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.
Construct/restore trail drainage features that decrease erosion , including knicks, grade dips, grade reversals, berms, ditches, and sheet drains.
Resources for Drainage Features/Water Management:
Documents and Media
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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.
Appalachian Trail volunteers play an active role in managing water on the footpath since moving water and standing water can damage the tread surface and surrounding areas. This video presents concepts of trail alignment, presents how to mitigate…
One important factor that we examine when we assess the condition of a trail is the effect that erosion is having upon the trail surface. This video covers three of the most obvious signs of trail erosion: loose rocks, cuts and areas of deposition.…
Surface Water Control Techniques for Trail Maintenance - USDA Forest Service 1992 - 0823-2D01-MTDC - Missoula Technology Development Center. Learn routine maintenance to prevent water erosion on trails.
Water and gravity constantly threaten our trails and thus we must learn how best to deflect them. This course begins with basics of hillside hydrology and how trails work when they shed water properly. Includes introduction of “trail eyes” and basic…
PCTA Trail Skills College Curriculum
Trail Skills Training Library
This webinar will discuss the challenges of legacy trails, examine with photos and commentary commonly built trail features, and applying the SET test to them. It will also discuss the renovation of existing features and the construction of new…
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…
A decade after initial publication, The Third Mode author will provide an update to discuss recent accomplishments that tie into the central concept of “the third mode” including his co-founding of Citi Bike, building the Empire State Trail, and…
This webinar aims to address these challenges by focusing on effective construction techniques, recommended products, and best management practices for trail planning, construction, and maintenance.
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,…
Learn how to use a variety of mobile and desktop based technologies to assess, plan, and design trails across the country. Presented by: Jon Altschuld, Founder and Principal, Chinook Landscape Architecture, LLC Tony Boone, COO, Timberline TrailCraft
Further Education
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 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…
The Trail Sustainability Institute (TSI) is NWTA’s internal training classes for everything related to trail building. We want to make sure our trail builders are knowledgeable in not only how to build/maintain fun trails, but ensure those trails…
Partner with IMBA Trail Solutions and create with confidence. By deploying a complete range of skills–including visioning, detailed design, professional construction, and training for stewardship–our comprehensive approach saves resources.
Gain insight into best practices related to the design, construction and maintenance of trails. Learn about and apply techniques that can enhance, rehabilitate and protect trails and greenways. Participants will also learn about trail…
The Sustainable Trails curriculum welcomes students from various fields who are interested in trails development, programming and management, as well as design.
Training Calendar
June 12 - 13, 2024
East Burke, Vermont
Custom Trainings
Middlefield, CT
Trails Stewardship Coordinator
Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA)
Hire Workers
Hyattsville, MD
Park Trails Manager II
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Montgomery County Department of Parks (M-NCPPC)
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