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Trails & Pathways

The economic potential of the Great American Rail-Trail

May 2022

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.

Measuring trail use in Montana’s Bridger mountains

December 2021

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

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

November 2021

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

Innovative New Ways to Count Outdoor Recreation

March 2021

Hikers pass a trail marker on the Skyline Trail.

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

Community benefits of the Merced River Trail

July 2020

Trailhead sign 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.

Trails Research and Searchable Benefits Library

April 2019

Panoramic image of the Triple Tree Trail in Bozeman, MT

Updated: Headwaters Economics compiled 144 trails research studies on the impacts of trails in a single library, searchable by type of benefit, use, year, and region.

Trails Toolkit: Helping Communities Invest Wisely

December 2018

Communities and local leaders can utilize this trails toolkit to better understand whether and how trails can accomplish local goals, along with the cost and benefits of proposed projects.

City Trails: Improving Equitable Access

August 2018

Headwaters-staff-Chris-Mehl

Urban trail efforts increasingly are focusing on providing equitable access to trails. Trails and parks can create substantial benefits for public health, property values, and quality of life.

Economic Diversification and Outdoor Recreation in Bonner County

August 2018

Improving economic diversification and outdoor recreation in Bonner County will bring new spending and jobs to the community.

Best Practices for Watersheds and Recreation

July 2018

Best practices for balancing the needs for clean drinking water, recreation, and economic development in municipal watersheds.

Measuring Whitefish Trail Use

April 2018

Outdoor recreation and the economic impact of Whitefish Trail use in Whitefish, Montana.

Estimating Trail Use

April 2018

By pairing limited, local surveys with activity tracking app data, we are estimating trail use across large areas.

Benefits of a Frontage Path in Gallatin County, Montana

April 2018

Updated: This report describes the benefits of a frontage path–a proposed paved, multi-use pathway connecting Belgrade and Bozeman along an approximately ten-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 10 in Gallatin County.

Trail and Pathway Use in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

December 2016

Explore seasonal use—including the amount, type, and timing—for 25 regional trails and pathways.

Taos Trails Are Popular But Trail Access Varies

October 2016

In the Taos, New Mexico area trails are a fundamental part of health and quality of life, but differences in access to trails may limit the benefits for Hispanic and low-income residents.

Trails Are Good for All But Not Available to All

September 2016

Headwaters-staff-Patricia-Gude

Trails are good for people, but the health and social benefits of trails are not equally available to everyone.

Trails and the Elusive Quality of Life

September 2016

Headwaters-staff-Chris-Mehl

Many people talk about trails and quality of life, but how do we measure and obtain it?

Measuring the Benefit of Trails to Communities

April 2016

Headwaters-staff-Chris-Mehl

Updated tools, research, and studies on the benefit of trails to communities and local citizens.

Survey Finds Trails Valued Across Bonner County

March 2016

Survey provides information on Bonner County’s trail system and will help prioritize improvements based on resident usage, satisfaction, reasons for living in the area.

Trails and the Benefits to Your Community

January 2016

Headwaters-staff-Megan-Lawson

Headwaters Economics has updated its Trails Library to include 105 studies on trails, searchable by benefit, use, year, and region.

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