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 Sep 26, 2023

Safe Routes to Parks

by National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)

Adults living within a half mile of a park visit parks and exercise more often, but according to the 2014 State Indicator Report on Physical Activity, less than 38 percent of the U.S. population lives within a half mile of a park.


published Jan 2004

Guidelines for Managing and Restoring Natural Plant Communities along Trails and Waterways

by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

These guidelines are designed to assist resource managers in conducting management activities that enhance the quality of natural plant communities, wildlife habitat, regional landscape integrity and visual quality, particularly as related to planning, development, and maintenance of trails, water trails, and water access sites.


published Jul 2021

Q&A: Trail Construction Costs, Risks, and Tips for Success

Q&A from the 2021 webinar Trail Construction Costs, Risks, and Tips for Success


published May 2020

Naugatuck River Greenway Trail Cost Estimates

The Naugatuck River Greenway (NRG) is an officially designated Connecticut State Greenway, consisting of the open and green spaces along the Naugatuck River. Greenways are corridors of open space that may protect natural resources or provide recreational opportunities, and typically follow a natural feature like a river or manmade features like a canal or disused rail bed.


published Oct 2018

Non-Motorized Trail Cost Estimator

by Oregon State Parks

Trail development cost guide for Oregon Parks and Recreation Departments


posted Aug 28, 2023

Approvals, Permits, and Compliance

This webinar will walk through the typical processes, jurisdictions, timelines, and documentation needed to get a conceptual trail project through approval and implementation.


posted Aug 16, 2023

Trail Planning and Design: Foundations of Success

This webinar will review several common approaches and technologies for trail planning and design projects and provide attendees with real world examples.


published Apr 2018

Gwinnett Countywide Trails Master Plan

by Gwinnett County Department of Community Services

Gwinnett County is currently the second most populous county in Georgia with more than 936,000 residents and also has a minority-majority population. By 2050, estimates project Gwinnett could grow to as many as 1.5 million residents, making it the most populated county in the state.


posted Jul 31, 2023

The Third Mode Bonus Chapters: Progress in Walking, Bicycling, and Micromobility for Transportation

A decade after initial publication, The Third Mode author will provide an update to discuss recent accomplishments that tie into the central concept of “the third mode” including his co-founding of Citi Bike, building the Empire State Trail, and recently developing re:Charge-e for e-bikes/scooters.


posted Jul 19, 2023

The Trail Research Hub

Learn more about The Trail Research Hub that aims to grow trail-based research and evidence-based practice to support the professionalization of the Canadian trails sector.