American Trails

Making the Case for Tourism-Oriented Mountain Bike and Adaptive Recreation

Recorded Training

Webinar Project Planning and Design Program Administration

This presentation provides an overview of an economic impact analysis for an accessible tourism-oriented mountain bike trail network in Tennessee’s State Park system.

Webinar Outline

Mountain biking is an increasingly popular outdoor activity with the ability to attract unique tourism markets and vitalize rural economies. However, the cost to develop, manage, and maintain bike-optimized trails are high and can discourage investment. Successful development is not random - methodical planning, background research, and engagement are necessary to understand a park’s potential to successfully become a mountain biking tourist destination and identify the economic benefits it will bring into the region. This presentation overviews CRO Planning & Design’s performance of an economic impact analysis for an accessible tourism-oriented mountain bike trail network in Tennessee’s State Park system. Fall Creek Falls State Park (FCFSP), Tennessee State Park’s “Crown Jewel” located in an economically distressed county, was used as a test site for the analysis. Existing conditions and demand analyses for the park were performed to understand how FCFSP’s developed infrastructure, regional demand for mountain biking, and local support networks facilitate its ability to host a trail system that entices both mountain bikers and adaptive outdoor tourists. An economic impact analysis was then performed to understand how different development models would impact the economic stimulation produced through a potential trail network compared to subsequent maintenance/management costs.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to identify the components needed to evaluate a state park’s potential for hosting a tourism-oriented mountain bike trail
Participants will understand the importance of incorporating accessibility into outdoor recreation tourism planning
Participants will learn about how mountain biking can economically stimulate rural economies

Trail Competencies

Project Planning and Design
• Project Cost Estimation

Program Administration
• Visitor Use Management
• Partnership and Collaboration

Relevant Trail Types

General. All trail types are relevant.

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Learning Credits and CEUs

Learning credits will be available to attendees and are included in the registration fee. The length of the session will determine the number of hours/credits given. In order to obtain credits, attendees must fill out an evaluation survey for each session they attend, as well as complete a learning credit tracking form noting each session they are requesting credits for (or a quiz if virtual). This form (and complete instructions) will be available online as well at registration. Email the conference host or [email protected] with any questions.

American Trails is a certified provider and can offer the following learning credits and continuing education opportunities: AICP CM, LA CES (most HSW approved), NRPA CEU Equivalency Petition, and CEU/PDH Equivalency Petition for other accepting organizations.

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