Description: Regional trails differ from local trails in that they are usually larger in scope – crossing neighborhood lines and linking cities, counties and even states. As excellent places for hikers, walkers, runners, cyclists, and paddlers to exercise and experience nature, regional trails are destinations unto themselves – but they also take us from the places we live to the places we learn, work, shop and play.
Regional trails are typically separated from roads. Their off-street nature make trails more pleasant for recreational users by reducing interactions with car traffic, which also make them quicker routes for pedestrian and bike commuters.
Description: Existing pedestrian trails are complete and open to the public. They connect neighborhoods, schools, parks and jobs; provide access to nature; and present opportunities to hike, walk, run and roll. Biking and horseback riding are not permitted.
Description: Planning a trail is a significant effort involving local residents, trail advocacy groups, elected officials, and teams of professional planners, engineers, and landscape architects. A trail master plan, developed through a comprehensive process with many opportunities for public involvement, is the blueprint for where, when and how to build the trail. Planned trails have precise alignments and are ready to be designed, permitted and built as funding is secured.
Description: Existing multi-use trails are complete and open to the public. They connect neighborhoods, schools, parks and jobs; provide access to nature; and present opportunities to hike, bike, walk, run and roll.
Description: Planning a trail is a significant effort involving local residents, trail advocacy groups, elected officials, and teams of professional planners, engineers, and landscape architects. A trail master plan, developed through a comprehensive process with many opportunities for public involvement, is the blueprint for where, when and how to build the trail. Planned trails have precise alignments and are ready to be designed, permitted and built as funding is secured.
Description: On-street connections are short sections of road that allow trail users to stitch together off-street trail segments to achieve longer routes.
Description: On-street connections are short sections of road that allow trail users to stitch together off-street trail segments to achieve longer routes.
Description: Conceptual trails are generalized future alignments proposed by local governments and community advocates that have been adopted into the regional trails system plan.
Description: Local trails that do not meet the specific regional trail criteria but can still connect neighborhoods, schools, parks and jobs; provide access to nature; and present opportunities to hike, bike, walk, run and roll.
Description: Water trails are waterway segments designated for nonmotorized travel. They offer opportunities to experience the region’s rivers and natural areas from an on-the-water perspective. Water trail development provides access points to launch and land canoes, kayaks, row boats, paddle boards and other non-motorized watercraft.