Breaking down the silos Continuing the series on bridging the barriers between trail user groups


rails have become essential quality of life infrastructure. Access to trails, more than any other single factor, helps establish quality of life in cities and suburbs.


T


Communities as diverse as Syracuse, New York, Dayton, Ohio, Bentonville, Arkansas, and Portland, Oregon— to name a few, are growing systems of trails and greenways as important elements of their vitality. A critical mass of trails feeds a


growing population of healthy people that buy bicycles, ATVs, running shoes, backpacks, etc. Trails in all of their myriad forms are one of the most potent tools available in grow- ing urban viability, reestablishing rural economic health, and appealing to a broad range of demographic groups.


People across the spectrum of income and education make quality of life paramount when choosing where to live, work, and play. This active lifestyle culture is very attrac- tive to both retiring boomers and up and coming millennials. Key to creat- ing and sustaining this culture and rich set of community amenities are trails and the connectivity and vibrancy they provide. Since its inception in 1988,


American Trails and its partners have


advanced the development, conserva- tion, and enjoyment of diverse, high quality trails and greenways across the United States by acting as the nation’s collective voice for trails. Over that time, we have advanced the cause of trails through education and by convening thou- sands of trails professionals and advocates to plan for and promote  and the industry itself. This has con- tributed to the growth of the active lifestyle movement and outdoor industry across the country. Equestrians have their own spe-


 special skills structures and “rock gardens,” and trail motorcyclists want the right kind of twisty single track. But so much of trail planning and development is relevant to all activities. Good trailhead signs can be used for paddling routes, snow trails, or urban bikeways at trailheads. Communities are realizing that


trails are essential to their connectivi- ty and livability. Motorized trails, as well as hiking and biking routes, are becoming tourist destinations. The Great Allegheny Passage “Trail Towns” concept and the user-friendly  trail systems are good examples for everyone.


We are learning more from water trail enthusiasts who are providing new kinds of camping facilities, as well as from hut-to-hut backcountry skiers. The burgeoning industry of   trail opportunities across our diverse nation to build community and pub- lic health in a way that few other 


— Mike Passo, Executive Director, American Trails


A growing website: the importance of sharing information


The American Trails website— the largest database of information for trail planning, development, and management— has seen a remark- able yearly increase in visitation. We were amazed when in 2008 the web- site recorded 1,170,493 visits. But in 2017, AmericanTrails.org received over 7.5 million visits!


We found that 65% of those visitors were searching for ways to develop trails in their communities in a sus- tainable manner. And visitation was not limited to urban greenways and trails but spanned the spectrum of user types in a dramatic way.


Accessible trail information topped the list of searches but was closely fol- lowed by equestrian, mountain bik- ing, and motorized use. It is also becoming apparent that all trail users can and do learn from each other. A snowmobile club may have good ideas on fundraising that a mountain bike club can benefit from.


A variety of trail users on the High Line Canal in Colorado; photo by Stuart Macdonald


American Trails— and the thousands of resources on our website— exist to help the trails community to commu- nicate, share information, and work together to build the strength of our message that trails move the world.


Keep up to date on policies and funding supporting trails: www.AmericanTrails.org/support.html


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