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published Feb 2020

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.”


published Feb 2020

Rail Trail Development: A Best Practices Report

This report focuses on the issues surrounding the proposed development of the Palouse to Cascades Rail-Trail.


published Jan 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.


published Jan 2020

Windsor Art Master Plan

by Colorado Center for Community Development

A public art master plan is an important piece of the public art program in any municipality. It is an invaluable tool that provides everything from visioning, to expected maintenance costs, to public art selection processes. This plan has the potential to provide support for local artists, strengthen the community and support tourism. Ultimately, this plan can help create a distinct identity for Windsor within the region.


published Jan 2020

Economic and Health Benefits of Walking, Hiking, and Bicycling on Recreational Trails in Washington State

by Washington Recreation and Conservation Office

Every county in Washington State benefits from walkers, runners, bikers, and backpackers using our beautiful trail systems. Ninety percent of Washington residents participate in non-motorized recreation annually.


published Dec 2019

2019 Recreational Trails Program Annual Report

by Federal Highway Administration

A report on the use and benefits of Federal Recreational Trails Program funds across the United States.


published Dec 2019

Albany-Hudson Electric Trail Trail Maintenance Plan

by Hudson River Valley Greenway

The AHET is a 36-mile bicycling and pedestrian “rail-trail“ from the City of Rensselaer to the City of Hudson in Rensselaer and Columbia Counties on an actively used National Grid owned right of way. Trail


published Dec 2019

Best Practices in Trail Maintenance

by Purdue University, College of Engineering

This manual is intended for practical use by trail maintenance managers. It will also be useful for policy makers who are tasked with anticipating and planning for maintenance budget and personnel needs. The recommendations included in this manual were chosen, in part, to facilitate widespread adoption by other trail operators. They are cost-effective solutions that require minimal technological or financial commitments.


published Dec 2019

Visitor and Trail Management Skills and Competencies

by American Trails Staff

Specific skills used in management of trails and greenways: facility management; urban trail and bike/ped management; visitor management.


published Dec 2019

The Influence of Layout on Appalachian Trail Soil Loss, Widening, and Muddiness

by Jeffrey Marion with U.S. Geological Survey, Jeremy Wimpey, Ph.D. with Applied Trails Research

This research investigates the influence of layout and design on the severity of trail degradation.


published Dec 2019

FAQ: How to designate your trail as a National Recreational Trail.

The NRT program works to preserve and celebrate our nation's pathways. Here's an overview of how to apply for NRT designation.


published Dec 2019

The Beerline Trail Equitable Implementation Plan – 2019

The Beerline Trail Neighborhood Development Project was created to ensure the next phases of trail development serve the needs of the community.