USFS Standard Trail Plans and Specifications
The Standard Trail Plans and Specifications reflect current Forest Service trail management efforts and the agency’s Trails Data Dictionary for constructed features and tasks.
Construction Specifications
Skill Definition
Understand and apply common construction specifications/trail management objectives such as corridor height/width, tread width, cross/outslope, protrusions, obstacles, and compaction
Entry Level Performance
- Demonstrate understanding of and use terminology common to trail construction specifications
- Apply trail construction specifications in the field with supervision
Full Performance Level
- Apply trail construction specifications in the field independently
- Demonstrate understanding of and use terminology common to trail construction specifications
Expert Level Performance
- Identify appropriate trail specifications for the different types of managed uses and across numerous types of terrain, soils and ground conditions
- Assess trail conformance with the trail specifications and if necessary identify measures to bring the trail/system into conformance and/or alter specifications as appropriate.
Resources for Construction Specifications
Documents and
Media
• Video Trainings
• Training Programs
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Documents and Media for Construction Specifications
North Country Trail Handbook
The North Country National Scenic Trail (NST) extends for thousands of miles across seven states. Its layout, design, construction, and maintenance require the participation of a myriad of individuals and groups.
Equestrian Design Guidebook for Trails, Trailheads, and Campgrounds
This guidebook provides practical guidelines for developing recreation environments that are sensitive to the needs of riders and their stock.
Constructing Trail Switchbacks
Constructing Trail Switchbacks - USDA Forest Service 2000 - 0823-2D01-MTDC - Missoula Technology Development Center. Learn how to plan, lay out, construct, and maintain switchbacks.
Trail Skills Training Library
Recorded Trainings for Construction Specifications
OPDMD or Wheelchair: Where Can They Go?
The webinar will address the difference between Wheelchair and OPDMD (Other Power Drive Mobility Devices), explain the ADAs Assessment Factors, clarify Legitimate Safety Requirements, how to develop Policy and the importance of Training.
A Parking Roadmap: Where to Start When Managing Parking for Your Trail
This webinar will break down how successful agencies manage parking, discuss common strategies and solutions to consider, and how to successfully deploy them.
Trail Planning and Design: Foundations of Success
This webinar will review several common approaches and technologies for trail planning and design projects and provide attendees with real world examples.
Porous Flexible Pavement, Asphalt, or Porous Asphalt: Lessons Learned for Multi-Use Trails in the District of Columbia
This webinar will discuss the various types of materials used for paved, multi-use trails in the District of Columbia. We will discuss different projects where we used flexi-pave, asphalt, or porous asphalt and our experience with each material. How…
Informing the Trail Experience: The Process of Signing a Trail
The webinar emphasizes learning about the trail and to determine what needs to be communicated, and where information is best posted.
Wilderness Trails: Special Places, Special Considerations.
This webinar will provide some basic information on trails in federally-designated Wilderness, examples of practical experiences, and resources to learn more. Presented by: Pete Irvine, retired, USDA Forest Service Dan Abbe, Wilderness Specialist,…
Further Education
Training Programs for Construction Specifications
Trail Technician 1 Exam
The Trail Technician multiple-choice exam evaluates foundational knowledge in trail development, aligned with the progression from entry-level to full Trail Competency standards.
Trail Fundamentals Video Series
The Professional TrailBuilders Association (PTBA) has launched the development of the Trail Fundamentals Video Series—a free, entry-level educational resource designed to support sustainable trail development and trail trainings worldwide.
IMBA Trail Management Schools
This school is typically two days in length with IMBA instructor(s) traveling to your location to deliver the class to staff or members. Instructors arrive the day before to assess the site and do any necessary preparations. Organizations, clubs, or…
IMBA Trail Care Schools
Trail Care Schools equip volunteers and organizations with the skills necessary to maintain modern mountain bike trails in partnership with the local land management. This course will begin with sustainable trail design principles, such as drainage…
Sustainable Trail Building One Year Certificate Program
In this one-year certificate program, you’ll have boots-on-the-ground at Northwoods Stewardship Center in East Charleston, VT for three individual week-long intensive classes. You will grow your knowledge base and connect with trail building…
Trail Academy
Trail Academy is our free class series that teaches students how to tackle any trail-related challenge. Courses are hosted both in the field and online, and are a great starting point for anyone looking to become a certified Trail Crew Leader or…
Skill Library
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
Custom Trainings
There are 83 trainers on TrailSkills
with Construction Specifications experience
Richard Edwards
Morgantown, WV
Assistant Director of Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure
West Virginia University
Hire Workers
There are 327 workers on TrailSkills
with Construction Specifications experience
Jonathan Szalewicz
Craftsbury Common, VT
Trails Volunteer Programs Supervisor
Appalachian Mountain Club
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Contact Us
Know of a good resource for this skill? Let us know! From webinars, to workshops, to PDFs, we'd like to add them to our resource library.
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