Agritourism Diversification: Walking Trails and Picnicking

Building trails and picnic areas on your farm can draw visitors to your farm store or agritourism operation. Both can be low-infrastructure diversification options. This article will explore several questions and issues you should ask yourself or consider when developing these activities on your farm. Examples from two agritourism operations are highlighted.

Establishing Walking Trails

Walking trails allow you to share your landscape with visitors who appreciate and want to experience nature, those who may not live in an area that will enable them to partake of nature and agricultural environments, or those who may wish to explore areas different from where they live. There is no "right" way to develop a walking trail. A trail may focus on leading visitors around your property while highlighting aspects of your farm operation, or it may weave through areas not involved in production, such as forest or fallow areas.

Identify Suitable Areas.
Survey your land to identify areas suitable for walking trails. Consider accessibility, natural beauty, and proximity to interesting agricultural activities. Additionally, consider the topography of your land and look for areas with a moderate gradient. Flat terrain may be more accessible to visitors but can also get monotonous; conversely, steep trails have a more dramatic effect but may pose accessibility challenges. For example, Shelburne Farms in Vermont addresses accessibility concerns with an accessible trail for power chairs, seating along the trails, and an accessibility pass for those with limited mobility, which allows visitors to reach activities by car or other mobility devices where they would usually not be permitted. If your land allows, you may want to develop multiple trails to meet the abilities and desires of a greater number of visitors. Finally, take into consideration the soil type; sandy soils are more likely to erode than clay-based soils.

Create a Design Plan.
Sketch out your trail, considering length, difficulty, and points of interest. Additionally, consider adding features such as benches, lookout points, interpretive signage, or wildlife viewing areas to make the experience more enjoyable for visitors. This article from the University of Minnesota Extension provides some helpful design guidance Trail Design for Small Properties.

It's ok to start 'low key'.
During the pandemic, the owners of Frog Hollow Farmstead in Vermont developed a hike around the farm using a mower on a tractor, painted wood for signage, and trimmed branches where necessary. They focused on providing access to scenic views and picnic areas for people to enjoy the outdoors and feel part of a community during the pandemic. They utilized existing furniture or built benches from logs to minimize expenses. During Vermont Open Farm Week, they had over 200 visitors in five days and received positive feedback and support. This success led them to make picnics and hiking a permanent part of their farm. They prioritized improving farm infrastructure using the income generated. Each year, they select one focus area to enhance picnics and hikes, such as obtaining an at-home catering license and adding a pergola and large table for farm dinners. The farm's simple and low-cost approach, utilizing available resources, and keeping things uncomplicated contributed to the success of their picnics and hiking activities.

Assess Impact on Wildlife and Crops.
Consider instituting protocols to reduce the impact of visitors on sensitive habitats, such as staying on marked paths, reminding visitors not to pick crops, or refraining from feeding wild animals and livestock.

Develop Signage – advisory and educational.
Clear signage helps visitors navigate trails and can provide educational information about your farm and its practices. Consider posting signs identifying native animals, plants, and trees; safety warnings, or agricultural information about your farm. Shelburne Farms also offers a story walk to engage families, where laminated pages of a children's book are posted on trail posts.

Consider Safety and Liability.
The safety of your visitors should be of utmost importance when establishing trails, so ensure the trail is safe for visitors of all ages. At the same time, you need also to protect your business. You may need additional liability insurance. For example, Shelburne Farms has signs stating: "Winter guidelines: enjoy the property at your own risk. Grounds are not maintained November through April and use traction gear." In Pennsylvania, the agritourism liability law is not likely to apply to hiking trails around the farm, but RUWLA (Recreational Use of Land and Water Act) may apply. For more information, review the webinar, Legal Considerations for Diversification Opportunities in Agritourism for an overview of legal issues in Pennsylvania for walking trails.

Decide if dogs are allowed.
Many people enjoy traveling with their dogs, and some visitors may have guide or service dogs. Decide before opening your trail whether you will allow dogs on your trails. If so, determine any restrictions or safety protocols that need to be in place. Vera from Shelburne Farm mentions that they made the decision not to allow dogs anymore on their trails because of farm animals and the cleanliness of the trails, despite pushback from regular walkers. In addition to personal preference, check your insurance to determine liability coverage when it comes to visitors' dogs.

Generate revenue.
Charging a fee for utilizing the trial is an option, but keep in mind the liability implications of RUWLA. Placing donation boxes along walking trails can be another way to generate additional revenue. This money could be used toward trail upkeep and maintenance. Shelburne Farms in Vermont places 2-3 birdhouses around the property to make it easier for visitors to make cash donations. Sponsorship arrangements with businesses can also be used as a way to collect additional funds for trail maintenance and other projects related to the farm. Sponsorships are often tax deductible, which can also be an attractive option for local businesses.

Offering Picnic Opportunities

Hiking and picnicking often go hand in hand, so if you consider adding walking trails, incorporating picnicking spots may be a logical addition. Adding food – whether brought in by visitors or prepared and sold by you – adds another set of considerations.

Identify Picnic Locations.
Choose scenic spots that are easily accessible but do not interfere with farm operations. Ideal picnic spots are visually appealing, offer picturesque views of the surrounding area,  are shaded, have easy access to a restroom, and a flat surface. You may also want to consider proximity to trails, as not everyone may look forward to having other walkers passing by closely.

Food Safety and Regulations.
If you plan to sell food for picnickers, you'll need to obtain all permits and licenses required by your state and locality. The type(s) of food items you wish to sell and/or prepare will determine necessary permits and licenses. Check with the appropriate regulatory agency for guidelines. In PA applicable agencies include the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health. Also, remember that cooking and storing food at the correct temperatures is vital to ensure food safety. The last thing you want or need is for someone to become ill due to incorrect food handling.

Plan for Maintenance.
Regularly cleaning and maintaining picnic areas will be necessary to keep them inviting and safe. For instance, determine whether you will place trash containers in picnic areas or require visitors to carry out everything brought in. If you provide picnic tables, you'll need to check their condition regularly for maintenance and cleanliness.

General Considerations

Communication.
It is essential that you communicate as clearly as possible with potential visitors. Ensure they know what to expect and what is included in the experience. Highlight any rules and regulations they need to follow, such as not smoking or bringing in pets. Provide this information on your business's website and social media so visitors can be aware before their visit, in addition to appropriate signage on your property.

Marketing.
Marketing is important to the success of any addition to your agritourism business. Be sure to use every resource available to you – both your own and others. Use your website, social media, complimentary businesses, local tourism boards to promote your trail and picnic opportunities. The addition of new activities and experiences at your farm may be attractive to customers who have not visited previously, so be open to exploring different marketing strategies. Additionally, encourage your visitors to spread the word by providing them with a hashtag and asking for feedback.

Summary

Successful agritourism depends on providing a great visitor experience while maintaining the viability of your farming operations. For any changes in your operation, remember to comply with legal and regulatory issues. Diversifying your agritourism business is exciting, but do not take on more than you can handle. Start small, learn from experience, and expand as demand grows.

Additional Resources

Low Infrastructure Agritourism: Picnicking and Walking Trails. In this webinar, Vera Simon-Nobes, the coordinator of the Farm-Based Education Network at Shelburne Farms in Vermont, and Janis Reinke, the co-owner of Frog Hollow Farmstead in Vermont, share their experiences of establishing and maintaining walking trails and offering picnicking opportunities. Rick Kralj, senior extension educator at Penn State, shares what to consider when offering food on your farm.

Agritourism in Pennsylvania - Legal and Regulatory Issues

Pennsylvania Agritourism Activity Protection Act

This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2021‐70027‐34693.
Northeast Extension Risk Management Education
US Department of Agriculture/National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA/NIFA)