Trends in Trails

Natural resource and land management agencies face numerous opportunities and challenges in developing and managing public trail systems. Relatively new trail user groups, like mountain bikers and in-line skaters have added to the increasing demand for trail opportunities. In certain parks and open space areas along the Front Range of Colorado the user composition has changed from a majority of hikers to a more balanced mix of hikers and mountain bikers, and to a lesser extent equestrians.

In 1987, trails became a national priority, with the President's Commission on Americans Outdoors calling for a nationwide system of greenways within easy access of all Americans.

Follwing suit in 1988, the National Park Service provided its vision on a national trail system with its report, "Trails for All Americans". It included the following goals:

*Trail opportunities should exist within 15 minutes of most American's homes;

*The system should be made up of a combination of federal, state, local and private trails, with entities working together to make an interconnected system;

*Planning for trail corridors and networks should be a grassroots effort to ensure there is adequate support for their development, management and long-term protection.

Colorado State Parks completed its State Recreational Trails Plan in 1992. It alludes to the following societal trends for the present high visibility of trails:

*Continuing public interest in health and fitness as a daily activity,

*Interest in close-to-home outdoor recreation opportunities,

*Popularity of greenways with environmental and recreational values,

*Resurgence of bicycle sales, along with the advent of mountain bicycles.