New Report Underscores Mountain Biking’s Economic Power in Rural Communities

How dirt trails are paving the way for economic revitalization across the U.S.

A newly released report from the Trust for Public Land (TPL), developed in partnership with the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), shines a spotlight on something trail builders have long known: mountain biking trails don’t just create smiles—they create jobs, tourism, and opportunity.

The report, Economic Benefits of Mountain Biking, pulls from a wide-ranging review of studies and projects to quantify the economic value of natural-surface trails, particularly in rural areas. Among the headline stats: mountain biking visitors spend an average of $416 per trip, and some trail networks are responsible for up to 1,626 jobs and more than $54 million in annual labor income.

“These are numbers local leaders can’t ignore,” said J.T. Horn, Director of the National Trails Initiative at TPL and one of the report’s lead authors. “With thoughtful planning and investment, trails can become powerful engines of prosperity and well-being.”

For communities hit hard by shifting economies—think post-industrial towns or former logging communities—the data confirms what many in the trail building world have already witnessed. In Oakridge, Oregon, for example, mountain biking has helped shift the local economy from extraction to attraction. In Vermont, the famed Kingdom Trails network now brings in 94,000 visitors annually and $10.3 million in local economic activity. And in Chattanooga, Tennessee, trails generate $7.4 million in yearly spending.

Beyond the dollars, the report highlights broader community benefits—like improved physical and mental health, increased property values near trail access points, and greater social cohesion.

Mary Monroe Brown, IMBA’s VP of Programs, emphasized the trail-building community’s role in this shift. “This study presents more compelling evidence that communities enjoy a positive boost in wellness and economic activity when they create or improve access to resilient trails for all residents and visitors,” she said.

Importantly, the report doesn’t just celebrate the wins. It outlines best practices for sustainable development, urging communities to approach trail building with an eye toward inclusivity, long-term maintenance, and environmental stewardship.

As more towns look to trails as a path forward, this report offers a compelling blueprint. And for the trail builders and advocates working on the ground, it provides powerful data to take into the next town council meeting, grant proposal, or stakeholder conversation.

You can dig into the full report here: IMBA’s Resource Page