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 Jul 2018

Educating trail users: advice for planning interpretive trail signs and exhibits

by California State Parks, Statewide Trails Section

It’s up to you as a park steward to instill a sense of appreciation for the story that needs to be told – interpretive theme and messages of the trail must be well planned.


posted Jun 29, 2018

Piqua Ohio Placemaking Initiative

by City of Piqua

The aim of this project is to redesign downtown public spaces to celebrate and enhance the spatial relationships between destinations; to create public spaces that offer an inviting public realm that contributes positively to the surrounding built environment and promotes high quality of place and quality of life experiences.


published Jul 1998

Cattle Guards for Off-Highway Vehicle Trails

by USDA Forest Service

One of the greatest sources of contention between recreationists and livestock permittees as trail use increases is gates.


published Aug 2009

Florida National Forests Sign Plan for Motorized Trails

This plan is intended to be used as a guide in designing and purchasing signs and materials for trails on the National Forests in Florida. It is intended to allow flexibility and variability depending on specific site conditions.


posted Jun 7, 2018

Michigan Motorized Trail Signing Handbook

by Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Division

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible for assuring the motorized trail system is appropriately signed. This handbook is intended to assist trail sponsors, DNR, United States Department of Agriculture, and Forest Service employees with trail signing responsibilities in developing trail facilities.


published Jan 2007

Construction and Maintenance Costs for Trails

Considering the many factors that go into estimating costs for building and managing trails, railtrails, and greenways with examples from Wisconsin.


published May 2018

Four Simple Tasks to Do Prior to Trail Design

Asking the right questions is a vital first step in effective planning of a trail project.


posted May 23, 2018

Soil Stabilizers On Universally Accessible Trails

For the past several years, national forests around the country have been looking for ways to make areas more universally accessible, while maintaining a natural appearance that is not as distracting as concrete, asphalt, boardwalks, and other obviously manmade pathways.


published May 1995

Geosynthetics for Trails in Wet Areas: 2008 Edition

Guidelines for use of Geosynthetic materials in trail construction.


published May 2018

FAQ: Do you have any advice for developing a community nature trail?

by American Trails Staff

An ideal nature trail blends the beauty of the landscape with interpretive signage to offer an inspirational and educational resource to a community.