Trail Construction

Trail Construction Skills Include:

Construction Specifications

Understand and apply common construction specifications/trail management objectives such as corridor height/width, tread width, cross/outslope, protrusions, obstacles, and compaction.

Corridor Clearing

Clear the corridor (brushing, logging out, hazard tree removal, rock/stump removal) in preparation for construction using proper pruning techniques.

Hand-Built Trail Construction

Using hand tools, construct a trail with a full bench, raised tread, and/or combination that meets the construction specifications.

Mechanized Trail Construction

Safely use and maintain mechanized trail construction equipment (i.e. mini-excavators, skid steers, trail dozers, compactors, etc) to construct trail that meets construction specifications.

Trail Finishwork

Utilize tools, often mechanical (i.e. excavators, harrow rakes, compact utility loaders, compactors), to meet specifications for final tread surface and backslope preparation and compaction, construction spoils management, and erosion control stabilization.

Water Management/Drainage Features

Construct drainage features that decrease erosion , including grade reversals, berms, ditches, and sheet drains.

Water Crossing Structures

Construct a water crossing structure (i.e. puncheon, turnpike, bridge) to span drainageways or wetland areas and raise the trail above the high water line while maintaining uninterrupted hydrology beneath the constructed feature.

Retaining Walls

Construct stone or wood retaining walls to bolster unconsolidated soils, gain elevation, or transition tread from rocks/natural barriers.

Tread Hardening

Install the appropriate treadway hardening technique for a trail given the slopes, soils, available material (wood, rock, gravel) and designed use, including advanced hardening techniques (i.e. turnpiking, rock culverts, boulder causeway, rock drains).

Trailside Structures / Dispersed Recreation

Build and maintain trail heads, parking lots, kiosks, sanitary facilities, camping facilities, traffic barriers, and directional signage.

Decommissioning Trails

Demonstrated ability to plan and implement the closure, reclamation, and revegetation of a trail segment.

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Sustainable Trail Bridge Design

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Trail Skills College Course Curriculum

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Stonework: Techniques and Projects

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Stone Primer

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Appalachian Trail Design, Construction, and Maintenance

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Great Trails: Providing Quality OHV Trails and Experiences Guidebook

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Pennsylvania Trail Design & Development Principles

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Guidelines for a Quality Trail Experience

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Bike Parks: IMBA's Guide to New School Trails

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Lightly on the Land

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North Country Trail Handbook

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IMBA Trail Solutions

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Equestrian Design Guidebook for Trails, Trailheads, and Campgrounds

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Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook