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

North Country Trail Handbook
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.

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.


Trail Skills Training Library

Recorded Trainings for Hand-Built Trail Construction

Wilderness Trails: Special Places, Special Considerations.
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,…

Training Calendar

Upcoming Trainings for Hand-Built Trail Construction

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.

Landon

Landon Welsh

Pacific Crest Trail Association

Trainer Nonprofit

Seattle, WA

Volunteer Training Coordinator for the Pacific Crest Trail Association-- planning trail-wide…

Steve

Steve Kruger

Trainer Nonprofit

Portland, OR

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

Kevin

Kevin Simpson

Mountain Surf Creative

Contractor Trainer Higher Education

Quincy, CA

Kevin founded Mountain Surf Creative in 2023 as a way to bring creative solutions to trail related…

Charlotte

Charlotte Staats

Adirondack Mountain Club

Contractor Trainer Nonprofit

Lake Placid, NY

I am a seasoned trail builder who has worked on trails in New York State since 2015. I've worked…

Caelan

Caelan Parker

USDA Forest Service

Trainer Agency

Mccall, ID

I am an early-career trails professional with the Forest Service. I have seven Agency field seasons…

Jim

Jim Bedwell

Contractor Trainer

Golden, CO

Thirty-eight years of experience in the US Forest Service in landscape architecture, recreation…

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Hire Workers

There are 214 profiles on TrailSkills
with Hand-Built Trail Construction experience.

vincent

vincent mcalinden

Nonprofit

Newry

Mountaineering. Ireland -Volunteer: Access and Conservation UK Visitor Safety Group - Member of…

Emily

Emily Paulson

City of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks

Trainer Agency Corps Nonprofit

Boulder, CO

I'm a trail project manager with a background in leading, training & managing trail crew…

Jay

Jay Vander Wall

Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association (TOMMBA)

Nonprofit

Boyne City, MI

Alex

Alex Duryea

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Agency

Lincoln, NE

I serve as the state trail administrator for the state of Nebraska. Duties include administering…

Joshua

Joshua Richardson

Nonprofit

Wilmot, OH

I am the Building and Grounds Manager for The Wilderness Center in Wilmot Ohio. I am part of the…

Travis

Travis Taylor

Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship

Contractor Trainer Nonprofit

Santa Cruz, CA

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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