Trail Activation: Turning Forgotten Land Into Community Trails

Why Western Pennsylvania is perfectly positioned for a new era of low-impact, high-return outdoor spaces.

Across Western Pennsylvania, there is no shortage of land—but there is a shortage of land that truly serves the people who live around it.

Hidden behind neighborhoods, along river valleys, and across former industrial sites are green spaces that sit overlooked and underperforming. Some are overgrown. Some are fragmented. And, some are already used through informal trail networks that exist without protection, design, or long-term stewardship.

At Dirt Conservancy, we believe these places represent opportunity.

The process of transforming overlooked land into safe, sustainable, and community-serving outdoor spaces is called Trail Activation.

Trail Activation is about reimagining what already exists—restoring ecological health, formalizing access, and creating thoughtfully designed trail systems that connect people to land while protecting it for the long term. It’s a practical, scalable approach to conservation and recreation that fits the realities of Western Pennsylvania’s landscape.

Why Trail Activation Matters Now

Western Pennsylvania’s landscape is uniquely suited for trail-based recreation. Steep hillsides, river corridors, borough-owned green spaces, and post-industrial land often sit unused—not because they lack value, but because they lack a clear path forward.

At the same time, demand for close-to-home outdoor recreation continues to grow. Communities want accessible green space. Municipalities want projects with measurable impact and manageable costs. Families want safe places to walk, ride, and explore.

Trail Activation brings these needs together into a single, effective solution.

The Four Pillars of Trail Activation

*The Four Pillars of Trail Activation are a framework developed by The Dirt Conservancy, informed by best practices in conservation, trail design, and outdoor recreation planning.

1. Ecological Restoration

Before a trail is built, the land itself must be understood and stabilized. This includes addressing erosion, drainage, invasive species, and soil health. In many cases, properly designed trails actually reduce environmental damage by directing use away from sensitive areas.

Healthy land is the foundation of a sustainable trail system.

2. Community Access and Safety

Activated trails are intentionally designed for public use. This includes:

• Clear access points

• Sustainable grades

• Wayfinding and signage

• Safe sightlines

• Emergency access considerations

Formalizing access improves safety while ensuring trails serve a broad range of users.

3. Sustainable Trail Design

Modern trail systems balance enjoyment with longevity. Thoughtful design minimizes maintenance needs while maximizing durability through proper drainage, alignment, and construction techniques.

Well-built trails can last decades with minimal intervention—saving time, money, and resources over the long term.

4. Local Economic Impact

Outdoor recreation is one of Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing economic sectors. Activated trail systems support local businesses, encourage tourism, and increase the livability of surrounding neighborhoods.

For municipalities, trail activation represents a low-impact, high-return investment.

Where We See Opportunity in Western Pennsylvania

Across the region, there are countless spaces ready for activation:

• Borough-owned park parcels

• Hillside greenways behind residential areas

• Underutilized valley parks

• Post-industrial land transitioning to public use

• Existing informal trail networks seeking legitimacy and stewardship

These projects don’t require massive infrastructure or decades of planning. They require vision, collaboration, and a commitment to long-term stewardship.

How Dirt Conservancy Helps

Dirt Conservancy specializes in guiding trail activation from idea to reality. Our work includes:

• Site assessment and feasibility review

• Ecological and land-use considerations

• Community engagement and partnership building

• Concept planning and trail design

• Alignment with grant and funding opportunities

Our goal is to help communities activate land responsibly—creating trail systems that serve people while respecting the landscape.

Let’s Activate What Already Exists

If you represent a municipality, land trust, or organization interested in reimagining underutilized land through trails and conservation, we’d love to connect.

Email: info@dirtconservancy.org Instagram: @dirtconservancy