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 May 2023

Envisioning a Statewide Connection Mass Central Rail Trail Benefits Study

Study shows completion of the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail System would bring significant health and economic benefits to the commonwealth.


published May 2023

World’s Most Comprehensive Mountain Bike Trail Development Resource Made Possible by Minnesota Clean Water, Land and Legacy Funds

Mountain Bike Trail Development: Guidelines for Successfully Managing the Process,” a 242-page “how to” manual covers modern trail development from trail types, to landscape analysis and design, to environmental and construction considerations, cost implications and more.


published Apr 2023

Top 10 Requests for Trails and Outdoor Recreation Master Plans

by Tony Boone with Timberline TrailCraft, Jon Altschuld with Chinook Landscape Architecture, LLC

Tony Boone and Jon Altschuld are both Board Members of the Professional TrailBuilders Association (PTBA), and both will be presenting at the 2023 American Trails/PTBA International Trails Summit. Their companies, Tony Boone Trails, and Chinook Landscape Architecture are Sierra-level sponsors for the conference.


posted Mar 3, 2023

National Park Service − Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program

by National Park Service

This publication is designed to inform the reader about the services provided by the National Park Service – Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program.


published Feb 2011

County of Los Angeles Trails Manual

The purpose of this Trails Manual is to provide an accessible resource that can be used for trail planning, design, construction, and maintenance within the County of Los Angeles


posted Feb 7, 2023

Informing the Trail Experience: The Process of Signing a Trail

The webinar emphasizes learning about the trail and to determine what needs to be communicated, and where information is best posted.


posted Jan 23, 2023

An Equitable Approach to Trail Development: Circuit Trails Gap Analysis

In this webinar, PEC coworkers and co-creators of the Circuit Trails Gap Analysis will provide an introduction to the genesis, development, and implementation of the Gap Analysis, including a look at their online mapping portal and recent real-world case studies.


posted Nov 23, 2022

Activating the Trail Community in Conservation Issues

This webinar will explore ways to empower and activate trail users on your local trails.


posted Aug 19, 2022

U.S. Bicycle Route System: Success Stories from Across the Network

At nearly 19,000 miles and growing, learn about what the USBRS is and how you can be part of its growth.


posted Jul 15, 2022

American Trails Webinar - The Science of Sustainable Trail Design and Management

This webinar describes the three most common forms of trail impact, identifies the most influential factors to develop and maintain sustainable trail networks, and discusses methods for rating trail sustainability.