Trail Maintenance Skills and Competencies

Specific skills used in maintenance of trails and greenways: maintenance of trails; repair of various trail elements; maintenance of trailheads and related facilities.

by American Trails Staff

Skills for Natural Surface Trail Maintenance

  • Tools and safety for hand trail maintenance
  • Maintenance of off-highway vehicle routes and trails
  • Maintenance of on-snow routes for skiers, snowmobilers, and other winter trail uses

Skills for Maintenance of Trail-related Elements

  • Maintaining drainage and water control elements

Skills for Accessible Trail Maintenance

  • Maintaining surfaces and facilities for accessible trails

Skills for Urban Trail and Bike/Ped Facility Maintenance

  • Materials and paving installation
  • Using vehicles for trail cleaning and snow removal

Skills for Trailhead Facility Maintenance

  • Maintaining signs and trail user information structures

Skills for Inspection and Maintenance of Structures

  • Inspection and maintenance of hand-built backcountry bridges
  • Inspection and maintenance of puncheon, corduroy, and turnpikes
  • Inspection and maintenance of boardwalks
  • Inspection and maintenance of rock walls and steps

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