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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 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 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 Feb 3, 2020

WSDOT Shared-Use Path Design Manual

by Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT)

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


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 Jan 31, 2020

RTP Highlight: Magone Lake Mountain Bike Trail System

by Taylor Goodrich with American Trails

Malheur National Forest in eastern Oregon is working to create a new bike trail system with the help of Recreational Trail Program (RTP) funds.


posted Jan 30, 2020

Greenways and Crime on Nearby Properties

This study investigates the question of whether the presence of a greenway increases the risk of crime occurring on the properties adjacent to the greenway.


posted Jan 29, 2020

Examining the Impacts of an Urban Greenway on Crime in Chicago

Using multiple analytical approaches, our study showed that creation of Chicago’s 606 was associated with decreases in violent, property, and disorderly crimes between 2011 and 2015


posted Jan 29, 2020

E-bikes in the Mainstream

Several themes emerged from this review of the e-bike literature. E-bike use has grown dramatically over the past decade and there is little evidence to suggest this growth will slow in the coming decade.


posted Jan 29, 2020

Washington, Missouri: A Little, Big Trail Town Along the Missouri River

by Josh Adams

Contributor Josh Adams interviews Wayne Dunker, the parks and recreation director of Washington, Missouri.


posted Jan 28, 2020

Mountain Biker Attitudes and Perceptions of eMTBs (electric‐mountain bikes)

This study found that were many misconceptions about what constitutes an eMTB. These misconceptions seem to foster fears and concerns about trail conflict, access, and the morality of individuals using eMTBs.


posted Jan 28, 2020

Rail-Trails and Safe Communities

by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC)

The experience on 372 trails


posted Jan 27, 2020

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

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


posted Jan 27, 2020

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.


posted Jan 27, 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.