Hand-Built Trail Construction

Hand-Built Trail Construction Skill Definition:

Using hand tools, construct a trail with a full bench, raised tread, and/or combination that meets the construction specifications.


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Resources for Hand-Built Trail Construction

Hand Tool Field Maintenance
Hand Tool Field Maintenance

We rely on hand tools to lop branches, dig drain dips, remove slough and berm, construct waterbars and check steps, and much more. As a result, hand tools receive a great deal of wear and tear. Learn about the most common tool problems that are…

Choosing the Right Tools for Trail Work
Choosing the Right Tools for Trail Work

A wide variety of tools are available to layout, construct, and maintain trails. Local and individual preferences often dictate the kinds of tools which are chosen for various tasks.

Handtools for Trail Work
Handtools for Trail Work

The Missoula Technology and Development Center (MTDC), working with trail crews throughout the United States, has standardized a comprehensive document on the use and maintenance of handtools involved in trail work.

Foundations of Sustainable Trails: Tread and Alignment​
Foundations of Sustainable Trails: Tread and Alignment​

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…

​​Foundations of Sustainable Trails: Tools
​​Foundations of Sustainable Trails: Tools

​​​​Explore foundational concepts related to the safe trail use—all through the lens of developing and maintaining a sustainable trail. The course will outline the types of tools for trail work, their use in construction and maintenance, as well as…

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Upcoming Trainings for Hand-Built Trail Construction

Trail Skills Institute Module 5: Trail Construction
Arizona Trail Association
Arizona Trail Association
Trail Skills Institute Module 5: Trail Construction

April 27 - 28, 2024

Tucson, Arizona

Trail Building and Stewardship for Non-Motorized Multi-Use Trails Boot Camp
Vermont State University
Vermont State University
Sustainable Trail Building One-Year Certificate Program
Sustainable Trail Building One-Year Certificate Program

September 09, 2024

Lyndonville, Vermont

Custom Trainings

There are 54 trainers on TrailSkills
with Hand-Built Trail Construction experience.

Alex

Alex Bradley

Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA)

Trainer Corps Nonprofit

Middlefield, CT

Andy

Andy Crowley

Contractor Trainer

Ashland, NH

Conservation Trail Services LLC. Working with private, non-profit, and…

Don

Don Kelly

USDA Forest Service

Trainer Agency

Marion, VA

I have over 32 years of experience performing conservation, trails, and construction related…

stephen

stephen schneider

Access Fund

Contractor Trainer

Springdale, AR

Over 20 years as trail steward [non-profit board] IMBA Regional Director [SE Region] Rogue Trails…

Emma

Emma Bixler

CorpsTHAT, Inc.

Trainer Corps Nonprofit

Baltimore, MD

I have worked in the conservation corps industry for over 10 years with a focus on creating…

Steve

Steve Kruger

Trainer Nonprofit

Portland, OR

Steve has worked in parks and natural areas for nearly 20 years, around San Francisco, Milwaukee,…

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Hire Workers

There are 213 profiles on TrailSkills
with Hand-Built Trail Construction experience.

Jon

Jon Underwood

Happy Trails, Inc.

Contractor

Fairbanks, AK

Trail designer, consultant, and builder since 2006, mostly in Alaska. Design and construction of…

Jan

Jan Kiger

Higher Education

Fairmont, WV

Rod

Rod Wojtanik

Metro Regional Government

Agency

Portland, OR

Brock

Brock Messner

Jefferson County Open Space

Trainer Agency

Golden, CO

I have been a Trails Specialist with Jefferson County Open Space for 10yrs and was a Seasonal…

Craig

Craig Benton

Higher Education

Ottsville, PA

pascal

pascal lachance

Nonprofit

Saint-Donat-De-Montcalm

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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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Trail Skills Collaborators
Federal Highway Administration USDA Forest Service National Park Service Bureau of Land Management
American Trails Professional TrailBuilders Association Partnership for the National Trails System Northern Vermont University Northwest Arkansas Community College Eppley Institute Corps Network