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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 Jul 23, 2020

Case Studies in Delivering Safe, Comfortable, and Connected Pedestrian and Bicycle Networks

by Federal Highway Administration

This report provides an overview of pedestrian and bicycle network principles and highlights examples from communities across the country.


posted Jul 23, 2020

Stabilized Engineered Wood Fiber for Accessible Trails

by USDA Forest Service

Trails made with wood chips are difficult for those who use mobility aids because the surface is soft, uneven, and shifting.


posted Jul 23, 2020

Pursuing Equity in Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning

by Federal Highway Administration

The purpose of this paper, intended for transportation practitioners and decision-makers, is to define transportation equity-related terms in the context of planning for bicycle and pedestrian facilities and programs; synthesize and highlight recent research findings related to the travel needs of traditionally underserved populations and the role of pedestrian and bicycle planning in addressing equity concerns; and to share strategies, practices and resources to address bicycle and pedestrian planning inequities.


posted Jul 23, 2020

Incorporating Qualitative Data in the Planning Process

by Federal Highway Administration

This report highlights emerging tools, techniques, and resources for gathering qualitative public and stakeholder input to inform the planning process, improve project outcomes, and contribute to streamlining project delivery.


posted Jul 23, 2020

Strategies for Accelerating Multimodal Project Delivery

by Federal Highway Administration

This Workbook describes thirteen (13) key strategies that have been used effectively to accelerate multimodal projects and provides examples and case studies for each.


posted Jul 23, 2020

Pedestrian and Bicyclist Road Safety Assessments Summary Report

by Federal Highway Administration

Conducting a simple assessment can be an effective first step in beginning a conversation about how to improve walking and bicycling networks.


posted Jul 22, 2020

Trail Fundamentals and Trail Management Objectives

by Federal Highway Administration, USDA Forest Service

This publication provides comprehensive guidance and instructions for applying Trail Fundamentals and Trail Management Objectives. This 2016 published version includes the original 2008 content, along with updated photos and formatting.


posted Jul 22, 2020

TRACS Trail Assessment & Condition Surveys User Guide 2011

by USDA Forest Service

TRACS is an organized approach for collecting and updating field data on trail conditions and the work needed to meet standard.


posted Jul 22, 2020

Models for Equine-Based Use of State Fish & Wildlife Lands

by Equine Land Conservation Resource

In June of 2009 the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource examined three models—New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New Mexico—for equine-based use and enjoyment of state game lands (commonly known as Wildlife Management Areas or WMAs) and formulated general recommendations for horsemen in other states seeking access to the same.


posted Jul 22, 2020

Getting Organized – Creating Equestrian Trail Organizations

by Equine Land Conservation Resource

The future ability of people to enjoy and keep horses in open spaces will hinge largely on the efforts of today's equestrian users. What is the alternative? Loss of trails for equestrians. Now is the time to get organized!


posted Jul 22, 2020

Horse-friendly Zoning Practices In American Communities

Zoning is very important concept for horse community members to understand, because it effects how and where you may keep your horses, and even how they can be used within a community.


posted Jul 22, 2020

Kentucky Trail Towns - A How-to-Guide for Communities

Recreational trails and rivers can really help boost a community’s tourism traffic. This guide is designed to help leaders of these Trail Towns take advantage of the economic opportunity brought by the attraction of trails and rivers. It will help you transform your town into a more inviting and memorable tourist destination as well as a better place for residents to live, work and play. The elements in this guide are only suggestions. Feel free to modify or adapt these ideas in Assessments I & II to best suit your town. After all, your approach should be as unique as your community.