Rigging for Trail Work
Published Jun 27, 2025
Manual and training material about how to use specialized equipment to safely move heavy objects from one location to another.
Trail Skills Resource Library
Browsing the 20 newest resources by publication date
Trail Fundamentals:The relationship between trails and water
Published May 15, 2025
This educational video from PTBA (Professional TrailBuilders Association) explores one of the most crucial elements in sustainable trail planning and design: managing water and drainage. Using visual examples, including topographic map overlays and…
Examining Progression in Mountain Bike Specialization
Published Aug 2, 2024
The purpose of this study is to use the recreation specialization construct to examine the diversity of mountain bike riders in the US to meet their needs better, and to help strengthen the sport and the outdoor economy.
Approvals, Permits, and Compliance
Published Nov 2, 2023
This webinar will walk through the typical processes, jurisdictions, timelines, and documentation needed to get a conceptual trail project through approval and implementation.
Foundations of Sustainable Trails: Structures
Published Sep 22, 2023
This course serves as an introduction and overview to usage, construction, and form of critical trail structures. It begins with a focus on five main types of water crossings. Participants will be introduced to planning decisions based on trail…
Foundations of Sustainable Trails: Hydrology
Published Sep 22, 2023
Learn the basics of constructing and maintaining sustainable trails that function within the hydrology of their environment. You will learn about hydrology as the behavior of water over, under, and through the land, and you will learn some best…
Introduction to Foundations of Sustainable Trails: A Trail from Start to Finish
Published Sep 22, 2023
A Trail from Start to Finish is an introductory, short "micro-learning" targeted to developing trail workers. Anticipated to take about 15 minutes to complete, this microlearning discusses what it means for a trail to be sustainable and describes…
Foundations of Sustainable Trails: Tread and Alignment
Published Sep 22, 2023
Explore foundational concepts related to the principles and applications of trail tread and alignment—all through the lens of developing and maintaining a sustainable trail. This course will introduce basic trail design elements as well as processes…
Looking for specific skills?
Filter by a Skill
Trail Construction
- Trail Sustainability Principles
- Safety/Site Management
- Construction Specifications
- Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation
- Corridor Clearing: Pruning/ Side-Cutting/ Brushing
- Corridor Clearing: Felling/tree removal; Chainsaw/ Crosscut
- Corridor Clearing: Material and Debris Management
- Hand-Built Trail Construction
- Mechanized Trail Construction
- Trail Finishwork
- Water Management/Drainage Features
- Water Crossing Structures
- Retaining Walls
- Tread Hardening and Surfacing
- Decommissioning Trails
Trail Maintenance
- Trail Sustainability Principles
- Safety/Site Management
- Maintenance Specifications
- Corridor Clearing/Site Preparation
- Corridor Clearing: Pruning/ Side-Cutting/ Brushing
- Corridor Clearing: Bucking, Felling/ Hazard Tree Removal; Chainsaw/ Crosscut
- Corridor Clearing: Material and Debris Management
- Tread Maintenance - Hand tools
- Tread Maintenance - Mechanized Equipment
- Drainage Features/Water Management
Project Planning and Design
- Trail Sustainability Principles
- Define Purpose, Need, and Feasibility of Project
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Land Use Plan Alignment
- Corridor Planning
- Trail Specifications
- Conceptual Trail Plan Development
- Field Design: Trail Alignment Identification and Marking
- Project Cost Estimation
- Trail Plan Development
- Compliance and Permitting
- Implementation Plan
- Interpretation
- Trail Inventory and Assessment
- Operations and Maintenance Plan Development