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Resource Category: Benefits of Trails


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WEBINAR – Trail Use Trends: Leveraging Data to Make the Case for Trails
August 10, 2020
Join trail professionals from around the United States for an in-depth discussion around data collection along trails. Panelists share how they have developed trail traffic monitoring programs, on the local, regional and national level, as well as how they are collecting more detailed information about who is using their trails. The discussion includes a focus […]
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Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail: Trail User Spending Impact Study
November 29, 2018
The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is a developing 101-mile trail that connects dozens of Northeast Ohio communities. With 87 miles on the ground, this trail is an important economic asset in the region and a critical link in the Cleveland to Pittsburgh corridor, part of the Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition’s 1,500-miles-plus regional trail […]
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Trail Impact Survey
November 01, 2018
Trail Impact Survey prepared by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy to help investigate in the economic impact of trails. 
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D&H Rail-Trail: User Survey and Economic Impact Analysis (
December 30, 2017
The Delaware & Hudson (D&H) Rail-Trail is a multi-use stone trail located in rural northeast Pennsylvania that has significant snowmobile use. It generally follows the border of Susquehanna and Wayne counties and reaches to the New York state line from its southern terminus near the city of Carbondale.  From December 2015 through October 2017, Rails-to-Trails […]
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Mon River Trail System Economic Impact
July 31, 2017
The Mon River Trail System is a vibrant 48-mile rail-trail network in north central West Virginia and a critical link in the Parkersburg to Pittsburgh connection envisioned by the Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition. The Mon River Trail System Economic Impact study revealed the system’s impact on the region and Monongalia County’s growing economy, where business […]
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Business Impact of Mon River Trails System
April 03, 2017
This report summarizes a study of the business impact of the Mon River Trails System (MRTS), a network of 48 miles of trails in north-central West Virginia that has been in operation in-whole or in-part since 1998. The findings from the work are applicable for many audiences, including trail advocates, elected officials, economic development entities […]
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Rural Trails Survey Data
May 08, 2016
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has conducted surveys along trails in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for over 10 years. This infographic shows the aggregate responses for rural trails from surveys conducted from 2006 to 2016.
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Assessing the Economic and Livability Value the Tammany Trace Rail Trail
April 30, 2015
Multi-use trails bring recreational and health qualities to regions, but what is overlooked sometimes is the overall economic impact along with the increased livability that these trails can inevitably bring. This study looks into how small town south Louisiana has embraced its very own rail-trail, the Tammany “Trace,” as the clear recreational jewel and envy […]
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Austin, Texas Case Study: Budgeting by the People
August 05, 2014
This fact sheet describes the rise of trails, walking and bicycling in Austin, Tx. which other communities can learn from.
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Impact of the MKT Trail on nearby property owners
March 31, 2013
Trails have been shown to offer a variety of benefits. Despite these benefits, some concerns have been expressed by homeowners. Critics of new trail development continue to raise questions about the suitability of trails in neighborhoods. Such concerns include apprehension that trails will lower property values, increase crimes, cause traffic and parking problems and affect […]
2025 Celebrate Trails Day Lightbox with photo of runners