Resource Library:

Planning And Design

Subcategories • Accessible Trail DesignCase StudiesCost EstimatingFeasibility StudiesLivable/Active CommunitiesLand Acquisition and ConservationMaster PlansSignage and InterpretationTrailheadsTrail Networks DesignTrails as TransportationClosing Trail System GapsWildlife and Habitat



published Oct 2018

Non-Motorized Trail Cost Estimator

by Oregon State Parks

Trail development cost guide for Oregon Parks and Recreation Departments


published Apr 2018

Gwinnett Countywide Trails Master Plan

by Gwinnett County Department of Community Services

Gwinnett County is currently the second most populous county in Georgia with more than 936,000 residents and also has a minority-majority population. By 2050, estimates project Gwinnett could grow to as many as 1.5 million residents, making it the most populated county in the state.


published May 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.


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 Apr 2023

Top 10 Requests for Trails and Outdoor Recreation Master Plans

by Tony Boone with Timberline TrailCraft, Jon Altschuld with Chinook Landscape Architecture, LLC

Tony Boone and Jon Altschuld are both Board Members of the Professional TrailBuilders Association (PTBA), and both will be presenting at the 2023 American Trails/PTBA International Trails Summit. Their companies, Tony Boone Trails, and Chinook Landscape Architecture are Sierra-level sponsors for the conference.


posted Mar 3, 2023

National Park Service − Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program

by National Park Service

This publication is designed to inform the reader about the services provided by the National Park Service – Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program.


published Feb 2011

County of Los Angeles Trails Manual

The purpose of this Trails Manual is to provide an accessible resource that can be used for trail planning, design, construction, and maintenance within the County of Los Angeles


published Nov 2019

Highway-Rail Crossing Handbook

by Kimley-Horn Planning and Design Engineering Consultants

The purpose of the Highway-Rail Crossing Handbook, 3rd Edition is an information resource developed to provide a unified reference document on prevalent and best practices as well as adopted standards relative to highway-rail grade crossings.


published Feb 2022

Trail Planning and Design Hub

Everything you need to know about trail planning and design for long lasting trails.


published Feb 2022

The Trail Access Project Removes Barriers to the Outdoors

Their goal is to facilitate the removal of barriers to recreational trail usage through providing information, increasing accessible features, and supporting park managers in making changes.