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Outdoor Recreation

Access to trails and outdoor recreation is an important part of local economies, attracting businesses and drawing in new residents and visitors. Our research analyzes the scope and scale of the outdoor recreation economy and how communities can benefit from trails.

Featured Research

The Outdoor Recreation Economy by State

The outdoor recreation economy is large, growing fast, and consists of jobs in many industries. Explore the latest data by state.

The economic potential of the Great American Rail-Trail

Through 12 states and the District of Columbia, the Great American Rail-Trail® will attract 25.6 million trips and generate more than $229.4 million in spending.

Hikers pass a trail marker on the Skyline Trail.

Innovative New Ways to Count Outdoor Recreation

New data sources can change the way we count outdoor recreation, allowing trail managers to better advocate for improvements and plan for growing demand.

A young girl and man paddle in a red canoe.

The Future of the Outdoor Recreation Economy

The outdoor recreation economy is strong, diverse, and growing, helping communities thrive.

Library of Trail Benefits

The Trails Benefits Library is a collection of studies on the positive impacts of trails on businesses, public health, and quality of life. Use this form to search by type of benefit, use, year, and region.

Mountain home being constructed in Autumn

Housing in recreation-dependent counties is less affordable

Recreation dependence, population growth from new residents, and income inequality are strongly associated with less affordable housing in non-metro counties.

recreation counties, outdoor recreation

Recreation Counties Attract New Residents and Higher Incomes

Recreation counties, especially in non-metro places, draw new residents and have higher incomes and faster earnings growth than places without recreation.

Economic Impact of National Parks

Millions of national park visitors generate economic opportunities for gateway communities, spending money that creates jobs and income. See the trends for every national park service unit.

The Bridger Mountains with an agricultural field in the foreground, in Gallatin County, Montana.

Measuring trail use in Montana’s Bridger mountains

Detailed estimates of summer trail use help show the impacts of growing recreational use and highlight infrastructure needs in southwest Montana.

Recent Outdoor Recreation Research

The economic potential of the Great American Rail-Trail

Through 12 states and the District of Columbia, the Great American Rail-Trail® will attract 25.6 million trips and generate more than $229.4 million in spending.

The Bridger Mountains with an agricultural field in the foreground, in Gallatin County, Montana.

Measuring trail use in Montana’s Bridger mountains

Detailed estimates of summer trail use help show the impacts of growing recreational use and highlight infrastructure needs in southwest Montana.

The Outdoor Recreation Economy by State

The outdoor recreation economy is large, growing faster than the overall economy, and consists of jobs in many industries. Explore data by state.

A young girl and man paddle in a red canoe.

The Future of the Outdoor Recreation Economy

The outdoor recreation economy is strong, diverse, and growing, helping communities thrive.

Hikers pass a trail marker on the Skyline Trail.

Innovative New Ways to Count Outdoor Recreation

New data sources can change the way we count outdoor recreation, allowing trail managers to better advocate for improvements and plan for growing demand.

Kids pedal bicycles near a tent at Wyalusing State Park, Wisconsin

Outdoor Recreation: A top driver of Wisconsin’s economy

The outdoor recreation economy contributes $7.8 billion, or 2.4% to Wisconsin’s GDP and generates more than 93,000 jobs across diverse sectors.

Outdoor Economy Conference: How to Build an Outdoor Community (slides)

Slide show: Ray Rasker’s keynote to the 2020 Outdoor Economy Conference highlights ways to build an outdoor community.

Trailhead sign of the Merced River Trail

Community benefits of the Merced River Trail

The Merced River Trail in Mariposa County, California will create benefits for the economy and businesses, quality of life, and public health.

Mountain home being constructed in Autumn

Housing in recreation-dependent counties is less affordable

Recreation dependence, population growth from new residents, and income inequality are strongly associated with less affordable housing in non-metro counties.

Hikers visit Arches National Park in Utah.

The health and fiscal vulnerability of rural recreation counties

Where rural recreation counties rely on public funding for health care, fiscal solutions should diversify the ways local governments can save and spend.

See all research under Outdoor Recreation

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