American Trails

From Concept to Construction: Building a Long-Distance Adaptive Trail

Recorded Training

Webinar Project Planning and Design Program Administration

This webinar shares the story of how Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina came to pursue an adaptive trail design, the construction techniques and lessons learned along the way, and how they are continuing to advance the project through outreach and future planning.

Webinar Outline

The Wilderness Gateway State Trail is a newly developed, adaptive-optimized long-distance trail in the South Mountains of western North Carolina. This webinar shares the story of how Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina came to pursue an adaptive trail design, the construction techniques and lessons learned along the way, and how FCNC is continuing to advance the project through outreach and future planning. The presentation aims to demystify the process of building adaptive trails and equip participants with insights and practical considerations for expanding accessibility and welcoming a broader range of trail users.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to identify key planning and design decisions that can lead to adaptive trail standards, including how to recognize opportunities to expand accessibility during the construction process.
Participants will be able to describe construction approaches and design considerations that support adaptive trail use, including common challenges, early mistakes, and practical solutions/features that improve accessibility.
Participants will be able to outline strategies for promoting adaptive trails and building long-term engagement, including branding approaches, community engagement methods, and emerging recreation opportunities such as adaptive bikepacking.

Trail Competencies

Project Planning and Design
• Define Purpose, Need, and Feasibility of Project
• Corridor Planning

Program Administration
• Education and Public Outreach

Relevant Trail Types

General. All trail types are relevant.

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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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