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Outdoor Recreation

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.

The Future of the Outdoor Recreation Economy

June 2021

A young girl and man paddle in a red canoe.

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

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.

Outdoor Recreation: A top driver of Wisconsin’s economy

October 2020

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

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)

October 2020

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

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.

Housing in recreation-dependent counties is less affordable

May 2020

Mountain home being constructed in Autumn

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

The health and fiscal vulnerability of rural recreation counties

April 2020

Hikers visit Arches National Park in Utah.

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

Outdoor Recreation and New Mexico’s Economy

February 2020

Outdoor recreation is a way of life and economic powerhouse for New Mexico. New Mexico residents enjoy outdoor recreation on more than 35 million acres of public lands and the outdoor recreation economy directly supports $1.2 billion in income and 33,500 jobs.

The Value of Montana’s Outdoors

September 2019

Montana’s outdoors attracts people and talent, creating jobs and a high quality of life. The outdoors is essential to the state’s future economic growth.

Funding Needs for Montana’s Outdoor Heritage

July 2019

Funding for Montana’s working lands, wildlife, and outdoor recreation is not keeping pace as population, visitation, and development pressures expand.

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.

How Outdoor Recreation Supports Rural Economic Development

February 2019

Family riding bikes on trail

Investing in outdoor recreation is one of several strategies that can help rural communities thrive in a changing economy.

Recreation Counties Attract New Residents and Higher Incomes

January 2019

recreation counties, outdoor recreation

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

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.

Montana’s Outdoor Recreation Economy

October 2018

Family hiking in Montana at sunset

A new report highlights the role of Montana’s outdoor recreation economy in spending, jobs, and economic diversification.

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.

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