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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 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 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 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 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 Nov 9, 2021

Trail Accessibility Hub

Everything you need to know about planning, building, and maintaining accessible trails.

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 22, 2023

Waiver of Buy America Requirements for De Minimis Costs and Small Grants

by Federal Highway Administration

A long-standing impediment to effective implementation of the Recreational Trails Program (and other federal funding of trail projects) has been addressed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).


posted Jul 12, 2023

Why Trails Matter: In Praise of Water Trails

by American Trails Staff

This article is intended to inspire and support trail managers, designers, volunteer groups, and individuals with information you can use, whether you want to get out and explore an existing water trail or begin the process of designating a new water trail in your community. 


posted Jun 17, 2020

Help Us Celebrate Our 200th Webinar!

Our 200th webinar is coming up at the end of the month and we want you to help us celebrate! There are two ways you can take part in the festivities. We appreciate and THANK YOU for your support!


posted Jun 13, 2023

ITS 2023 Impact Report Available - ITS in Reno Breaks Attendance Records!

by American Trails Staff

The International Trails Summit (ITS) in Reno, Nevada April 17-20, 2023 was a rousing success, with over 900 attendees and more than 130 informational sessions representing 20 countries and 47 states, making it the largest Summit ever!


posted Jun 7, 2023

9 New National Recreation Trails Added to the National Trail System

by American Trails Staff

Nine new National Recreation Trails in 9 states, adding 340 miles to the National Recreation Trails system of more than 1,300 trails in all 50 states.


posted Jun 14, 2023

Envisioning a Statewide Connection Mass Central Rail Trail Benefits Study

Study shows completion of the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail System would bring significant health and economic benefits to the commonwealth.


posted May 15, 2023

World’s Most Comprehensive Mountain Bike Trail Development Resource Made Possible by Minnesota Clean Water, Land and Legacy Funds

Mountain Bike Trail Development: Guidelines for Successfully Managing the Process,” a 242-page “how to” manual covers modern trail development from trail types, to landscape analysis and design, to environmental and construction considerations, cost implications and more.


posted May 14, 2023

2023 ITS Conference Proceedings

American Trails (AT) and the Professional TrailBuilders Association (PTBA) hosted the International Trails Summit (a collaborative effort of the 25th International Trails Symposium and Training Institute and the Sustainable Trails Conference) in Reno, Nevada during the week of April 17, 2023.


posted Apr 3, 2023

Trails Capacity Program 2022/23 Impact Report

As of March 2023, American Trails has funded 14 projects through the Trails Capacity Program.


posted Apr 18, 2023

2023 Advancing Trails Awards Announced

The Advancing Trails Awards Program recognizes the tremendous contributions of volunteers, professionals, and other leaders who are working to create an effective system of trails across the globe.


posted Apr 7, 2023

Building a Permeable, Low Maintenance Recreational Trail Along a Shoreline

by Presto Geosystems

In 2009, the city of The Colony planned to build a recreational trail (10 foot-wide, 3.5 mile pathway) that would run along the lake’s shoreline, contouring to its natural shape and providing residents with a picturesque route for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, and cycling. The city selected the GEOWEB® Soil Stabilization System due to its flexibility to conform to curves, surface permeability, and low maintenance design.


posted Apr 6, 2023

Equitable Access to Trails Discussed at 2023 International Trails Summit

by American Trails Staff

If you will be joining us at the ITS in Reno NV April 17-20, 2023, don't miss these speakers and their sessions featuring topics related to equitable trails access.