163 views • posted 01/19/2018 • updated 07/18/2023


Sustainability of Backcountry Trails

Minimizing Resource Impacts

A document providing the basis for the most sustainable backcountry trail for all trail types with the least impact to natural, historic, cultural and aesthetic resources.

by National Park Service

About the Author


The National Park Service (NPS) was created in 1916 and today manages over 390 units found in all 50 states and some of the U.S. territories. NPS supports and operates trails in three interlocking arenas: trails in parks, technical assistance to States and communities, and administration of much of the National Trails System.

More articles by this author

More articles in this category

Winter Bike Lane Maintenance

posted Nov 25, 2023

This white paper provides collected best practices on winter bikeway maintenance as seen in US cities and around the world. The paper covers snow removal from bikeways, different types of de-icing surface applications and their advantages/disadvantages, and best practices for winter maintenance prioritization and scheduling. The paper also includes a brief discussion on innovative winter maintenance techniques either in use or in development.

Winter Maintenance Resource Guide

posted Nov 25, 2023

Who is responsible for winter maintenance—property owners or government agencies—and what are the challenges?

Sustaining Wildlife With Recreation on Public Lands

posted Nov 25, 2023

Humans and wildlife interact in multifaceted ways on public lands with both positive and negative outcomes for each group. When managed well, wildlife-based tourism and other forms of recreation can benefit conservation goals.

Environmental Impacts of Winter Recreation

posted Nov 25, 2023

Regardless of our intentions, many species perceive humans as a threat and respond accordingly. In general, animals respond to threats by first increasing vigilance (time spent looking around versus foraging), and running away if the threat is perceived to be imminent.