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 Jun 2014

QUESTIONS and ANSWERS from webinar on Mountain Trail Sustainability

by Hugh Duffy with National Park Service

Webinar Follow up Questions & Answers, by Hugh Duffy, National Park Service


published Aug 2009

Walking the Walk: How Walkability Raises Home Values in U.S. Cities

Houses with the above-average levels of walkability command a premium of about $4,000 to $34,000 over houses with just average levels of walkability in the typical metropolitan areas studied.


published Aug 2003

Design and Management for Backcountry Horse Trails

by Jim Murphy with Back Country Horsemen of America

Trail conflict occurs: among different user groups, among different users within the same group, and as a result of factors not related to a users' trail activities.


published Jan 2018

How Accessible Recreation Facilities Benefit Everyone

by R. Brian Kermeen with USDA Forest Service

Like most areas managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the central Sierra Nevada has steep and mountainous terrain. Most of our facilities evolved over time or were designed 30 years ago with no consideration for the needs of persons with disabilities.


published Sep 2001

Wetland Trail Design and Construction

by Federal Highway Administration

This manual describes the common techniques for building a wetland trail.


published Dec 2007

Equestrian Design Guidebook for Trails, Trailheads, and Campgrounds

by Jan Hancock with Hancock Resources LLC, Federal Highway Administration, USDA Forest Service

This guidebook provides practical guidelines for developing recreation environments that are sensitive to the needs of riders and their stock.


published Sep 2000

Conservation Ethics Guiding The Goethe Trail

by Helen Koehler

The Goethe Trail is part of Florida's Greenways and Trails System which is a combination of Federal, state, local and privately owned lands. While each parcel is unique, they collectively help to preserve and protect Florida's natural, cultural and historic resources.


published Nov 2004

Two Trail Design Books Cover "How to Think" and "How to Do It"

by American Trails Staff

A review of two popular trail design books.


posted Jan 19, 2018

Guidelines for Trail Development within Montgomery County, Pennsylvania

The purpose of this document is to provide desirable and minimum trail design standards to municipalities applying for county open space funds to develop trail connections. The municipality’s open space plan must indicate connections to existing or proposed county trails, and county parks and historic sites to be eligible for county trail funding.


posted Jan 19, 2018

Wake County, North Carolina, Trail Design Guidelines

​The Consolidated Open Space Plan (COSP) guides the work of Wake County's Open Space Program. The Plan presents policy recommendations, program guidelines and suggested methods that should be used by the County and its partners to conserve remaining open space.