Skill Definition

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

Entry Level Performance

  • Demonstrate understanding of basic physical signs of water flow and/or inundation
  • Identify different types of water crossing structures and their appropriation application
  • Perform tasks to further the construction of a water crossing structure (i.e. install decking, measure and cut lumber, haul materials) with supervision

Full Performance Level

  • Construct a variety of water crossing structures to meet the hydrologic conditions and construction specifications/engineering plans

Expert Level Performance

  • Work with engineering plans, drawings, etc. to construct structures according to specifications
  • Identify the appropriate water crossing structure if not specified -Implement appropriate tools and techniques to efficiently and effectively construct water crossing features
  • Plan to transport and stockpile the appropriate materials for efficient and safe implementation

Resources for Water Crossing Structures

Documents and MediaVideo TrainingsTraining ProgramsCalendar
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Documents and Media for Water Crossing Structures

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.

Wetland Trail Design and Construction
Wetland Trail Design and Construction

In this manual we have described the common techniques for building a wetland trail. We have also included information on some of the more unusual materials and tools.

Drainage Crossings
Drainage Crossings

The PCT and its feeder trails cross water courses of every conceivable size and type. Because bridges are time consuming and expensive, whenever possible it is better to build simpler structures that are more durable. Learn to build and maintain two…

Foundations of Sustainable Trails: Structures
Foundations of Sustainable Trails: Structures

​​This course serves as an introduction and overview to usage, construction, and form of critical trail structures. It begins with a focus on five main types of water crossings. Participants will be introduced to planning decisions based on trail…


Trail Skills Training Library

Recorded Trainings for Water Crossing Structures


Further Education

Training Programs for Water Crossing Structures

IMBA Trail Management Schools
IMBA Trail Management Schools

This school is typically two days in length with IMBA instructor(s) traveling to your location to deliver the class to staff or members. Instructors arrive the day before to assess the site and do any necessary preparations. Organizations, clubs, or…

IMBA Trail Care Schools
IMBA Trail Care Schools

Trail Care Schools equip volunteers and organizations with the skills necessary to maintain modern mountain bike trails in partnership with the local land management. This course will begin with sustainable trail design principles, such as drainage…

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…

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…

Training Calendar

Upcoming Trainings for Water Crossing Structures

Safe Bridges for All
Indiana Trails
Indiana Trails
Safe Bridges for All

May 13 - 15, 2025

Louisville, Kentucky

Custom Trainings

There are 69 trainers on TrailSkills
with Water Crossing Structures experience

Hire Workers

There are 258 workers on TrailSkills
with Water Crossing Structures experience

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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 Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals Washington Trails Association