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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 Dec 11, 2019

2015 Pennsylvania and Western Maryland Trail Survey

The Trail Town ProgramĀ® is an initiative of The Progress Fund working in small rural towns across western Pennsylvania and western Maryland


posted Dec 11, 2019

Trail User Survey Workbook

by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC)

RTC's guide to conducting a survey, including sample surveys and methods.


posted Dec 11, 2019

Mile Markers and Distance Signs Along Trails

by Stuart Macdonald

Mileage can be marked off on signs, posts, stones, or stencils on the pavement.


posted Dec 10, 2019

Trail Warriors

by Lora Goerlich with Equestrian Trails and Facilities Consultant LLC

American Trails contributor Lora Goerlich celebrates Trail Warriors-- park rangers, naturalists, maintenance workers, and staff-- who understand and care about real and sustainable trail access.


posted Dec 10, 2019

FAQ: Is There a Universal Difficulty Rating System for OHV Trails?

by American Trails Staff

Generally there are no difficulty ratings for OHV trails.


posted Dec 9, 2019

National Recreation Trail (NRT) Signs are Making a Splash

Over the last few months we have distributed hundreds of NRT signs to trails all over America.


posted Dec 6, 2019

National Conservation Training Center

by American Trails Staff

The National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) offers a unique and diverse range of conservation training courses, designed by and for the conservation professional.


posted Dec 5, 2019

National Scenic and Historic Trails Training Needs Assessment

by Elvin Clapp with Bureau of Land Management

Survey of skills and competencies to assist in developing a national training strategy for National Scenic and Historic Trails


posted Dec 5, 2019

Trail Maintenance Skills and Competencies

by American Trails Staff

Specific skills used in maintenance of trails and greenways: maintenance of trails; repair of various trail elements; maintenance of trailheads and related facilities.


posted Dec 5, 2019

Laws, Regulations, and Policies Skills and Competencies

by American Trails Staff

Specific skills used in Interpreting regulations and legislation; applying federal laws on environmental, historic issues; providing accessible routes under the Americans with Disabilities Act; developing and enforcing trail regulations; responding to legal and liability issues.


posted Dec 5, 2019

Trail Planning Skills and Competencies

by American Trails Staff

Specific skills used in planning individual trails and greenways; identifying routes and experiences for park systems; developing plans for regional and statewide systems; developing goals and objectives for trail projects.


posted Dec 5, 2019

Program Administration Skills and Competencies

by American Trails Staff

Specific skills used in trails and greenways work: budgeting; developing costs; managing grants and finding programs; managing staff and volunteers; managing projects; identifying funding sources; working with a variety of funding; writing grant proposals;