Resource Library:

Sustainable Trails



published May 2018

We Built It and They Came

by Robert (Bob) Searns with Robert Searns and Associates, Inc., John M. Pflaum, PE, Bill Woodcock with South Suburban Park and Recreation District

How Littleton, CO and the South Suburban Park and Recreation District addressed trail crowding, conflicts and excessive speed.


published May 2018

Four Simple Tasks to Do Prior to Trail Design

Asking the right questions is a vital first step in effective planning of a trail project.


published Jun 2014

QUESTIONS and ANSWERS from webinar on Mountain Trail Sustainability

by Hugh Duffy with National Park Service

Webinar Follow up Questions & Answers, by Hugh Duffy, National Park Service


published Mar 2018

Colorado Fourteeners Initiative’s Sustainable Trails Program

Developing a more uniform, systematic and data-driven process to set capital construction and maintenance priorities was vital to ensure funding is going to the highest priority projects.


published Feb 2018

Operations, Maintenance, and Stewardship 101

by Robert (Bob) Searns with Robert Searns and Associates, Inc.

It's not as glamorous as building the trail. There is no ribbon cutting for a maintenance program and seldom does upkeep win a national award. Yet, operations, maintenance, and stewardship are essential to the safe use, enjoyment, and long-term success of any trail.


published Jan 2008

Building Sustainable Trails: Key Design Elements

by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation

Designing sustainable contour trails that reduce maintenance needs while providing a good experience for visitors.


published Nov 2004

Two Trail Design Books Cover "How to Think" and "How to Do It"

by American Trails Staff

A review of two popular trail design books.


published Jan 1991

Developing Sustainable Mountain Trail Corridors

by Hugh Duffy with National Park Service

This article introduces the criteria of maximum profile grade relative to the existing cross slope (fall line) as key to the development of natural surface trail projects that are sustainable. Key trail design concepts excerpted from trail documents are presented in this article.


published Jan 2018

Sustainable Trails: Doing it Right the First Time

by John Favro with TrailsGuy, LLC Trails Consulting

When you construct or reroute a trail, you are putting a structure on the landscape that will be there, in good or bad condition, for 100 years or more in most places. So why not do it right?


published Mar 2007

Basic Elements of Trail Design and Trail Layout

by American Trails Staff

The goal of trail building is to create a long-term relationship between humans and nature.


Results from the Business Directory


Forestoration, Inc.

Whitefish, Montana

Forestoration works with conservation-oriented landowners to provide sustainable land management and forest recreational development.


5605 Hwy 93 South, Whitefish, Montana 59937
(406) 862-4225 • [email protected]
https://forestoration.com/

Allegra Trails

Pontresina, Graubünden, CH, International

Allegra has been developing sustainable MTB destinations since 2004. Having our origins in a remote Alpine valley in Switzerland, early on we had to learn that MTB tourism needs to benefit the local communities. Not just...


Via Planet 7, Pontresina, Graubünden, CH, International 7504
+41788462070 • [email protected]
https://hello-allegra.com/

Interior Trails

Healy, Alaska

Design, Build, Consult, Teach--Sustainable Trails for Alaska and Beyond.


PO Box 618, Healy, Alaska 99743
(907) 952-3517 • [email protected]
https://www.interior-trails.com/

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