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



posted Jan 26, 2018

Fundamentals of Mountain Trail Sustainability ~ Part 2 of 3

Rocky Mountain National Park – Applying Fundamentals of Mountain Trail Sustainability to Repair / Rehab & Storm Recovery Projects (Sustainable Mountain Trails – Trail Project Cycle Innovations & Experiences from Estes Park, Colorado)


posted Jan 26, 2018

Applying Foundations of Mountain Trail Sustainability to a Trail Network - Part 1 of 3

It is the first of a series of three on Sustainable Mountain Trails. Each webinar in this series is independent of each other and can be attended individually. Parts 2 and 3 will teach you to apply these principles to a trail network "One Trail at a Time, One Mile at a Time." The course includes Tools and Techniques, Examples, and Case Studies of mountain trail sustainability.


posted Jan 26, 2018

Plan, Design, Fund, Get Right of Way, and Build a Greenway in 1,500 Days

This webinar tells the story of how the Razorback Greenway was conceived, designed, funded, and implemented— a case study with multiple innovative and enabling solutions.


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.


posted Jan 19, 2018

Emerging Trends in Pocket Bike Parks

A presentation exploring bike parks with pump-tracks, skills areas, dirt jumps and freeride areas.


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.