A popular and well-managed trail can also serve as a focal point for a community, with special events and routine trail use bringing neighbors together. These activities can lead to greater interaction between residents and improve the cohesion of a community. Recreational Trails provide opportunities for a wide variety of outdoor recreation activities. Some trails can provide opportunities for primitive, backpack camping. Most trails can support birdwatching or wildlife viewing.
Water trails can provide locations for canoeing and kayaking.
Health Activities on trails can improve physical fitness. Walking, jogging or running, skating, skiing, and bicycling are all well documented to help improve health and fitness when done on a regular basis. Many people do not participate in these activities because they do not have a safe or interesting place to participate in them. Trails can provide unique, safe, and interesting places for regular exercise. Using trails, strenuously or not, can also lead to reduced stress levels.