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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 Mar 18, 2020

The Respite of Trails and Outdoor Recreation

by Mike Passo with American Trails

America’s incomparable system of national scenic, historic, and recreational trails is the perfect way to sustain your mental and physical health, while maintaining the social distancing that is required in these challenging times.


posted Mar 18, 2020

What Coronavirus Means for Outdoor Recreation

The spread of COVID-19 has resulted in widespread social distancing measures across the United States, but what does that mean for outdoor recreation? We are bringing you the latest news, updates, and announcements on cancellations, closures, alternative recreation experiences, and more.


posted Mar 10, 2020

Unifying the Trails Community

by American Trails Staff

By recognizing the common goals that all trail user types share, and fighting for those goals together, it is possible to create a real and positive impact on the trails world.


posted Mar 7, 2020

Join the USDA Forest Service in the 10-Year Trail Shared Stewardship Challenge!

by USDA Forest Service

The Trail Challenge is a “call to action” for all of us to work together to achieve a sustainable trail system by increasing our collective capacity to care for trails and by increasing on-the-ground results through shared stewardship of trails.


posted Mar 3, 2020

A Motorized Advocate Explores the Common Ground Between All Trail Users

OHV recreation provides vital funding for all trail types through a fuel tax that funds the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), yet too often there are conflicts between motorized trail users and the broader trail community. American Trails talked to Mathew Giltner of the Silver State Off-Road Alliance in Nevada about the importance of OHV trails, and how we can start bridging communication gaps.


posted Mar 2, 2020

Trails Community Appropriations Recommendations

by Tyler Ray with American Hiking Society

On behalf of the thousands of diverse trail users our collective organizations represent, we urge appropriators to adequately invest in our nation’s trails.


posted Feb 28, 2020

Organizational Governance

In keeping with our values, American Trails aims to conduct all business with transparency and accountability to our donors and partners. Below you will find our governing documents and recent financial reports.


posted Feb 28, 2020

Privacy Policy

AmericanTrails.org is one of the world's most comprehensive online sources for planning, building, designing, funding, managing, enhancing, and supporting trails, greenways, and blueways.


posted Feb 25, 2020

Make a Donation

Our Mission | To amplify the voice of a diverse trails community. Our shared values, collaboration, education, and communication ensures trails continue to move us all. Help us raise awareness of the economic, social, and political value of trails.


posted Feb 20, 2020

Trails Are Transportation

Trails are critical infrastructure and, as such, they should receive the financial and human resource allocations necessary to maintain their critical role.


posted Feb 20, 2020

Mental Health Benefits of Trails

Beyond the physical health benefits of trails, the mental health benefits of trail access is also invaluable.


posted Feb 20, 2020

Health Benefits of Trails

by American Trails Staff

Does access to trails really lead to healthier communities? According to research the answer is a resounding yes.