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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 Sep 12, 2019

In the Path of Fire

by American Trails Staff

Rebuilding Trails After the Carr Fire in California.


posted Sep 10, 2019

Art Along Trails

by Stuart Macdonald

A photo gallery of murals, sculptures, decorative paving, and memorials.


posted Sep 6, 2019

15 Answers to Making Your Trail Irresistible to Private Funders

by American Trails Staff

Have questions about funding your trail? Check out these answers from presenters that have successfully courted private foundations to give you a holistic view of how projects can be pushed to the next level by engaging the private sector.


posted Sep 6, 2019

Packable Rock Bar is a First

by Bill Hasenjaeger with Trail Boss

Trail Boss™ innovative new packable rock bar expands digging tools from dirt to rock


posted Sep 4, 2019

Why YOU Should Submit Your Trail for National Recreation Trail (NRT) Designation

by Taylor Goodrich with American Trails

Find out more about the National Recreation Trail program and the steps needed to apply.


posted Aug 30, 2019

Guidance for Managing Informal Trails

by Jeffrey Marion with U.S. Geological Survey

A great how-to for developing educational programs and plans for managing, maintaining, and improving informal trails


posted Aug 28, 2019

Why You Might Consider Conservation Corps on Your Next Trail Project

by Hannah Traverse with The Corps Network

Why trail managers often engage Conservation Corps on maintenance projects, and why you might see more Corps on our trails.


posted Aug 21, 2019

11 Key Trail Tools for Grubbing and Raking

by Jim Schmid

These are the most commonly used grubbing and raking tools with tips on using them safely and effectively.


posted Aug 20, 2019

What You Need to Know About Building Trails with Crusher Fines

by Lois Bachensky with USDA Forest Service

A crusher fine trail combines the rustic feeling of a natural surface trail with a surface type that's durable (but not concrete or asphalt). The natural gravel-like surface feels more like a trail than a hard surfaced path and fits in well with primitive settings.


posted Aug 19, 2019

Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado Restores State’s Flood and Fire-Damaged Trails

by Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC)

Particularly in the aftermath of disaster, volunteers are vital to the success of keeping public lands, parks, and trails open and well-maintained for generations to come.


posted Aug 14, 2019

6 Solutions for Managing Multi-Use Trails and Conflict

by Taylor Goodrich with American Trails

Let’s face it. Motorized, equestrian, biking, and hiking users do not always get along. When conflicts inevitably arise, what do we do, and how can we avoid it in the first place?


posted Aug 13, 2019

Evidence of Many Varieties of Economic Benefits Linked to Trails

by Stuart Macdonald

Trails and greenways impact our economy through tourism, events, urban redevelopment, community improvement, property values, health care costs, jobs and investment, and general consumer spending.