In 2007 the National Center on Accessibility (NCA) entered into an agreement with the U.S. Access Board and National Park Service to investigate natural firm and stable surface alternatives when creating accessible pedestrian trails, including crushed stones, packed soil, and other natural material.


posted May 3, 2018

Porous asphalt shows advantages for trail surfacing

by Stuart Macdonald

A Wisconsin community sees benefits in a different mix of asphalt.


posted Jan 24, 2018

Shared-Use Path Design

A shared-use path serves as part of a transportation circulation system and supports multiple recreation opportunities, such as walking, bicycling, and inline skating. A shared-use path typically has a surface that is asphalt, concrete, or firmly packed crushed aggregate.


posted May 30, 2018

Studies Weigh Mountain-Biking, Hiking Impacts

New research suggests that mountain suggests that mountain bikes and boots leave equal wear and tear on trails. How bikers ride and where hikers step may make more of a difference.


posted May 23, 2018

Technical Aspects of Asphalt Trail Design

A Guideline for the Design and Construction of Asphalt Pavements for Colorado Trails and Path


posted May 3, 2018

The Art of Building Crushed Stone Trails

by Tony Boone with Timberline TrailCraft

Crushed stone trails provide a user-friendly, all-season surface for all types and ages of visitors, including strollers, wheelchairs, and road bikes.