Trails and Towns Together

Efforts to link “trail-to-town” have played a part in remaking communities. This webinar will include a case study of the first known “trail town” initiative - the Trail Town Program® along the Great Allegheny Passage. Now in its 10th year of operation, the program has set an example for trail community programs throughout the United States. Program Manager William Prince will speak about the history of the project and recent expansions.

Rita Hennessy, National Trails System Program Leader for the National Park Service, will talk about how better connecting trails to communities makes long-distance trails relevant at the local level, bolstering residents’ pride in and sense of connection to the trails. She will share stories from along the Appalachian, Continental Divide, and Florida trails, all designated National Scenic Trails.

Amy Camp of Cycle Forward will tie it all together by talking about the importance of fostering a culture of hospitality in trail communities and expanding the view on how trail visitors can be invited into our places. This webinar will appeal to trail and community advocates who are interested in launching their own programs, as well as to managers of existing programs who want to hear about how they can take their programs to the next level. Examples will be drawn from rail trails and single-track hiking trails.

Key Learning Points—Trails and Towns Together: How Communities Capitalize on Trail Tourism:

• How trail town programs have been implemented throughout the U.S. and varying approaches to such programs
• The economic and other benefits of connecting trail-to-town
• Examples of how existing trail community programs make both literal and figurative links to nearby trails to improve the trail experience
• The importance of regional collaboration and efforts to connect communities via trails
• How to foster a culture of hospitality that embraces both visiting and local trail users of every ability
• How to offer immersive experiences that go “beyond the trail” and address visitors’ interest in trips that involve more than just time spent on the trail

Trail Competencies

Relevant Trail Types

General. All trail types are relevant.