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 and minimizes off trail impacts

Entry Level Performance

  • Demonstrate understanding of the concepts of full bench, partial bench, and raised tread trail
  • Safely use hand tools to construct trail in various stages and incorporate sustainability principles, with active direct supervision

Full Performance Level

  • Safely use hand tools to construct a trail with a full bench, raised tread, and/or combination that meets the construction specifications and trail sustainability principles independently across multiple types of terrain, soils and ground conditions

Expert Level Performance

  • Efficiently and effectively use hand tools to construct a trail, drawing from a variety of techniques to create a full bench, raised tread or combination trail that meets construction specifications and sustainability principles across numerous types of terrain, soils and ground conditions including difficult and challenging types.

Resources for Hand-Built Trail Construction:

Documents and MediaVideo TrainingsTraining ProgramsCalendar
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Learn More

Documents and Media 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

Pump Track Design and Construction w Peter Mills, Elevated Trail Design
McDowell Tech Community College
McDowell Tech Community College
Pump Track Design and Construction w Peter Mills, Elevated Trail Design

October 23 - 25, 2024

Old Fort, North Carolina

Pump Track Design and Construction w Peter Mills, Elevated Trail Design
McDowell Tech Community College
McDowell Tech Community College
Pump Track Design and Construction w Peter Mills, Elevated Trail Design

November 20 - 22, 2024

Old Fort, North Carolina

Pump Track Design and Construction w Peter Mills, Elevated Trail Design
McDowell Tech Community College
McDowell Tech Community College
Pump Track Design and Construction w Peter Mills, Elevated Trail Design

December 04 - 06, 2024

Old Fort, North Carolina

Custom Trainings

There are 63 trainers on TrailSkills
with Hand-Built Trail Construction experience

Hire Workers

There are 250 workers on TrailSkills
with Hand-Built Trail Construction experience

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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.

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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