Recommended Resources

Trail-Specific Recommended Resources

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published Jan 2020

Windsor Art Master Plan

by Colorado Center for Community Development

A public art master plan is an important piece of the public art program in any municipality. It is an invaluable tool that provides everything from visioning, to expected maintenance costs, to public art selection processes. This plan has the potential to provide support for local artists, strengthen the community and support tourism. Ultimately, this plan can help create a distinct identity for Windsor within the region.


published Dec 2019

Albany-Hudson Electric Trail Trail Maintenance Plan

by Hudson River Valley Greenway

The AHET is a 36-mile bicycling and pedestrian “rail-trail“ from the City of Rensselaer to the City of Hudson in Rensselaer and Columbia Counties on an actively used National Grid owned right of way. Trail


published Dec 2019

Best Practices in Trail Maintenance

by Purdue University, College of Engineering

This manual is intended for practical use by trail maintenance managers. It will also be useful for policy makers who are tasked with anticipating and planning for maintenance budget and personnel needs. The recommendations included in this manual were chosen, in part, to facilitate widespread adoption by other trail operators. They are cost-effective solutions that require minimal technological or financial commitments.


published Oct 2019

Health Benefits of Contact with Nature

by Washington Recreation and Conservation Office

A Literature Review Prepared By Sara Perrins and Dr. Gregory Bratman of the University of Washington for the Recreation and Conservation Office.


published Sep 2019

WSDOT Shared-Use Path Design Manual

by Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT)

A Washington State DOT guide to designing shared-use paths.


published Jul 2019

Highway-Rail Crossing Handbook

by Kimley-Horn Planning and Design Engineering Consultants

The purpose of the Highway-Rail Crossing Handbook, 3rd Edition is an information resource developed to provide a unified reference document on prevalent and best practices as well as adopted standards relative to highway-rail grade crossings.


published Jul 2019

DCR Trails Guidelines and Best Practices Manual

by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation

The DCR’s Trails Program seeks to provide a safe, quality recreation experience for a diverse range of trail users while practicing sound stewardship of the Commonwealth’s natural and cultural resources. This “Trails Guidelines and Best Practices Manual” meets this responsibility by providing a consistent set of trail management policies, guidelines, procedures, and best practices in sustainable trail development.


published May 2019

Building the Future

by The Corps Network

The purpose of this guide is to acquaint state administrators and transportation agencies with the benefits of employing Corpsmembers on transportation projects, and to encourage the use of Service and Conservation Corps in state-funded trail programs.


published Apr 2019

The Equestrian Trail Riders Lifestyle

by Lora Goerlich with Equestrian Trails and Facilities Consultant LLC

A guide to keeping horses and the equestrian lifestyle.


published Feb 2019

National Trails System Reference Manual 45

by National Park Service

This document is designed for National Trails System partners: Federal trail administrators, local land managers and landowners, volunteer partners, and State and Tribal agencies. It focuses on America’s national scenic and historic trails with only brief mention of national recreation trails and connecting-and-side trails. It provides background to Director’s Order #45, National Trails System (see Section 2.6).


published Feb 2019

Bikeway selection guide

The Bikeway Selection Guide from the Federal Highway Administration will help planners make informed decisions about the selection of bike- way types. This guide emphasizes engineering judgment, design flexibility, documentation, and experimentation.


published Jan 2019

Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans (SCORPs)

by American Trails Staff

The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) serves as a guide for all public outdoor recreation in urban and rural neighborhoods, cities, and regions for a given state. Each state must prepare a SCORP every five years to be eligible for funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund.