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

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.

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.

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Trail Skills Training Library

Recorded Trainings for Construction Specifications

Choosing the Right Aggregate: Matching Material to Trail Use and Terrain

Help attendees evaluate site conditions and user needs to select the most appropriate material—reinforcing your team’s technical expertise and the value of well-engineered materials. Trail uses include both pedestrian and vehicular pathways in rural…

Installation Excellence for Trail Aggregate: Tips, Tricks, and Common Pitfalls

Deliver actionable insights on installation best practices that reduce long-term maintenance and boost user satisfaction. Trail uses include both pedestrian and vehicular pathways in rural and urban settings.

A Guide to Adaptive Mountain Bike Trailbuilding

This webinar will walk through the latest guidance for planning, designing, building, and retrofitting adaptive mountain bike trails, with a specific focus on nonmotorized, natural-surface trails. The speakers represent the critical stakeholders…

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.

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Further Education