Trail Finishwork

Skill Definition

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

Entry Level Performance

Use hand tools for final shaping of tread, backslope, construction spoils, and other features with supervision
Use plate compactor for compaction if required with supervision

Full Performance Level

Use a variety of hand or mechanical tools and techniques to meet specifications for final tread surface, shaping, backslope and compaction independently across multiple types of terrain, soils and ground conditions

Expert Level Performance

Plan the trail finishwork to use a variety of hand and/or mechanical tools and techniques
Ensure that the product meets specifications for final tread surface, shaping, backslope and compaction independently across multiple types of terrain, soils and ground conditions

Resources for Trail Finishwork

Documents and Media • Video Trainings • Training Programs
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Documents and Media for Trail Finishwork

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.

Equestrian Design Guidebook for Trails, Trailheads, and Campgrounds

This guidebook provides practical guidelines for developing recreation environments that are sensitive to the needs of riders and their stock.

Introduction to Foundations of Sustainable Trails: A Trail from Start to Finish

A Trail from Start to Finish is an introductory, short "micro-learning" targeted to developing trail workers. Anticipated to take about 15 minutes to complete, this microlearning discusses what it means for a trail to be sustainable and describes…

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

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…

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Trail Skills Training Library

Recorded Trainings for Trail Finishwork

Vegetation Design for Trailbuilders: Controlling Erosion and Creating Habitat with Minimal Horticulture Experience and Resources

With the increasing public demand for native plants and a push to find alternatives, learn from one landscape architect’s experience developing prairies in a variety of environments.

Porous Flexible Pavement, Asphalt, or Porous Asphalt: Lessons Learned for Multi-Use Trails in the District of Columbia

This webinar will discuss the various types of materials used for paved, multi-use trails in the District of Columbia. We will discuss different projects where we used flexi-pave, asphalt, or porous asphalt and our experience with each material. How…

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Further Education