New Ebook Release: A Trail Town Startup Guide for Rural Communities
What does it take for a forgotten town to find new life through trails?
That’s the question behind our newest resource at Trail Builder Magazine: a free downloadable guide titled Trail Towns from Scratch: How Small Communities Can Revive Their Economy Through Trails. It’s more than just a how-to. It’s a roadmap for anyone wondering if a few miles of dirt and a strong vision could become the foundation for something bigger.
This ebook was born out of conversations we’ve had with trail builders, land managers, rural leaders, and community volunteers from across the country. From desert canyons in Arizona to the deep forests of Oregon, we’ve seen towns begin to shift their identity and economy around mountain biking, gravel events, and outdoor access.
But no two places are the same. That’s why this guide isn’t a one-size-fits-all blueprint. It’s a field-tested collection of ideas, stories, and first steps for communities who are asking, Why not us?
Trails Aren’t Just Dirt ... They’re a Development Strategy
Outdoor recreation isn’t just a lifestyle choice; it’s a proven engine of economic growth. In Oregon, the sector contributes over $15 billion annually and supports more than 220,000 jobs. Arizona sees similar impact, with outdoor recreation generating $21 billion a year.
Trails bring more than tourists. They bring momentum. It’s not just about bikes; it’s about cafes reopening, families staying, and communities believing in themselves again.
This guide shows how your town can take that same path. Starting small, but thinking big.
A Playbook for Getting Started
Trail Towns from Scratch is packed with practical, low-cost actions that any community can take. It outlines five key moves.
Whether it’s an old fire road, a community dig day, or a gravel event, the first step doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is to begin and to do it with the community, not just for it.
Your Invitation to Jump Into the Conversation
Whether you’re a trail builder, town planner, or someone who believes in the potential of your community, this guide is for you. Trail Towns from Scratch was created as a resource ... and a spark.
Download the guide. Share it with a local leader. Use it as a conversation starter. And if you haven’t yet, sign up for our newsletter. When you do, you’ll get instant access to the ebook, plus regular stories, insights, and resources from Trail Builder Magazine.
Sean Benesh
Sean is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Trail Builder Mag. He is also the Communications Director for the Northwest Trail Alliance in Portland, Oregon. Sean also spends time in the classroom as a digital media instructor at Warner Pacific University.
