Recommended Resources

Trail-Specific Recommended Resources

Recommended Webinars

More Resources


Sort: Most Viewed Date Published Title

published Jul 2022

A Call for Expanding Trails Research

by Jeffrey Marion with U.S. Geological Survey

Trails research can help support trail management decision-making and funding by providing objective, quantitative information describing trail users, their numbers and demographics, preferences, and economic expenditures.


published Jun 2022

TRAILS SAFE PASSING PLAN: STOP, SPEAK, and STAND BACK

by Equine Land Conservation Resource

Horses are prey animals and naturally can be afraid of unfamiliar people and objects. Horses have natural "flight“ survival instincts and prefer to move their feet towards an exit route. Therefore, people with horses should pass at a walk while other trail users remain STOPPED until passed.


published Jun 2022

Assessing the Condition and Sustainability of the Trail System at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

by U.S. Geological Survey

This research assessed the condition and sustainability of the trail system at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, a National Park Service unit that partners with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in the management of this unit.


published Mar 2022

10-Year Trail Shared Stewardship Challenge

by USDA Forest Service

Why Do We Need a Trail Challenge? Despite the great work happening in support of trails, workload demands continue to outpace the capacity of agency staff, partners, and volunteers. To address these shortcomings, the Forest Service has issued a 10-year Trail Challenge. It focuses the collective energy and resources of the trail community on actions resulting in greater collective capacity to manage and maintain trails, as well as more miles of trails that are well-designed, well-maintained, and well-suited to support recreation use today and into the future.


published Jan 2022

Goats Graze Along the Frisco Highline Trail

The Frisco Highline Trail, a National Recreation Trail, is using a team of goats to tame vegetation around the trail.


published Jan 2022

Colorado Trail Foundation Crew Leader Handbook

by The Colorado Trail Foundation

As a crew leader you represent the CTF. One of your main jobs is to convey the CTF’s thanks to the volunteers for their commitment to making and preserving The Colorado Trail as a national treasure.


published Jan 2022

Appalachian Mountain Club 2022 Outdoor Leader Handbook

by Appalachian Mountain Club

Outdoor leadership skills can be developed and improved over time through a combination of self-study, formal training and experience. Leadership trainings are offered frequently by volunteers and staff of the AMC. The trainings range from a single day to a weekend. If you are looking for additional training, the AMC offers several courses each season through the Guided Outdoors program.


published May 2021

FAQ: Apps for Trail Management and Volunteers

Information on apps that can be used for trail management that would be suitable for volunteer-type organizations.


published Apr 2021

San Jose Trails by the Numbers

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

San Jose is developing a 100 mile trail network! View the handout!


published Dec 2020

FAQ: Graffiti on Trails

by American Trails Staff

Solutions to graffiti on trails.


published Oct 2020

Solutions to Homelessness on Trails

by Taylor Goodrich with American Trails

In August of 2020 American Trails held a webinar called "Balancing Recreational Area Use with Homelessness and Vagrancy." This webinar discussed how the city of Modesto, California dealt with the challenge of homelessness and vagrancy in their parks and trails. These are some key takeaways from the webinar.


published Sep 2020

Equestrian Etiquette - Protecting Trees and Park Structures

by Lora Goerlich with Equestrian Trails and Facilities Consultant LLC

Responsible equestrians should actively protect trees and other park structures when out on the trail. Equine expert Lora Goerlich gives her take on this topic.