World Trails Network
Artists Bluff: Professional Development in Sustainable Trail Design
Franconia, New Hampshire
Join the World Trails Network (WTN) and New Hampshire State Parks for this four-day collaborative workshop on developing sustainable, forward-thinking design solutions to address erosion, overcrowding, safety concerns, and long-term trail resilience.
A new vision for sustainable pedestrian trail design is taking shape however, and an upcoming workshop hosted by the World Trails Network (WTN) will address these issues directly. From June 8–11, 2026, an intensive four-day professional development session will focus on Artists Bluff as a case study. The event is tailored for experienced trail designers, contractors, engineers, landscape architects, and land managers. Participants will develop forward-thinking, sustainable design solutions addressing overcrowding, erosion, safety, and long-term trail resilience.
The WTN has assembled a faculty of professional trail builders, designers, and landscape architects from Peter Jensen and Associates, LLC, working in collaboration with the State of New Hampshire and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. American Trails and the Professional Trail Builders Association (PTBA) are supporting the event by assisting with marketing and providing tuition support for 24 selected participants.
This four-day, hands-on workshop will take place on the mountainside in Franconia Notch and will include both fieldwork and classroom learning. Workshop outcomes will be submitted to the New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) to inform future planning and funding decisions. Each participant will earn 32+ professional development hours and receive credentials under the Trail Competency Framework (“Expert” or “Full” categories) through www.Trailskills.org. The workshop will also be filmed for a PTBA/American Trails video conference, serving as a model for future national professional development programs.
This course builds on ongoing collaboration between WTN and Peter S. Jensen Associates, LLC in Franconia Notch under the “Restore the Ridge” initiative for the Franconia Ridge Loop Trails. WTN has provided private funding for sustainable restoration of the Old Bridle Path, with future to rebuild sections of the Falling Waters Trail. Upon completion in 2027, nearly two miles of state park trails will be reconstructed—extending their life and ecological value for another century.
Location
Cannon Mountain Base Lodge
2650 Profile Rd
Franconia, New Hampshire 03580
Trail Competencies
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Trail Construction
- • Trail Sustainability Principles
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Relevant Trail Types
General. All trail types are relevant.
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Started June 08, 2026
08:00 AMEnded June 11
05:00 PMThis event takes place in unknown time zone.
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Learning Credits and CEUs
Learning credits are available. The length of the session will determine the number of hours/credits given. In order to obtain credits, attendees must fill out an evaluation survey for each session they attend, as well as complete a learning credit tracking form noting each session they are requesting credits for (or a quiz if virtual). This form (and complete instructions) will be available during the live webinar or at registration when you check in for in-person events. Email the conference host or [email protected] with any questions.
American Trails is a certified provider and can offer the following learning credits and continuing education opportunities: AICP CM, LA CES (most HSW approved), NRPA CEU, and CEU/PDH Equivalency Petition for other accepting organizations.
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