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.

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Studies date back to 1987

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Business impacts

Spearhead Trails Economic and Fiscal Impacts

Summer motorized · : · 2017

An extensive motorized trail system in rural southwest Virginia has brought substantial new spending to the community, helping to diversify the area’s traditionally coal-based economy. The estimated economic impact is less than the predicted impacts before the system was built, but the impacts nonetheless exceed state and local investments.

Business impactsTrail use estimates

Spearhead Trails Implementation Plan, Vol. II Economic Impact Assessment

Equestrian, Hiking, Mountain biking, Summer motorized, Water · : · 2012

This study assesses the potential impact of a region-wide trail destination for multiple user groups on private, primarily corporate-owned land in southwest Virginia. It found that developing a destination-quality trail system requires region-wide coordination, both in trail construction and linking, as well as in providing supporting infrastructure for tourists and marketing to potential visitors outside the region.

Business impactsConsumer surplusTrail use estimates

Estimating the Economic Value and Impacts of Recreational Trails: A Case Study of the Virginia Creeper Rail Trail

Cycling, Walking · : · 2007

This study on the Virginia Creeper Rail Trail in Virginia is unique in that it estimates both economic impacts, measured as local spending by tourists, and economic benefits, measured as value to individual users. This paints a more complete picture of the total value of a trail than considering only one of these economic measures, an approach that may be particularly helpful when prioritizing the use of government funds.

Business impactsTrail use estimatesUser attitudes

The Washington & Old Dominion Trail: An Assessment of User Demographics, Preferences, and Economics

Cycling, Walking · : · 2004

This study found that the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail generates significant local economic impact, even though it is primarily used by locals. Using a creative set of questions, the authors identify which trail features are sufficient and which should be higher priorities for funding.

Business impactsUser attitudes

The Waterway at New River State Park: An Assessment of User Demographics, Preferences, and Economics

Water · : · 2004

This study found that the water trail along the New River Trail in western Virginia is used frequently by locals and non-locals, and is a relatively large source of revenue for local businesses. The trail and communities near the trail currently provide the amenities that trail users find most important, although there may be unmet demand for outdoor stores and restaurants, which could increase the trail’s economic impact.

Business impactsTrail use estimates

The economic impacts and uses of long-distance trails

Walking · : , , , · 1998

Although visitor spending per day along the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail in western Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina is relatively low, the large number of visitors generates substantial economic impact. However, much of this spending is likely due to the attraction of specific historic sites and not the trail, because relatively few visitors were aware that the historic sites are connected to a larger regional trail.