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.


Resources for Hand-Built Trail Construction:

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Learn More

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,…


Further Education

Training Programs for Hand-Built Trail Construction

Sustainable Trail Building One Year Certificate Program
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

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…

Trail Sustainability Institute
Trail Sustainability Institute

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…

IMBA Trail Solutions Advanced Trail Building School
IMBA Trail Solutions Advanced Trail Building School

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.

Trails Certificate
Trails Certificate

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…

Sustainable Trails Development
Sustainable Trails Development

The Sustainable Trails curriculum welcomes students from various fields who are interested in trails development, programming and management, as well as design.

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.

Wendy

Wendy Lotze

Trainer Nonprofit Higher Education

Tucson, AZ

I manage the Volunteer program at the Arizona Trail Association, organizing over 20,000 hours of…

Mike

Mike Riter

Trail Design Specialists (Georgia)

Contractor Trainer

Danielsville, GA

We are a full service trail company. Our services include trail design, construction and…

Don

Don Kelly

USDA Forest Service

Trainer Agency

Marion, VA

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

Matt

Matt Malone

Nature Trails, LLC

Contractor Trainer

Brevard, NC

Daniel

Daniel Whitaker

American River Parkway Foundation

Trainer Nonprofit

Carmichael, CA

Began on a trail crew with the Arizona Conservation Corps. We maintained trails in the Coronado…

Pete

Pete Englund

Legacy Trails LLC

Contractor Trainer

Madrid, IA

Pete Englund had been performing crew based trail work across 12 different states for 18 years…

Search and sort all 54 trainers

Hire Workers

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

Darran

Darran Wells

Higher Education

Lander, WY

I have been teaching sustainable trail construction since 2010 as part of our Outdoor Education…

Jay

Jay Post

Trainer Higher Education

Russellville, AR

I coordinate and teach the Trail Management Certificate Program at Arkansas Tech University. Plus,…

Chad

Chad Jordan

Nonprofit

Suttons Bay, MI

Josh

Josh Reynolds

Trustees of Reservations

Nonprofit

Northampton, MA

I am a full-time, year-round member of the Trails Team for Massachusetts non-profit The Trustees of…

Thomas

Thomas Cronin

Sustainable Trail Design

Contractor

Buena Vista, CO

I have 16 years experience honing my craft of trail work. I am well versed in all aspects of trail…

Gabe

Gabe Barela

Contractor

Walsenburg, CO

Search and sort all 214 workers

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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.

Let us know
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