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Northern Central Trail User Survey and Economic Impact Analysis

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In a survey of trail users of Maryland’s 20-mile Northern Central Rail Trail, 89.5%, of users were Maryland residents and 28% traveled more than 20 miles to reach the trail. Eighty-two percent of respondents purchased hard goods (bikes, bike accessories, clothing, etc.) in the past year in conjunction with their use of the trail at an average cost of $333.12. Sixty-two percent of respondents purchased soft goods (water, soda, candy, ice cream, lunches, etc.) on their most recent trail outing at an average purchase price of $9.41 per person.

Survey and Economic Impact Findings:

  • In 2004, 82% of the sample responded that their use of the Trail had influenced a purchase of "hard goods" items including bikes, bike supplies, auto accessories, shoes, clothing and fishing gear.
    • The average of these "hard goods" purchases was $333.12.
    • With an estimated 800,000 trail users in 2004, and an average life span of six years for "hard goods" purchses, this equates to $4,908,568 in trail related revenue.
  • 62% of the sample responded that their use of the Trail had influenced a purchase of "soft goods" including drinks, food items and equipment rentals on their most recent visit to the trail.
    • The average of these "soft goods" purchses was $9.14.
    • With an estimated 800,000 trail users in 2004, this equates to $5,258,790 in trail related revenue.
  • .05% of the sample indicated that their trail visit included an overnight stay. The average expenditure per night was $61.09.

Download/View

NCR_Trail_2004_User_Survey.pdf
(pdf, 396.0 kb)

Year: 2005

Organization/Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Gunpowder State Park

Topic tags: Economic Benefits of Trails

Prepared by Trail Facts