Experienced Placemaker Helping to Build Vibrant Communities
Amy Camp has been at the center of the trail town movement for 15 years. She coaches and supports local leaders and communities in trail town development, strengthening heritage tourism, and accessing the outdoor recreation economy. She also offers nature-based experiences that foster growth and connection.
Meet Amy Camp
Amy Camp is a trail tourism expert, placemaker, and professional coach. She is the founder of Cycle Forward, a consulting agency that supports trail communities across the United States and Canada. Amy helps community leaders better connect to and fully leverage their trails.
Amy started working with trail communities in 2007. Before starting Cycle Forward, one of the major highlights in her placemaking effort was helping to establish the Trail Town Program® along the Great Allegheny Passage. It is also this nationally recognized project that inspired Amy to start her own heritage tourism consulting services in 2013. As a firm believer in the benefits of trails, Amy has seen these natural assets nourish individuals, elevate local economies, and contribute to community vibrancy.
Trail Tourism & Placemaking Projects
Friends of the Riverfront: Three Rivers Water Trail Management Plan
The Three Rivers Water Trail is a series of 31 river access points along the Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela, and Youghiogheny Rivers in Allegheny County (Pittsburgh, PA). Many Pittsburghers (including Amy!) can be found recreating along these historic rivers. The Water Trail is managed and maintained by nonprofit Friends of the Riverfront (Friends) with assistance…
Continue Reading Friends of the Riverfront: Three Rivers Water Trail Management Plan
North Central Appalachia Mountain Bike Summit: Activating and Connecting Trails and Communities
Photo courtesy of IMBA According to the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), mountain biking contributes $133 billion annually to the U.S. economy. Interest in mountain biking continues to grow and evolve, especially with the rise of new trends such as bikepacking, gravel riding, and electric-assist mountain bikes (e-bikes). When the Pennsylvania Environmental Council wanted to…
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Amy’s Writing About Placemaking and Trails
First-Time Study on Trail Community Programs
For the first time, a collective study has been conducted to understand the structure, challenges, and impacts of Trail Town & Gateway Community programs across the U.S. and Canada. This survey gathered insights from 19 programs that serve hundreds of communities and thousands of trail miles. In his book, On Trails, Robert Moor writes that “every […]
Questions People Ask About Trail Towns (Part 1)
I’m passionate about the Trail Town model and have devoted the last 18 years of my life to the topic. Wow, just writing that is really kind of staggering to me! It’s more than just work for me. I feel deeply devoted to helping communities, trail managers, and entire regions figure out how to create […]
Deciding On Trails: 7 Practices of Healthy Trail Towns
Deciding on Trails is a call-to-action for the local leaders, community residents, and dreamers who want to make a difference in their community by offering better nature experiences and connections to trails. This book is also an excellent tool for trail and community advocates who wish to cultivate a trail culture and spur economic development with a regional or statewide scope.
