Trail-Specific Recommended Resources

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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 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 Jun 2018

Investigating the Thru-hiker Experience: A Study on the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail

The phenomena of thru-hiking has been on a dramatic rise, spurring hikers to venture onto increasingly remote and challenging trails over extended periods of time. Despite the recent popularity of thru-hiking, the field remains relatively unstudied. In recreation, the expectations held beforehand have been linked to perceptions after an activity, but this has not been explored in thru-hiking.


published Jun 2015

Hiking Trails in America Pathways to Prosperity

by American Hiking Society

Fifty years ago President Johnson set in motion the establishment of a national system of trails for America. Since LBJ’s famous speech outlining his vision, America has accomplished much . . .


published Jun 2013

Effects of Pack Weight on Endurance of Long-distance Hikers

This study evaluated pack weight to understand the limits of long-term load carriage. Participants were Appalachian Trail hikers who attempted to complete the entire trail in the 2012 season.


published Jul 2010

Overcoming Opposition to Bicycling, Walking, and Trail Development

Effective responses to arguments against trail development.



published Jan 2010

Appalachian Trail Conservation Guidebook

by Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

A Conservation Guidebook For Communities Along The Appalachian National Scenic Trail


published Jan 2009

Benefits of Hiking: A Means-End Approach on the Appalachian Trail

The purpose of this research was to examine the outcomes prompting hiking along the Appalachian Trail (AT).


published Jun 2008

Comparing Relative Impacts of Various Trail User Groups

by Woody Keen with Trail Wisdom LLC

A summary of research and studies on factors that affect trails management strategy and determining uses for each trail.


published Apr 2001

Studies Weigh Mountain-Biking, Hiking Impacts

New research suggests that mountain suggests that mountain bikes and boots leave equal wear and tear on trails. How bikers ride and where hikers step may make more of a difference.


Jul 21, 2022

Trails for Us: How Trails Benefit Local Communities

Learn how trails benefit local communities and how you can make the case for yours.