Blog
Equine Trails
Sustainable equine trail building is key to preserving the environment and having safe fun riding. As equestrian activities grow in popularity the need to build and maintain trails that have minimal impact becomes more important.
Designing Trails for User Type
The Rails To Trails Conservancy is a great organization with valuable tools and insights for trail design for hiking, cyclists, equestrians, mountain bikers, and ATV ‘s.
Single Track Mountain Bike Trails
Singletrack (or single track) describes a type of mountain biking trail that is approximately the width of the bike. It contrasts with double-track or fire road which is wide enough for four-wheeled off-road vehicles. It is often smooth and flowing, but may also feature technical rocky sections, go over tree roots, and include berms, banked turns, switch-backs, hills, drops, jumps, and so forth. Single track which descends significantly, and in the most downward direction, is said to be following the fall line.
Trail Fundamentals
This educational video from PTBA (Professional TrailBuilders Association) explores one of the most crucial elements in sustainable trail planning and design: managing water and drainage. Using visual examples, including topographic map overlays and field footage, the video shows how trail professionals plan and build with water in mind—designing alignments that avoid channeling runoff and reduce long-term maintenance issues. Viewers will learn the difference between fall-line and contour trails, understand how water behaves across the landscape, and see how trail planning can support sustainable trail development.
Best Texas Mountain Bike Trails
The folks at Singletracks.com have a great resource for Texas Mountain bike trail fans. Click on the map to find great Mountain Biking trails near you.
Building Trails That Last: Sustainable Mountain Biking in Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas — including our passion for the outdoors. Whether you’re bombing down rocky ridgelines in the Hill Country or winding through pine forests in East Texas, sustainable trail building makes sure the ride stays epic for generations to come.
Sustainable Trail Building Overview
Sustainable trail building focuses on creating trails that minimize environmental impact, enhance user safety, and require minimal maintenance over time. This involves careful planning, design, and construction techniques that consider the surrounding landscape and climate.
Key Principles of Sustainable Trail Design
1. Half Rule
The trail’s slope should be less than half the slope of the land on either side.
NBLS Trailworks Sustainable Trail Building Services
Looking to build a long-lasting, low-maintenance trail that protects the natural environment? NBLS Trailworks is a specialist in sustainable trail design and construction, focusing on durability, safety, and minimal ecological impaNBLS Trailworks ct.
