The Challenge: Obesity rates in the U.S. have skyrocketed in recent decades. Regular physical activity is an important strategy for reversing the obesity epidemic, and evidence has shown that community trails are a cost-effective means for promoting physical activity.

Make an impact: Community trails can provide children and adults with a low-cost way to be physically active and potentially reduce medical expenses.

What the findings are about: This brief highlights trail characteristics that encourage regular trail use and examines how trails influence physical activity among various populations.