Water Crossing Structures

Water Crossing Structures Skill Definition:

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.


Learn More

Resources for Water Crossing Structures

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…

Trails in Wet Areas: Turnpike and Puncheon Construction
Trails in Wet Areas: Turnpike and Puncheon Construction

Trails in Wet Areas: Turnpike and Puncheon Construction - USDA Forest Service 1994 - 0823-2D01-MTDC - Missoula Technology Development Center. Learn about turnpikes and puncheons and which will work best for your wet trails.

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.

Custom Trainings

There are 43 trainers on TrailSkills
with Water Crossing Structures experience.

Landon

Landon Welsh

Pacific Crest Trail Association

Trainer Nonprofit

Seattle, WA

Volunteer Training Coordinator for the Pacific Crest Trail Association-- planning trail-wide…

Daniel

Daniel Briceño

San Diego Mountain Biking Association

Contractor Trainer Nonprofit

Chula Vista, CA

Caelan

Caelan Parker

USDA Forest Service

Trainer Agency

Mccall, ID

I am an early-career trails professional with the Forest Service. I have seven Agency field seasons…

Vaike

Vaike Haas

Trainer Higher Education

Morgantown, WV

I lead WVU's Sustainable Trails Curriculum, am a licensed landscape architect and Associate…

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…

Galeo

Galeo Saintz

Contractor Trainer Nonprofit

Plettenberg Bay

Galeo Saintz is the co-founder of South Africa’s two longest trail initiatives. For 10 years he…

Search and sort all 43 trainers

Hire Workers

There are 180 profiles on TrailSkills
with Water Crossing Structures experience.

Preston

Preston York

FlowMotion Trail Builders, LLC

Contractor

Anniston , AL

We are mountain bikers that have built over two hundred miles of recreational trails in five…

Fordyce

Fordyce Lux

Jefferson County Open Space

Agency

Golden, CO

After starting my trails career with the Student Conservation Association in Massachusetts, I have…

Lisa

Lisa Heigh

Nonprofit

Astoria, OR

Aaron

Aaron Cholewa

Contractor

Severance, CO

Aaron Cholewa is an accomplished and dedicated trail builder with a profound passion for the…

Bryan

Bryan G

Corps Nonprofit

Chicago, IL

I believe that everybody in this nature is placed in this world for a purpose. Placing…

Samantha

Samantha Burt

USDA Forest Service

Agency

Kamas, UT

Search and sort all 180 workers

Suggest a Resource

Contact Us

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.

Let us know
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