Experienced Placemaker Helping to Build Vibrant Communities
Amy Camp has been at the center of the trails movement for 14 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
Connellsville Nature-Based Placemaking Project: Cultivating an Outdoor Culture in a Longtime Trail Town
A community can check all the right boxes as a trail town and still need help in connecting to its trails and outdoor assets. Cycle Forward worked in Connellsville, Pennsylvania to help improve its connection to the Great Allegheny Passage, foster an outdoor culture, and lead hands-on placemaking projects. Dates: January – October 2021 Client:…
New York State Canalway Water Trail: Inspiring Stewardship Across the Empire State
Imagine the massive challenge of stewarding a 450-mile water trail. Launch areas, parking lots, and riverbanks all need ongoing attention to ensure a quality trail experience. This prompted the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor to develop a trail-wide stewardship program along the New York State Canalway Water Trail. They hired Cycle Forward to help make it happen.
Continue Reading New York State Canalway Water Trail: Inspiring Stewardship Across the Empire State
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Amy’s Writing About Placemaking and Trails
Great Allegheny Passage Economic Impact Report: A Gift to the Trails World
There’s been a buzz about the trails community since the Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy released its latest economic impact report. It’s the first economic impact study on the GAP since the trail was completed in 2013. The economic growth is impressive: the GAP Conservancy attributes $74 million in direct spending (2019) to GAP trail use, […]
Shoulder Season Bike Touring Calls for Preparation, Trail Angels, and Grace
Thoughts on fall bike overnights I’m part of a Facebook group that’s dedicated to the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath. The group has more than 14,000 members, many of whom are planning and celebrating their trail trips and offering each other support along the way. It’s fun to see how many people are […]
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.
