Research Library

Library of Trails Benefits

This 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.

Benefit
Use
Region
Year
Studies date back to 1987

Filtered Results (4)

Reset filters
Business impactsProperty valueTrail use estimates

Economic Impact of the Proposed Run of River Whitewater Park in Skowhegan Maine

Hiking, Water · : · 2016

The study estimates the impact of the proposed Run of River Whitewater Park in Skowhegan, Maine. The park would include infrastructure to support water sports and additional trails to encourage hiking, walking, and cross-country skiing. Run of River was estimated to generate a direct economic impact of nearly $6 million in spending in its first […]

Business impactsConsumer surplus

Evaluating the Economic Benefits and Future Opportunities of the Maine Island Trail Association

Water · : · 2011

Along the coast, the Maine Island Trail connects 183 islands along 375 miles of coastline, attracting 11,385 users per year who bring $553,000 in new spending to the area. This is an excellent example of an economic impact study that carefully identifies new spending that would not have occurred without the trail, as opposed to spending that would happen regardless of the trail’s presence.

Business impactsTrail use estimates

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail: Economic Impacts and Implications for Sustainable Community Development

Water · : , , , ; : · 2007

Across New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine, the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) draws 90,000 users annually. Although most users visit areas with other attractions and established tourist infrastructure like hotels and restaurants, the smaller number of visitors to remote parts of the trail bring valuable outside spending.

Business impactsUser attitudes

An Economic Evaluation of Snowmobiling in Maine

Winter motorized · : · 1999

This study found that snowmobilers in Maine generate large annual expenditures, and increased expenditures observed over a two-year period are due largely to a dramatic increase in non-resident snowmobilers. This growth is attributed to more active state- and local-level promotion as well as a good snow year in Maine relative to other regions.