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 Sep 2016

Trail Fundamentals and Trail Management Objectives

by Federal Highway Administration, USDA Forest Service

This publication provides comprehensive guidance and instructions for applying Trail Fundamentals and Trail Management Objectives. This 2016 published version includes the original 2008 content, along with updated photos and formatting.


posted Jul 22, 2020

Planning and Zoning Guide for Horse Friendly Communities

Since land is saved locally, it is vital that horsemen understand the basics of planning and zoning and how this impacts horse keeping, breeding, competing and recreating, as well as equine related businesses in their communities, in order to retain access to horses and enjoy their benefits.


published Jul 2020

Wayfinding Signs: Who, What, When, Where, and Why

by Taylor Goodrich with American Trails

Wayfinding signs are the perfect way to easily communicate with trail users and keep them safe and oriented on the trail.


posted Jun 15, 2020

Water Trail Planning 101

by National Park Service

A quick how to slidehow/guide for developing water trails


posted Jun 15, 2020

Developing Water Trails in Iowa

Practical guidelines and templates for planning, site design, signage and construction in the state of Iowa.


posted May 19, 2020

The Long Trails Project

by Portland State University, Oregon State Parks

This Long Trails Project has been conceived in partnership with the Oregon Parks Department to provide both a context and a definition for the Salmonberry Trail as part of a larger long trails network.


published Feb 2017

FAQ: Model Grant of Conservation Easement and Declaration of Covenants 7th Edition

This article provides users with a state-of-the-art legal document and guidance to customize it to nearly any situation. No conservation easement document has benefited from more real-world testing, user scrutiny, and cycles of peer review.


published May 2008

Best Practices of Accessibility in Parks and Recreation: A Delphi Survey of National Experts in Accessibility

As a result of frequent inquiries regarding best practices from practitioners, NCA initiated this research study in order to ascertain which practices in the field of parks and recreation accessibility management exceed the minimum standards set forth by the ADA and other disability-related legislation.


posted Feb 5, 2020

Ashuwilticook Rail Trail Abutter Survey

This survey will not only aid Trail managers and local officials in managing the existing trail and its users, but aid future planners in locating and designing trails that maximize benefits while reducing impacts.


published Nov 2001

Visitor Expectations and Perceptions of Program and Physical Accessibility in the National Park Service

The purpose of the study was to identify the perceptions of people with disabilities relative to program and physical accessibility in the National Park Service.