<p>Although many studies have examined the impacts of COVID-19 on travel behavior and outdoor recreational activities, few have analyzed the spatial patterns of trail use change from the perspective of temporal persistence which is crucial for informing long-term policy decisions on active transportation infrastructure and public space investment. This study addressed this gap by analyzing trail count data from 2019 to 2022 in the Cincinnati metropolitan area, collected through a regional monitoring program. Ordinary least squares and spatial autoregressive models were employed to examine how the built environment, socioeconomic characteristics, and spatial dependence were associated with both initial shifts and longer-lasting adaptations in trail use. The results indicate that temporary increases were observed in areas located farther from the city center and closer to public transit hubs, but these effects diminished as conditions evolved. Spatial effects, which may reflect the patterns of user displacement, were evident early in the pandemic but gradually faded over time. In contrast, sustained increases in trail use were found in neighborhoods with higher population density, lower street intersection density, and greater access to parks. Additionally, in areas such as those with a high density of bicycle lanes, increases in trail use emerged gradually over time. These findings underscore the value of combining tactical responses with long-term infrastructure planning to enhance the resilience and responsiveness of active transportation systems. Continuous monitoring is critical for supporting adaptive policy decisions that meet public demand in both crisis and non-crisis contexts.</p>