When approaching a trail project, trail designers and local agency representatives often assume their trail will be surfaced with asphalt or perhaps concrete if budget allows. These are some of the most common and acceptable materials used on trails. But this may not be what local residents had in mind when the trail idea was initially conceived. Or, […]

This fact sheet examines the value of trails and greenways. Despite different methodologies of different studies, there is growing evidence of such facilities’ value in terms of increased property values, community assets, and a host of environmental and economic benefits.

This agreement between Sandy City and the Utah Transit Authority grants the former a right-of-way license to build a trail alongside a light rail corridor. The agreement includes maintenance, insurance and safety considerations for the Porter Rockwell rail-with-trail. Created by Utah Transit Authority

This comprehensive report provides information and recommendations regarding feasibility, potential benefits, legislation and liability, planning, designing, operation and maintenance of rails-with-trails. It’s technical and specific guidelines and helpful diagrams make it an excellent resource for trail builders. Author: ALTA Planning + Design

This model trail easement document is an example of a trail easement made to a nonprofit organization by a private landowner. It lays out public access limitations and the landowners’ intent to preserve and protect the present natural, scenic, open space, education, recreation and transportation values of the Trail Easement Area. Created by Brandywine Conservancy

During the fall of 2000, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy identified open trail tunnels across the United States, and conducted an extensive survey of the managers of these tunnels. This report presents information about the experiences of 78 tunnels on 36 trails in the United States open only to non-motorized traffic. It covers many aspects of these tunnels, […]

The Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) state that ground and floor surfaces should be firm, stable, and slip-resistant. These three terms are not well defined and may be interpreted differently by many people. Not all ground surfaces need to be constructed for universal access, however when constructing a universally accessible trail, keep in […]

This report outlines the general legal issues associated with trails, including the risks and responsibilities of various constituencies. The intent is to provide trail advocates, adjacent landowners and trail managers with a background on liability issues to prepare them to pose appropriate questions to their legal counsel when developing a trail or when an accident occurs. This report concludes that trail-related […]