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 2018

Wildlife And Trails Primer - L. Land ownership

by American Trails Staff

Many longer trails cross from one jurisdiction to another. This has ramifications for how the trail is planned and specifically how wildlife issues are considered.


published Aug 2018

Planning Trails with Wildlife in Mind - Introduction

by American Trails Staff

This handbook will help trail planners and builders balance the benefits of creating trails and being stewards of nature, especially wildlife.


posted Aug 21, 2018

Walkable Edmonton Toolkit promotes a more active community

Here you’ll find a menu of advocacy ideas, design concepts and walkability tools, each with links to numerous other resources. You’ll discover interesting destinations and group efforts that make walking in Edmonton interesting and fun. You’ll learn about civic initiatives that may dovetail with your interests.



published Oct 2009

FAQ: Building trails near ports

by American Trails Staff

Examples of combined recreational and industrial uses on east and west coast port properties.


published Sep 1998

Planning Trails with Wildlife in Mind - Terminology

by American Trails Staff

A list of key words, concepts, and terms used in the study of wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation.


published Jul 2018

San Jose Trail Network Toolkit Planning & Design

by City of San Jose - Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services

This Toolkit documents the San Jose’s approach to quality planning and design to ensure a common understanding by all persons involved in the championing, planning, and design of trail projects.


published Jul 2018

Planning trails for Hidden Valley Park Natural Area

by Jimmi Lossing with Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

A planning team comprised of the project partners and local residents was formed to address an unplanned system of trails and off-road vehicle routes in the Kansas City open space park.


published Feb 2012

FAQ: Constructing a 10' bike trail without having to relocate power poles

by American Trails Staff

What can you do when a proposed bike trail encounters obstacles such as power poles.


posted Jul 13, 2018

National Park Service Active Transportation Guidebook

by National Park Service

This resource aims to support parks, gateway communities, and partners who are interested in pursuing opportunities to enhance walking and bicycling to and within national parks. The Guidebook provides key information, best practice examples, and numerous useful resources to help inspire and guide efforts that would allow visitors to experience their natural, cultural and historical places in new ways - through active transportation.