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 Jun 2017

Cross Camden County Trail Feasibility Plan

by NV5, Inc.

Camden County is undertaking the ambitious goal of constructing a bicycle and pedestrian trail across the length of the county, beginning at the Delaware River waterfront and extending to the southeastern county line, a distance of approximately 33 miles.


published Apr 2015

Santa Paula Branch Line Recreational Trail Compatibility Survey

by Rails to Trails Conservancy, Alta Planning + Design

This report is an inventory and analysis of existing trails in agricultural settings, with a focus on trails that are most comparable to the context of the Santa Paula Branch Line (SPBL) in Ventura County.


published Mar 2011

Compton Creek Trails Community Assessment

by Rails to Trails Conservancy

In 2009, Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) began a multi-year project to ensure that residents along the Compton Creek bike, equestrian and walking trails were involved in using and supporting their trails, as well as to provide opportunities for programs and activities.


published Jun 2016

Great Trails: Providing Quality OHV Trails and Experiences Guidebook (Nationwide)

by National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC)

The definitive guide for the planning, designing, constructing, managing and maintaining Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) trails


posted Jul 27, 2020

New York Avenue Rail-with-Trail

by Rails to Trails Conservancy

The purpose of this study is to provide a preliminary assessment and concept plan for developing a shared-use path along the New York Avenue corridor within the defined study area. Conducted as the first phase of determining feasibility for trail development, this preliminary assessment did not include extensive stakeholder outreach but can be used to inform future public participation and stakeholder outreach efforts in the next phase of planning.


published Jun 2012

THE INTERTWINE Regional Trails Signage Guidelines

by Mayer/Reed

This manual serves as a technical resource to guide parks and transportation agencies as they plan, design, and fabricate wayfinding signage along regional trails in the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area.


published Apr 2018

Connecting Parkersburg to Pittsburgh by Rail-Trail: Bringing a world-class trail network to West Virginia

by Rails to Trails Conservancy

This study focuses on the segment of the P2P corridor that lies within the state of West Virginia, from Parkersburg to the West Virginia–Pennsylvania border, just north of Morgantown. The primary alignment of the P2P corridor utilizes existing rail-trails and unused or abandoned rail corridors, and was largely determined through the collaborative efforts of P2P corridor partners. The size and scope of this project produce inherent complexities that will take many partners—working in coordination over several years—to complete.


published Mar 2020

Connecting Cleveland to Pittsburgh by Trail

by Rails to Trails Conservancy

This feasibility study outlines the path forward and the potential in connecting Cleveland and Pittsburgh over 200+ miles of multi-use trails in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The alignment of the 200-miles-plus Cleveland to Pittsburgh (C2P) corridor is primarily made up of existing rail-trails, unused or abandoned rail corridors, and canal corridors.


published Sep 2019

Saving Land on the Trinity Divide

by Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS)

The Trinity Divide purchase is one of the biggest, single land-acquisition deals ever completed for the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail


published Mar 2016

Guidebook for Developing Pedestrian and Bicycle Performance Measures

by Federal Highway Administration

This guidebook is intended to help communities develop performance measures that can fully integrate pedestrian and bicycle planning in ongoing performance management activities.