Partnering with the York County Department of Parks, the York County Rail Trail Authority, Explore York, and our municipal partners, the Trail Towns Program is a collaborative process with outreach to local governments, residents and business owners in order for each town to reach its potential as a vibrant hub for trail users. By enhancing each town as a trail user-friendly destination and creating a cohesive Heritage Rail Trail experience, visitors will stay longer and spend more money, it will expand existing businesses and attract new ones.
What Is a Trail Town?
Virtual Workshop Series
Keynote Speaker David Kahley
September 15, 8:30 a.m.
View the Recording Here.
Economic Impact & Benefits of Trails
September 24, 2:00 p.m.
View the Recording Here.
Basics of a Trail Towns Program
September 17, 8:30 a.m.
View the Recording Here,
Business Retention, Expansion and Recruitment, Working with an Economic Development Agency, and Creating a Trail Friendly Business
September 29, 8:30 a.m.
View the Recording Here.
How to Be a Welcoming & Inclusive Trail Town
September 22, 8:30 a.m.
View the Recording Here.
Stay Connected
Benefits of Trails
Economic Benefits
The RTC studies break trail user spending into three categories: “soft goods” (typically food or drink), “hard good” (bike parts, clothing, shoes, etc.) and lodging. Based on the 11 trails reviewed, over 67 % of respondents purchased soft goods while on the trail averaging $19.75 per trip; the Pine Creek Trail in north-central Pennsylvania saw the largest average in “soft goods” expenditure of over $38 per trip. The “hard goods” category had a larger percentage of respondents, with 82% of respondents buying hard goods related to the trail representing an average of $417.82 per user per year.
Reported spending on lodgings is modest because of most trails didn’t experience many overnight stays but across the 11 trails, 9% of respondents paid for overnight lodging near or along the trail with an average spend of nearly $100. It is assumed that a significant percentage of users stayed in campgrounds, lowering the average spending amount in this category.
Employee Recruitment and Retention
Business Recruitment
Health & Wellness Benefits
TRANSPORTATION BENEFITS
CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
HERITAGE PRESERVATION/COMMUNITY IDENTITY
SOCIAL CAPITAL BENEFITS
EDUCATION BENEFITS
Want To Learn More?
Contact Silas Chamberlin to learn more and get involved.
