Outdoor Recreation & Rural Tourism Resources
This resource guide was developed to accompany the WeCAN Outdoor Recreation & Rural Tourism Solutions Roundtable (May 2026). It offers resources in several categories, focused on the western Unites States and Pacific Island territories, plus some particularly relevant resources focused nationally or states outside the West. Scroll through the guide or click on one of the links below to go to that section.
​
​
​​
Outdoor Recreation Development Guides & Toolkits
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Rural Economic Development Toolkit
This toolkit seeks to provide strategies for success sourced from communities around the country to achieve intersecting goals: healthy communities, high quality of life, robust businesses, resilient economies, and vibrant outdoor places.
​
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Trail Map for Rural Development
Designed to guide federal, state, local, Tribal, and philanthropic leaders in harnessing the power of outdoor recreation to strengthen rural economies, improve community resilience, and enhance quality of life. The Trail Map contains five sections: Education, Community Vision, Financing and Implementation, Resilience, and Innovation.
​
RecReady NH — Building Stronger Communities: A Guide to Outdoor Recreation and Economic Growth
This digital guidebook provides the tools you need to assess, plan, build, and sustain your community's outdoor recreation project. Although developed for New Hampshire, the tools and guidance can be implemented anywhere. Includes a section on economic impact estimates.
​
Trail Towns Guide (Progress Fund)
From the longest-running Trail Town program, this guide offers tips on assessing your community's bike-friendliness, growing and funding business development, and marketing to bring in more trail tourism.
​
Deciding on Trails: 7 Habits of Healthy Trail Towns (book, Amy Camp)
For every local champion, thought leader, and dreamer who knows that trails can make a difference in their community. A practical guide for recognizing and realizing the value of trails in your town.
​
The Bicycle Friendly Community Ideabook, League of American Bicyclists
Designed to help communities learn about projects, policies, and programs that have been successfully used by peer communities around the country to better support people riding bikes.
​
Bicyclists Bring Business, Parks & Trails New York
Focused on how community leaders and business owners can strengthen local economies by tapping into the bicycle tourism market. Developed for communities along New York's historic Canalway Trail, but adaptable to communities elsewhere.
​​
​
Supporting Organizations, Education & Peer Learning
Utah State University Gateway & Natural Amenity Region (GNAR) Initiative
The GNAR Initiative helps gateway communities, their regions, and the public lands around them thrive and preserve what makes them special — across Utah and the Intermountain West. Provides research, education, and capacity building support for community leaders and land managers.
​
State Outdoor Business Alliance Network (SOBAN)
A learning network designed to exchange information to improve practices, share leadership, and communicate in all directions. Encompasses state-based outdoor alliances that provide leadership through business engagement in decisions and activities that strengthen the outdoor economy.
​
All About Trail Towns Facebook Group
A space for conversations and questions related to trail towns and gateway communities, including topics such as the outdoor economy, trail culture, trail tourism, creating safe connections between trails and community, and ideas for getting more people outside.
​
American Trails (including Advancing Trails Webinar Series)
A national nonprofit supporting all trail interests, offering resources, webinars, and advocacy for trail development, management, and use across the country.
​
The largest trail advocacy organization in the United States, working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Offers resources on trail development, trail towns, and trail tourism.
​
The Harbinger Consultancy Online Courses
Online courses designed for people working to strengthen rural places and outdoor recreation economies. Offers practical, tested tools grounded in decades of experience with trail towns, small communities, and collaborative partnerships — covering planning, engagement, measurement, and communication.
​​
​
Assessment & Visitor/Recreation User Research
A Gateway Community Needs Assessment (Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation)
Based on the Progress Fund Trail Town Assessment, this broader approach is relevant for any visitor-serving gateway community seeking to understand its assets, gaps, and opportunities.
​
Trail Town Assessment Workbook (Progress Fund)
A free workbook to help communities evaluate safety, access, and whether their town has the businesses and amenities to attract trail-goers. Field-tested over 10+ years, it leads communities through in-depth questions about parking, signage, amenities, and visitor experience.
​
Programming Toolkit for Community Leaders (Sports, Culture & Recreation)
Developed for rural communities in Saskatchewan, Canada, this toolkit offers guidance on planning and delivering recreational programming that can be adapted to communities anywhere.
​
Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) Program, League of American Bicyclists
A comprehensive national program covering infrastructure, policy, education, and equity for cities and towns seeking long-term bicycle planning improvement. The sample application form also serves as a useful self-assessment tool for any community.
​
Trail-Friendly Community Self-Assessment, International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)
A practical self-assessment covering MTB infrastructure, partnerships, events, and land use through the broad lens of community development. Designed, in part, to help communities prepare to apply for IMBA's Trail Friendly Community designation.
​
Trail Town Bike-Around Assessment, Parks & Trails New York
An on-the-ground evaluation of a community's bicycle-friendliness from a visitor's perspective, including access, signage, amenities, and business engagement. Easy to implement with stakeholders; helps reveal quick wins and sparks collaborative discussion during a guided "bike-around."
​
How to be Bicycle Travel Friendly, Adventure Cycling Association
Practical tips and checklists for communities and businesses to support the needs of bicycle travelers. Simple, action-oriented guidance that helps communities become more welcoming to touring cyclists and bikepackers without needing formal certification.
​
Downtown Toolbox (Downtown and Business District Market Analysis), University of Wisconsin Extension
Designed to help local business leaders, entrepreneurs, developers, and economic development professionals understand the changing marketplace and identify realistic business and real estate development opportunities for their downtown area. A self-help resource for locally-initiated market analysis.
​
Trail Town Guide — Research Resources (Progress Fund)
Step-by-step instructions to conduct trail counts, rider surveys, and business research, along with key findings, economic impact reports, and a full research bank.
​
DIY Guide to Conducting and Using Visitor and Recreation User Research (The Harbinger Consultancy)
A free, do-it-yourself guide to educate, support, and build capacity for communities and small-to-mid-sized outdoor recreation, heritage, and conservation organizations to produce solid research and use it effectively. Produced in partnership with multiple regional organizations across North America.
​​
​
Outdoor Recreation Economy and Economic Research
Headwaters Economics Library of Trail Benefits
A curated collection of research and resources on the economic and community benefits of trails, including studies on property values, tourism spending, health, and quality of life.
​
An independent, nonprofit research group whose mission is to improve community development and land management decisions in the West. Offers data, tools, and analysis on topics including outdoor recreation economies, public lands, and rural community development.
​
Inspiring the Future Outdoor Recreation Economy (State Outdoor Business Alliance Network, 2021)
Prepared by SOBAN, this report documents the scale of America's outdoor recreation economy — $459.8 billion in contributions and 5.2 million jobs — and offers a vision and pathways for growing the outdoor recreation economy in every state.
​
University of Montana Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research (ITRR)
Conducts travel and recreation research in Montana, including widely-used annual estimates of nonresident visitation, travel expenditures, visitor characteristics, and the economic contribution of nonresident travel to Montana's economy.
Extension Tourism Programs
​
A robust training program designed to help rural communities develop and offer high-value, authentic experiences to travelers in a sustainable, manageable way. Helps strengthen communities as destinations while stimulating the local economy, protecting resources, and fostering community pride.
​
Oregon Rural Tourism Studio — Communities Powered by Travel Videos
Short videos from Oregon outdoor recreation communities that have participated in the Rural Tourism Studio program, sharing their experiences and outcomes.
​
State of Washington Tourism Destination Development
Programs helping stakeholders develop, refine, and evolve their visitor product and tourism strategies, with a mission that includes development and promotion of rural and underserved communities throughout Washington State.
​
Wyoming Office of Tourism — Destination Development Program
Envisions a thriving tourism economy benefiting even the smallest Wyoming communities. Provides funding, resources, and guidance to maximize each community's potential and drive economic growth throughout the state.
​
Utah Office of Tourism — Destination Development Support
Supports the planning and development of quality visitor services and experiences that benefit state and local economies. Offers community-led support in the form of training, technical help, and marketing assistance.
​
Colorado Destination Development Mentor Program
Matches destination organizations and industry association partners with experienced tourism consultants to provide expertise, resources, mentorship, and capacity building. Awarded applicants receive consulting hours to advance priority projects. (Note: Check website for current program availability.)
​
Montana Department of Commerce — Tourism Grant & Development Programs
The Tourism Grant Program is funded by the 4% lodging facility use tax (the "bed tax") and supports tourism development and marketing efforts across Montana.
​
Visit California Rural Marketing Program
Provides grant funding, a communications strategy, and industry collaboration to help rural regions stretch their tourism dollars by aligning with Visit California's efforts to promote rural experiences to domestic and international markets.
​
New Mexico Destination Forward Grant Program
A competitive grant that supports the development and implementation of tourism infrastructure projects throughout New Mexico, empowering communities to become viable, welcoming, and high-quality destinations.
​
U.S. Forest Service Travel, Tourism and Interpretation Resources
Resources and programs from the U.S. Forest Service supporting travel, tourism, and interpretation on national forests and grasslands.
​
National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program
Supports locally-led conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the United States. Assists communities and public land managers in developing parks, conservation areas, rivers, and wildlife habitats, as well as creating outdoor recreation opportunities that engage future generations.
​
Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute, University of Wyoming
The mission of the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute is to expand and diversify Wyoming's economy by supporting the outdoor recreation, tourism, and hospitality industries through research, education, and engagement.
​​
​
Accessible Outdoor Recreation and Communities
U.S. Access Board Guide to the ABA Accessibility Standards
Standards issued under the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) apply to facilities designed, built, altered, or leased with federal funds. This guide covers outdoor developed areas including trails, picnic and camping facilities, beach access routes, and viewing areas.
​
Trails for All People: Guidance for Accessibility and Inclusive Design (American Trails)
Guidance for trail groups, local governments, and land trusts on responsibly planning, developing, and operating trails that are accessible to all people, including those with limited mobility. Addresses best management practices, legal requirements, and when universal accessibility may or may not be appropriate.
​​
​
Trail Building
A five-part online course series covering trail planning and construction from start to finish. The "Trails from Start to Finish" course is free; individual courses in the series are $25 each, or $85 for the full series.
​
Workshops and programs designed to equip trail champions with the knowledge and skills to develop trails. Offered by the International Mountain Bicycling Association.
​​
​
Workforce, Ambassador & Hospitality Training
Oregon State University Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy
Offers online and in-person education ranging from non-credit industry trainings to for-credit microcredentials, bachelor's degrees, and graduate programs focused on the outdoor recreation economy.
​
A program to share local knowledge with front-line staff in communities to better improve service to visitors. Supports hospitality ambassadors throughout Oregon.
​​
​
State Outdoor Recreation Offices
A bipartisan organization developing a national platform to grow the outdoor recreation industry, protect wild places, and transform conservation into a driver for economic prosperity. Connects 18+ state outdoor recreation offices.
​
Arizona Office of Outdoor Recreation
Supports statewide outdoor recreation opportunities through partnerships, promotion, and sustainable development, with a focus on creating inclusive outdoor experiences that benefit Arizona residents, visitors, and future generations. Housed within Arizona State Parks and Trails.
​
Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC)
Provides a central point of contact, advocacy, and resources at the state level for the diverse constituents, businesses, and communities that rely on the continued health of Colorado's outdoor recreation economy.
​
Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation
Advances and promotes sustainable, world-class outdoor recreation opportunities throughout Nevada.
​
New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division
Works to increase equitable access to the outdoors for all New Mexicans, ensuring healthy outcomes, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity.
​
Oregon Office of Outdoor Recreation
A resource to businesses and nonprofit organizations, a partner to agencies and communities, and an advocate for the outdoors across Oregon.
​
Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office
Provides statewide leadership and funding to protect and improve the best of Washington's natural and outdoor recreation resources, now and for future generations.
​
Champions responsible outdoor recreation to improve communities and diversify Wyoming's economy.
​
Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation
Focuses on expanding recreational access, promoting safety and education, ensuring responsible stewardship and sustainable visitation, and driving economic growth through outdoor recreation for all Utahns.
​​
​
State Outdoor Alliances
State Outdoor Business Alliance Network (SOBAN)
A learning network designed to exchange information to improve practices, share leadership, and communicate in all directions. Encompasses state-based outdoor alliances that provide leadership through business engagement to strengthen the outdoor economy.
​
Made up of individuals, businesses, and community leaders who recognize the unparalleled opportunity for a booming and beneficial outdoor economy that works for Alaskans.
​
Business for Montana's Outdoors
Wild Montana's business engagement and advocacy platform, working to protect Montana's outdoor assets that are essential to a thriving economy and quality of life, through numerous initiatives connecting business leaders around public lands and recreation.
​
California Outdoor Recreation Partnership (CORP)
Represents the collective interests of member organizations and programs focused on politics, policy, and funding in support of California's active outdoor recreation industry.
​
New Mexico's first outdoor recreation business alliance, working to make outdoor recreation businesses and organizations more successful throughout the state.
​
Colorado Outdoor Business Alliance (COBA)
A statewide alliance of 300+ Colorado businesses united to protect Colorado's mountains, open vistas, rushing rivers, and communities. Amplifies member brands as environmental leaders and aligns businesses with Conservation Colorado's mission.
​
Idaho Business for the Outdoors
Provides a collective, non-partisan business voice in support of the investments, jobs, innovations, revenues, and wellness benefits sustained through the preservation of Idaho's outdoors and public lands.
​
Nevada Outdoor Business Coalition (NVOBC)
Believes in the power of Nevada's outdoor industry to invigorate communities and drive economic growth. Works to create a more connected outdoor recreation industry in Nevada.
​
Unites individuals, industry leaders, and partners across Oregon to foster connection, innovation, and growth within the state's outdoor sector.
​
Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Business Alliance (WYORBA)
A unified voice for Wyoming's outdoor industry, supporting responsible outdoor recreation growth and economic sustainability.