Multi-use trails built in rural and urban areas provide community residents with an accessible, low-cost means for physical activity. However, the underlying policy changes that enable or disable a community trail to be built have not yet been studied. This multi-case study will focus on the political and environmental processes that take place to facilitate the development of both urban and rural community trails within Missouri, South Carolina, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Washington. Data will be gathered via interviews, surveys and focus group discussions involving trail developers, local political leaders, stakeholders and other appropriate professionals. The different policy changes for each diverse trail will be documented and a cross-case comparison will be completed.