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 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.


posted Jan 19, 2018

Trail Design Guidelines for Portland, Oregon’s Park System

by Portland Parks and Recreation

Trails are an integral part of our park and recreation system. They are used by people of all ages and abilities to exercise, relax, socialize, view wildlife, and travel to destinations such as school and work.


posted Jan 19, 2018

Presentation on Minnesota DNR’s Trail Manual

by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Provides a snapshot of new MN DNR’s Trail Manual - Importance of quality - Importance of sustainability


posted Jan 19, 2018

Trail Planning, Design & Development Guidelines

by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

This 300-page spiral-bound publication, several years in the making, provides a first-ever comprehensive "how-to" guidebook for developing all types of recreational trails.


published Oct 2000

Planning Healthier Suburbs, Where Cars Sit Idle and People Get Moving

The goal is to engineer more physical activity into American life to reduce both spreading obesity and the chronic, often lethal health problems linked to sedentary living.


published Jan 2018

Trails Lead to a "Fit" Community

by Randy Martin with Trailscape

With the emphasis on health and fitness in today's society, trails are becoming just as important as streets and sidewalks in our communities.


posted Jan 19, 2018

Bicycling and Walking to Healthy Communities

by Andy Clarke with League of American Bicyclists

People living in pedestrian friendly neighborhoods make four times as many walking and bicycling trips than people living in non-friendly neighborhoods!


published Jul 2005

The (Almost) Perfect Trails Community

by Robert (Bob) Searns with Robert Searns and Associates, Inc.

In new communities the private sector and market forces have helped preserve natural resources while offering outstanding recreational trails.


published Sep 2005

Trails in New Developments: A Case Study

by Roger Bell

With the growing frugality of government funding for trails, private developers can be significant partners in developing public trail systems.