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 Dec 2017

Trail Signage Guidelines

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

The purpose of this document is to provide the required tools for trail planners, designers, and contractors to deploy a cohesive trail signage program throughout the City of San José’s Trail Network.


published May 2021

Ready, Set, Plan!?

by Oregon Trails Coalition

A guide for anyone who wants to better understand trails planning, decision making, and trail project development. If you’re a trail enthusiast with big ideas, a trail advocate, a stewardship volunteer, or public agency staff person interfacing with local partners, this guide is for you.


published Apr 2021

Criteria for Trail Placement, Control Points, and Layout

The following criteria are used in order to determine suitable locations for new trails and trail reroutes within the Kremmling Field Office, Colorado


posted Mar 9, 2021

Introduction to Trail Management (Part 3 of 3)

One part of a three-part series on the Introduction to Trail Planning, Design and Development, and Management. PART THREE: In the Introduction to Trail Management we will discuss visitor and maintenance management.


posted Mar 9, 2021

Introduction to Trail Design and Development (Part 2 of 3)

One part of a three-part series on the Introduction to Trail Planning, Design and Development, and Management. PART TWO: In the Introduction to Trail Design and Development we will discuss sustainable trail design that is common for trails as well as unique elements associated with specific types of trail use.


posted Mar 9, 2021

Introduction to Trail Planning (Part 1 of 3)

One part of a three-part series on the Introduction to Trail Planning, Design and Development, and Management. PART ONE: In the Introduction to Trail Planning we will discuss different types of trail plans including Master Plans Conceptual Plans, Development Plans and Management Plans.


posted Mar 3, 2021

Integrating Trails into Park Planning

Sponsored by SC Parks, Recreation, and Tourism and hosted in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association. Attendees can expect to come away from this webinar with a toolbox of best practices and resources that get into the nitty gritty of how to understand trails as park elements, plan for their sustainable integration into existing and future parks, and build trails and trail networks as powerful tools for connecting your parks to the public.


published Feb 2021

Smart Outdoor Inc. is Bringing Innovative Signs to Trails in New York and Beyond

Westchester County New York and Friends of Westchester County Parks, in collaboration with Westchester County Parks, announce collaboration with Smart Outdoor to enhance 34.6-mile running trail.


published Jan 2021

Design for Understanding: Protecting Trail Users in the Time of Covid-19

by Don Meeker with Terrabilt Wayfinding Solutions

Don Meeker, president of Terrabilt, reflects on trails as a critical sanctuary during COVID-19, and provides guidance on signage to keep everyone on trails safe. Terrabilt will also provide the production artwork for their COVID-19 trail sign for free.


posted Dec 22, 2020

From Industrial Site to Trail Destination

Learn from two case studies how former industrial sites were turned into trail destinations.