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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 31, 2018

Trails for America

by National Park Service

A 1966 study headed by Stuart Udall on the feasibility of a National Trails System


posted Dec 19, 2018

How to Contact Your Representatives About Trail Issues

by American Trails Staff

Are you worried about the future of our trails and public lands, but not sure what you can do? Calling your congressional delegation about trails issues is one of the most powerful things we can do as individuals.


posted Dec 17, 2018

USDA Forest Service Agreements Desk Guide

The Forest Service has a tradition of partnership as old as the Service itself. In the broad sense, partnership denotes sharing a common interest with the Forest Service in National Forest values and a relationship in pursuit of those common interests. Please keep in mind that this is just a guide. It is not meant to replace, supersede or compete with FSM 1580 or FSH 1509.11. The guide provides direction to reference sources. It also may alleviate research, but not eliminate it. Its biggest value may be in helping develop creative thinking about partnerships and what is possible within the authorities now in place. The information provided in this Desk Guide is current up to its 2003 date of publication, but keep in mind that like everything else things change, so always refer back to the appropriate FSM or FSH for any updates to agreement provisions and direction.


posted Dec 14, 2018

Sandy Hook Remembered

by American Trails Staff

Permanent Memorial to Take Shape under the Watchful Eyes of Two SWA Designers


posted Nov 19, 2018

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Trailhead Design Guidelines

This document provides guidelines to help managers make decisions in a sustainable manner for major trailheads all along the CDNST. Overall principles given here relate to all trailhead sites. However, they also include more detailed guidelines specific to the highly varied settings along the Continental Divide.


posted Nov 19, 2018

San Francisco Bay Trail Design Guidelines and Toolkit

These guidelines offer direction and define goals to facilitate the design and development of a San Francisco Bay Trail system that is safe, connected and continuous; provides a positive user experience that encourages people to use the trail; and maximizes access to and use by the broadest spectrum of people possible.


posted Nov 16, 2018

Medina River Greenway, Texas

The 7-mile trail near downtown San Antonio provides a beautiful, pastoral setting to enjoy nature, history, and recreation along the banks of the sinuous Medina River.


posted Nov 16, 2018

Discovering the North Country Trail

by Taylor Goodrich with American Trails

Dedicated volunteers are working to improve and complete the trail that runs across seven northern states.


posted Nov 15, 2018

The 2017 International Trails Symposium Created Lasting Momentum in Ohio

by Kristen Wicker with Five Rivers MetroParks

When advocates gather, trail magic happens.


posted Nov 14, 2018

Lafitte Greenway Corridor, New Orleans, Louisiana

by Stuart Macdonald

RTP funding helped convert this utility corridor into a multiuse recreational and transportation trail route.


posted Nov 13, 2018

The World is Our Classroom

by Jim Schmid

Cindy's story begins in the Rocky Mountain wilderness on a unique and extraordinary journey: two parents leading their young children 3,100 miles on the backs of llamas.


posted Nov 12, 2018

Celebrating Trails Across America

by Taylor Goodrich with American Trails

Stories from trail enthusiasts of all ages