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 […]

Trails provide many benefits to communities. However, initial reactions to trails are sometimes negative. It is the job of trail advocates and builders to promote the benefits of trails and greenways and address concerns. This document provides first-hand experiences from former opponents to trails. These people discuss why they changed their minds and how trail […]

As tools for conservation, trails and greenways preserve important natural landscapes, provide needed links between fragmented habitats and offer tremendous opportunities for protecting plant and animal species. Partially due to expansive development, “islands” of habitat dot the landscape, isolating wildlife and plant species and reducing habitat necessary for their survival. Trails and greenways provide important […]

The purpose of this manual is to encourage citizens, civic organizations, governments and private enterprise to collaborate more effectively on greenway and trail development. It is intended to provide information and resources specific to Pennsylvania for greenway and trail planning, acquisition, construction and management. Created by Pennsylvania Environmental Council

An agreement entered into by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company and the Johnson County Park and Recreation District (Kansas), wherein the railroad allows for a bicycle/pedestrian trail, two bicycle/pedestrian tunnels, a wood rail fence and a chain link fence be constructed on their right-of-way. The district, at its expense, must: have the […]

Acquiring a rail corridor presents unique issues that cannot be adequately addressed through the process of public persuasion. Without a transaction, there will be no trail. That’s where Acquiring Rail Corridors fits in. Acquiring Rail Corridors summarizes the knowledge of the country’s leading attorneys, nonprofit land acquisition agents, local park directors and rail-trail builders who have successfully acquired rail […]

With assistance from The National Recreational Trails Advisory Committee, this report details the challenges faced by multi-use trail managers and ways to minimize conflicts between users. Sponsored by The Federal Highway Administration and The National RecreationalTrails Advisory Committee

Secrets of Successful Rail-Trails will help overcome any obstacles that arise during your conversion process. By reading this book, you will learn the three fundamental “secrets”: building a solid, broad-based citizen coalition; forming a strong partnership with a government agency; and developing a written plan of action. These are the key ingredients to any successful rail-trail.