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 30, 2021

Pennsylvania Trail Design & Development Principles

by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation & Conservation Partnerships Division

A compilation of best practices and guidelines for the planning, design, construction, and management of your trail employing sustainable design.


published Feb 2021

Sun Corridor Trail Alliance Action Plan

The SCTA Action Plan serves as a checklist of guiding tasks for the new organization as it continues to move the Sun Corridor Trail forward.


published May 2021

Rails With Trails: Best Practices and Lessons Learned

by Federal Highway Administration

This updated Rails-with-Trails: Lessons Learned report documents how the state of the practice, perspectives, and context for rails-with-trails have evolved since 2002 and includes updated effective practices.


published Jan 2019

The Beerline Trail Equitable Implementation Plan – 2019

The Beerline Trail Neighborhood Development Project was created to ensure the next phases of trail development serve the needs of the community.


published Nov 2013

Designing Sustainable Off-Highway Vehicle Trails

by USDA Forest Service

Proper management of off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails is one of the most important tasks for trail managers today.


posted Aug 23, 2021

Feasibility Study of the 90-Mile Multi-Use Ohlone-Portolá Heritage Trail

This webinar will discuss the ins and outs of a feasibility study done on the 90-mile multi-use trail to interpret early California history in San Mateo County.


published May 2016

San Jose Trail Program Strategic Plan

by City of San Jose - Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services

While the Trail Program has identified and documented 133 miles of potential trails, the Strategic Plan is focused on delivery of the immediate 100-mile goal in the most cost effective and efficient manner.


posted Jul 22, 2021

How GIS Can Be Used to Save the Places We Love

Join this webinar to learn more about strategies to bring the power of GIS to create a more equitable park and greenway system.


posted Jul 13, 2021

Trail Design Details: The Wins and Losses

This presentation will share both the wins and losses from one planner with extensive experience in trail planning and design, including background on the creative process, testing, problem solving, and evidence of success and sometimes failure.


published Jun 2008

Are horses responsible for introducing non-native plants along forest trails in the eastern United States?

Horses have been suggested to be an important source for the introduction of non-native plant species along trails, but the conclusions were based on anecdotal evidence.