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 Aug 2019

Wildlife and Trails Checklist — Introduction

by American Trails Staff

The Wildlife and Trail Planning Checklist is a sequence of wildlife-related questions and possible steps to consider in planning a trail.


published Aug 2019

Planning Trails With Wildlife in Mind - Wildlife and Trails Primer

by American Trails Staff

The Primer provides discussion of broad wildlife topics, plus key concepts and rules of thumb to help with trail planning and management.


posted Jul 2, 2019

The Future of Transportation and Recreation Trail Projects

Corps are embedded in their communities and serve as cost-effective, common-sense partners that show up ready to work, manage their own crews, and help increase your staff capacity. Learn how you can engage the next generation of diverse trail, transportation, and recreation professionals!


posted Jul 1, 2019

The Nature of Trail Aesthetics

Four concepts generate all trail aesthetics for better or worse. Learn how to use them to shape any type of trail for the better.


posted Jun 11, 2019

Managing High-Use Trails: Why Trail Stewards are a Necessity in Creating Safe, Sustainable Trails

by Hank Osborn with New York - New Jersey Trail Conference

Learn how trail steward and trail-building programs have worked to make the public better informed and more responsible trail users while protecting the resource.


posted Jun 11, 2019

Africatown Connections Blueway: Healing Begins by Reclaiming Our Heritage and Happiness

by Elizabeth Smith-Incer with National Park Service, Joe Womack with Clean, Healthy, Educated, Safe & Sustainable Community, Inc.

Preserving and making available the international historical significance of Africatown.


posted Jun 11, 2019

Akron Civic Commons: A Story of Robust Collaboration and Reconnected Communities

by Dan Rice with Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition

Akron is reconnecting people, not online, but in our trails, parks and community centers.


posted Jun 11, 2019

LandLine: A 1,400 Mile Trail and Greenway Plan for Metro Boston

by David Loutzenheiser with Metropolitan Area Planning Council

Learn about how to evaluate an existing trail network to identify projects and opportunities to create a connected trail and greenway network in an urban area. 


posted Jun 5, 2019

Trail Construction Cost Realities

by Margie Tatro with Reineke Construction

In this session learn about a simple, cost estimating tool and key factors associated with trail construction costs.


posted Jun 5, 2019

Old Trails, New Systems: Re-Imagining Existing Trail Networks

by Peter Dolan with New York - New Jersey Trail Conference, Joshua Osowski

Are you ready to view old trail networks with fresh eyes?