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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 May 15, 2019

The State of Latino Green Space

by Salud America!

Green space initiatives that take community concerns, needs, and desires into consideration may be most effective at improving Latino physical and mental well-being. Green spaces support public health in many ways—they filter air, remove pollution, attenuate noise, cool temperatures, replenish ground water, mitigate stormwater, and can provide food [53, 54]. Beyond these benefits, however, are the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of green space, as discussed below.


posted May 1, 2019

Greater Des Moines Water Trails Economic Impact Study

Greater Des Moines Water Trails will annually pour tens of millions of dollars into the regional economy, a new analysis shows.


posted May 1, 2019

Case Studies of Water Trail Impacts on Rural Communities

Water trail development causes economic and social and impacts on rural communities.


posted May 1, 2019

Strategy and Plan of Action for The Water Trails Community

Water trails are a unique form of recreation – in its simplest form it consists of floating with minor balance and navigation. However, the ability to reach the water’s edge is probably one of the largest obstacles to participation.


posted May 1, 2019

An Economic Argument for Water Trails

by River Management Society

This report is a summary of findings from existing studies, which provide examples of the economic impact of water trails in their respective communities. It is meant to provide a helpful resource to communities interested in learning about the economic benefit water trails have provided for cities and towns in the US.


posted Apr 29, 2019

Multi-use Trail Surface Study

by Connecticut Equine Advisory Council

The Equine Advisory Council conducted research and interviews throughout Connecticut to determine project cost and general installation, maintenance, environmental impacts, and suitability for multiple user groups for various surface materials.


posted Apr 29, 2019

National Trail Surfaces Study

by U.S. Access Board, National Center on Accessibility

In 2007 the National Center on Accessibility (NCA) entered into an agreement with the U.S. Access Board and National Park Service to investigate natural firm and stable surface alternatives when creating accessible pedestrian trails, including crushed stones, packed soil, and other natural material.


posted Apr 18, 2019

Economic Impact Analysis of the Kansas City, MO Bicycle Master Plan

Economic Impact Analysis shows new bike master plan will save 36 lives every year, add $500 million to the regional economy, and create 12,000 jobs.


posted Apr 15, 2019

Skills and Competencies Upon Which to Build the Trails Industry

by American Trails Staff

Categories, lists, and definitions of skills used in trails and greenways work, along with links to classes and resources for training.


posted Apr 13, 2019

USFS Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation and Trails

by USDA Forest Service

This guidebook was written to help designers and managers apply FSORAG and FSTAG to their work and to pro- vide guidance for integrating accessibility into outdoor recreation site and trail projects.


posted Apr 13, 2019

Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines (FSTAG)

by USDA Forest Service

The 2013 FSTAG and the Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG) are the legally enforceable standards for use in outdoor recreation areas on the National Forest System for the facilities, routes, and features addressed in these guidelines.


posted Apr 11, 2019

North Country Trail Handbook

by North Country National Scenic Trail

The North Country National Scenic Trail (NST) extends for thousands of miles across seven states. Its layout, design, construction, and maintenance require the participation of a myriad of individuals and groups.