The State Trails Program of the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation sponsored a comprehensive trail and greenway study in 1998 to provide information necessary to assist all interested organizations and partners in planning and developing trails and greenways across North Carolina. This executive summary presents the results of the study, conducted by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at North Carolina State University. The statistically valid data for this report were obtained from telephone interviews and mailed survey questionnaires from randomly selected North Carolina residents.

The survey revealed some very interesting findings about North Carolinians’ use of existing trails and greenways, their desire for additional trails and greenways, and their willingness to invest in trails and greenways, as well as the economic impact that trail users have on North Carolina’s economy.

The survey revealed:

• Over fifty percent (50%) of all adult North Carolinians used or wanted to use a trail or greenway in the past 12 months -- Walking for pleasure is the most popular trail and greenway activity based on numbers participating (and annual participation rates), followed by hiking, bicycling, off-road vehicles, canoeing/kayaking and horseback riding (Figure 1).

• Nearly seventy-five percent (75%) felt it was important to have trails available in North Carolina -- and the majority felt that trails are important in providing aesthetic beauty, health and fitness, public recreation opportunities, undeveloped open space, public education about nature and the environment, community pride, and tourism and business development.

• Willingness to invest in trails is strong -- North Carolinians, overall, reported that they are willing to pay for trail use (average, $12 per year) because they value their trails and greenways highly.

• Trail and greenway use makes a significant contribution to the State's economy. -- Further, economic impact results from this study reflect the trail use of North Carolina residents only, and does not consider the additional economic benefit of tourists visiting the State. In-State residents reported that they spent approximately $10 per day on their most recent trail trip. Based on this figure, the estimated total direct expenditures made on trail-related trips in North Carolina were estimated to be approximately $91,883,000 annually.

The survey also provides some interesting direction to trail providers as they plan for and manage trails and greenways.

• Recommendation -- Provide more trails, both surfaced and unsurfaced trails, closer to users' homes

North Carolinians want more trails, both surfaced and unsurfaced trails, and they would like the trails closer to their homes. Currently, North Carolinians say they have to travel an average of over 20 miles one-way to access the nearest trail.

Respondents indicated a need for more adequate trail information from sources such as trail brochures, the Internet, and parks and recreation offices.

There was a strong desire for better access to drinking water, restrooms and other trailside services.

For more information about the 1998 North Carolina State Trail and Greenway Survey or North Carolina’s Trails Program, please contact: