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.

William

William Jones

USDA Forest Service

Trainer Agency

Hood River, OR

In my sixth year working wilderness, motorized, and non-motorized trails for the Forest Service;…

Walt

Walt Bready

Contractor Trainer Nonprofit

Blairsville, GA

Walt Bready is the former State of Georgia Trails Education Specialist and current owner of Trails…

Conor

Conor Boynton-Orr

Contractor Trainer Corps

Walsenburg, CO

I am the director of the Huerfano Youth Conservation Corps and I work as an instructor of Trail…

Mariah

Mariah Keagy

Sinuosity

Contractor Trainer

Morristown, VT

Mariah Keagy began her career in trail construction and reconstruction in the Green Mountains…

Ben

Ben Appleby

Linear Active LLC

Contractor Trainer

Zanesville, OH

I am the founder and owner of Linear Active LLC. I started the business in 2012 after completing my…

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…

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Hire Workers

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

Larry

Larry Knutson

Penn Trails LLC

Contractor Trainer

Newville, PA

Larry Knutson, is founder and President of Penn Trails LLC. A cloud based company for 16 years, we…

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…

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…

chauncy

chauncy young

Nonprofit

Victor, NY

Anna

Anna Baklund

Tread Lightly!, Inc.

Nonprofit

Kelso, WA

Hi! My name is Anna and I'm the Program Manager for Washington and Oregon for Tread Lightly! I work…

Jan

Jan Kiger

Higher Education

Fairmont, WV

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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