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published May 2021

Three Hidden Health Benefits of Hiking, 2021 Edition Guide

by Jamie Stone with Outdoorish

Hiking is widely recognized as one of the healthiest hobbies anyone can have, and for a good reason too. When we break it down to plain physics, walking activates most muscle groups, which not only keeps us in shape but also conditions us to become more resilient to all bodily ailments and harms.


published Oct 2020

Identification of Effective Programs to Improve Access to and Use of Trails among Youth from Under-Resourced Communities

The primary purpose of this paper is to identify and review studies evaluating the effectiveness of programs to increase access to trails and trails use (physical activity) among youth from under-resourced communities.


published Oct 2020

Teaching Kids to be Great Trail Stewards

by Taylor Goodrich with American Trails

Trails are an important resource, but sadly we are increasingly seeing trails abused by littering and vandalism. American Trails has created a packet to teach kids to be great trail stewards so the next generation of trail lovers can help lead the way towards better care for our trails.


published Jul 2020

The Health Benefits of Motorized Trail Riding

by Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF)

Trail Riding promotes physical activity in those who might otherwise forego exercise altogether. All physical activity is beneficial.


published Jun 2020

Sustainable Advantage

by Aaron Wilcher, Fran Doherty

An in-depth exploration of outdoor recreation in rural California.


published Jun 2020

Merced River Trail Community Benefits Study

by Headwaters Economics

The purpose of this report is to describe the economic, quality of life, public health, and other benefits that Mariposa County and its residents are likely to enjoy from the Merced River Trail based on research and experiences of communities with similar projects.


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 Oct 2019

Engaging the Health Community

by Taylor Goodrich with American Trails

Trails are shown to improve health both mentally and physically, yet the healthcare industry and the trails industry rarely work together. There are many reasons for this, such as logistics, bureaucracy, and communication issues. We asked some leading experts how we can begin bridging these gaps.


published Oct 2019

Health Benefits of Contact with Nature

by Washington Recreation and Conservation Office

A Literature Review Prepared By Sara Perrins and Dr. Gregory Bratman of the University of Washington for the Recreation and Conservation Office.


published May 2019

Building Trail Culture

by Amy Camp with Cycle Forward

by Amy Camp, Principal, Cycle Forward


published Jan 2019

Economic, Environmental and Social Benefits of Recreational Trails in Washington State

by Washington Recreation and Conservation Office

This report evaluates the economic, environmental, and social benefits of outdoor recreation activities associated with trails and their nexus with the economy of Washington.


published Jan 2019

Outdoor Recreation in Oregon: Responding to Demographic and Societal Change

by Oregon State Parks

The plan addresses five important demographic and societal changes facing outdoor recreation providers in the coming years including: 1. An aging population; 2. An increasingly diverse population; 3. Lack of youth engagement in outdoor recreation; 4. An underserved low-income population; and 5. The health benefits of physical activity.