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.

Kim

Kim Frederick

Chinook Associates LLC

Contractor Trainer Agency Corps Nonprofit Higher Education

Golden, CO

Kim Frederick has over 45 years of experience in the design, development and management of…

Dylan

Dylan Lang

Conservation Legacy

Trainer Corps

Salida, CO

Allie

Allie Maloney

Contractor Trainer Nonprofit

Whitefish, MT

Allie Maloney is the Coordinator for the Flathead Trails Association. Her experience includes trail…

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…

Stephen

Stephen Crowe

Appalachian Mountain Club

Contractor Trainer Nonprofit

Cherry Valley, MA

Recruit, train and oversee volunteers to construct rock structures to harden treadway and maintain…

Andrea

Andrea Hassler

Access Fund

Contractor Trainer Nonprofit Higher Education

Chattanooga, TN

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Hire Workers

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

Andrea

Andrea Hassler

Access Fund

Contractor Trainer Nonprofit Higher Education

Chattanooga, TN

Christopher

Christopher Bernard

Sages Trail Solutions LLC

Contractor

Spring, TX

Sages has been in business for more than 8 years and has built trails and trail related features…

Jerome

Jerome Dumais

Eastern Trails, Inc.

Contractor

Mansonville

Trailbuilduing company based in Mansonville, Quebec, Canada

Charles

Charles Evans

Pocahontas County CVB

Contractor Agency Nonprofit

Marlinton, WV

Trail manager

Josh

Josh Hess

Nonprofit Higher Education

East Montpelier, VT

I am just getting started, have no professional experience or training, but extremely eager to…

Kevin

Kevin Deiters

Central Texas Trail Tamers

Nonprofit

Austin, TX

President and founding member of the Central Texas Trail Tamers. The Trail Tamers have been…

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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