Trail planning and feasibility studies 

A good trail starts with proper planning and a thorough understanding of the issues: who will use the trail, what is the trail's purpose, what is the big picture trail plan, what are the positive and negative control points? These questions and more have to be answered early on in the planning process. The next step is a feasibility report for the proposed corridor; can the trail be built with the resources (human and financial) available? Let our experts help provide answers to these and other questions.

Trail Master Plans

Large trail systems require a comprehensive trail plan for success. Trailhead planning and design, kiosk and other informational signage, stacked loop systems, connectivity issues, developing trail standards for different users and maximizing the topography while minimizing the impact on the landscapes are a few of the issues that need to be looked at in developing a master plan.

Trail design and layout

Sustainable trails begin with a good design and layout. Our team of experts has extensive experience in designing trails that will stand the test of time; both the test of heavy recreational use and also the many tests that Mother Nature throws at our trail systems. Without a proper design, you are setting the trail up for failure. Consult with Trail Dynamics on the design before you take the next step.

Trail Construction

Trail Dynamics has the experience you need to complete your project, no matter how small or large. TD staff has been involved in many hand build projects as well as the more efficient method of machine built trail. We use small equipment for many of our projects with an eye toward minimizing long-term impacts on the landscapes. Our fleet of trail machines includes an Ibex as well as a Toro Dingo; but we also often use a mini excavator/track-hoe and Sweco Traildozer. Each job is evaluated carefully to choose the combination of machines right for the job. This decision is based on the project's trail specifications and efficiency of build.

Maintenance and repairs

Many trails gracing our public trail systems suffer from poor design, these trails need to be maintained to prevent erosion and trailtread degradation. Many of these trails are leftover routes from the timber extraction industry and as such were not really intended for long-term recreational use. In many of these situations the answers are quite simple: get the water off the trail and keep the users on the trail. This simple two-step plan is achieved through the use of well-installed grade dips and trail knicks (as well as other water control methods) to get the water off the trail and through well placed guide structures where needed to coral trail uses and prevent trail widening or braiding. Trail Dynamics are experts at trail maintenance issues and can work with you to solve your problems.

Trail Solutions

Some maintenance needs are very large in scope and "out of the box" thinking and application is needed for solutions. We pride ourselves in offering real world solutions to real world trail problems when trails cannot be re-located (due to budget constraints, NEPA concerns or a host of other reasons). Appalachian Armour is one of the many techniques we have developed that can help to sustain major design flaws (such as falline trails). We have also developed rock and locust re-enforced grade dips and have had much success with these structures in several locations. Let our creative team help to solve your worst trail nightmares.  See a listing of our Solutions.

Restoration/Rehabilitation work

Closing a trail effectively is much more than just posting a "trail closed" sign. The trail needs to "disappear" if you really expect to keep users off of it. Additionally; if the trail is eroding due to water, removing the trail users does not fix the problem. Good restoration is an art form, part trail building knowledge and lots of landscaping knowledge are required to do the job right and make the old trail blend in with the landscape. TD staff includes a professional landscaper with 20 years of experience. Check dams to control water, scarifying the soil, transplanting native vegetation, and scattering of organic material are some of the techniques we use.

Volunteer crew leadership

Do you have a pool of volunteer labor available but don't know how to manage it? TD staff can help to maximize the safety and output of your volunteers, while assuring the job is done right. We have managed thousands of hours of volunteer labor including: public workdays, Americorps crews, Boy and Girl Scout groups, high school and college groups, and summer camp work projects. We know how to motivate volunteers and maximize the sense of accomplishment and fun involved in trailwork projects.

Education/Trail Schools

We have been involved in many trail school/education programs ranging from a simple 2 hr PowerPoint presentation to week long advanced trail building schools. TD staff believes that trail education is vitally important for trail volunteers, land managers and trail professionals alike. Many trail problems facing us today (user conflict, poor design, resource damage, etc) can be solved or certainly minimized through proper educational programs. Our staff includes professional educators with over 20 years experience in outdoor/adventure/environmental-based education. Please consider Trail Dynamics when planning your next trail education workshop/school.