eng Science and Education Publishing Journal of Physical Activity Research 2574-4437 2020-11-27 5 2 107 116 10.12691/jpar-5-2-7 JPAR2020527 article Sarah E. Mount smount2@ewu.edu 1 Anna Tresidder 2 John B. Bartholomew 2 Department of Kinesiology & Health Education, University of Texas - Austin, Austin, Tx 78705 College of Health Science & Public Health, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA 99004 Recreational opportunities are associated with increased physical activity if they are conveniently located and feature adequate amenities. A pilot study on an urban trail in Austin, Texas revealed that 40% of the popular trail was underutilized despite adequate access and amenities over the entire length of the trail. The purpose of this study was to expand this research to identify the perceptions that are causing users to avoid the underutilized sections. An online survey measured user perception of 11 trail characteristics and a trail user count sought to replicate earlier findings and supplement the online survey data. Results showed that perception of safety, trail continuity, and route flexibility impacted trail utilization. http://pubs.sciepub.com/jpar/5/2/7/jpar-5-2-7.pdf urban trail recreation physical activity perception built environment