Trailworks Resources

1. Professional Associations & Networking (Essential)

Trail Builders Association

Professional TrailBuilders Association (PTBA): trailbuilders.org – The top industry resource for connecting with, finding, and training with professional, full-time trail contractors.

American Trails

A comprehensive resource library covering trail planning, design, and management.

IMBA Trail Solutions

The International Mountain Bicycling Association’s professional arm that designs and builds high-quality, ustainable trails

2. Technical Standards & Guidelines (Design & Build)

USDA Forest Service Trail Building Guide

USDA Forest Service Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook: Considered the “bible” of trail building, covering techniques like turnpikes, drainage, and switchbacks.

Rails to Trails Toolbox

Trail-Building Toolbox (Rails to Trails Conservancy): railstotrails.org – Excellent for multiuse trail design, management, and funding information.

USFS Standard Trail Plans: fs.usda.gov – Detailed 3D models and plans for structures like puncheons, retaining walls, and boardwalks

3. Equipment & Specialization

SWECO Trail Dozers: swecotraildozers.com – Often considered the standard for
mechanized trail construction.
Caterpillar Performance Handbook: americantrails.org – A critical resource for
estimating heavy equipment performance

4. Education & Safety

Trail Skills (IMBA): trailskills.org – Focuses on community-driven, sustainable trail
construction techniques.
5 Essential Steps to Becoming a Professional Trail Builder: americantrails.org – A
guide for scaling up from volunteering to professional contracting.

5. Funding Resources

Recreational Trails Program (RTP): fhwa.dot.gov – Federal funding source that provides manuals on trail construction