Recommended Resources

Trail-Specific Recommended Resources

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published May 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.


published Jul 2022

Trail Design & Maintenance

by Jeffrey Marion with U.S. Geological Survey

For trails to be considered “sustainable” they must meet these recreational needs while providing adequate protection to the environment while minimizing trail maintenance.


published Jun 2022

TRAILS SAFE PASSING PLAN: STOP, SPEAK, and STAND BACK

by Equine Land Conservation Resource

Horses are prey animals and naturally can be afraid of unfamiliar people and objects. Horses have natural "flight“ survival instincts and prefer to move their feet towards an exit route. Therefore, people with horses should pass at a walk while other trail users remain STOPPED until passed.


published Mar 2022

Universal Access Trails and Shared Use Paths

by Larry Knutson with Penn Trails LLC

How can trail groups, local governments, and land trusts responsibly plan, develop, and operate trails that are accessible by all people, including those with limited mobility? What are best management practices? What is legally required? When is universal accessibility not appropriate?


published Mar 2022

10-Year Trail Shared Stewardship Challenge

by USDA Forest Service

Why Do We Need a Trail Challenge? Despite the great work happening in support of trails, workload demands continue to outpace the capacity of agency staff, partners, and volunteers. To address these shortcomings, the Forest Service has issued a 10-year Trail Challenge. It focuses the collective energy and resources of the trail community on actions resulting in greater collective capacity to manage and maintain trails, as well as more miles of trails that are well-designed, well-maintained, and well-suited to support recreation use today and into the future.


published Jan 2022

Appalachian Mountain Club 2022 Outdoor Leader Handbook

by Appalachian Mountain Club

Outdoor leadership skills can be developed and improved over time through a combination of self-study, formal training and experience. Leadership trainings are offered frequently by volunteers and staff of the AMC. The trainings range from a single day to a weekend. If you are looking for additional training, the AMC offers several courses each season through the Guided Outdoors program.


published Jan 2022

Colorado Trail Foundation Crew Leader Handbook

by The Colorado Trail Foundation

As a crew leader you represent the CTF. One of your main jobs is to convey the CTF’s thanks to the volunteers for their commitment to making and preserving The Colorado Trail as a national treasure.


published Nov 2021

Pacific Crest Train Assn. Crew Leadership: Managing Volunteers

by Pacific Crest Trail Association

For students with moderate to extensive trail building experience who want to lead trail crews and work parties. Not a construction techniques class; this is about effective leadership. Students will have classroom and field work in the following topics: work day responsibilities, risk assessment and safety, tool safety and tool talk, leadership and team building, practical experience leading volunteers.


published Jul 2021

National River Cleanup® Organizers Handbook

by American Rivers

American Rivers makes it easy for you to get involved. This National River Cleanup Handbook will provide all the information you need to organize a river cleanup.


published Jun 2021

Federal Funding FAQ’s

by International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)

Understanding Federal Funding for Natural Surface Trails


published Nov 2020

Resources for Starting an Outdoor Career

This toolkit covers the basics you need to apply for and get the job you want. Get advice on resumes, cover letters, interviewing techniques and more.


published Nov 2020

Regional Government Agencies: Outdoor Career Opportunities

by Transforming Youth Outdoors (TYO)

This guide is a general overview of the regional opportunities working in and for the outdoors.