- Prevent water erosion and other natural damage
- Water is a trail’s worst enemy. Storms can wash out trails and sever tree limbs, blocking a trail or making it unsafe for hikers. Even normal levels of rainfall can cause erosion and have long term effects on a trail.
- In 2007, The United States Forest Service published the Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook. is a beginner’s manual for building or maintaining a sustainable trail. At a minimum, all trail construction or maintenance volunteers should review the Forest Service Notebook before participating in a trail project.
- Get local guidance
- Some local trail groups may provide volunteers additional training tailored for their geography or climate conditions. If there are no groups in your area, more in-depth training is available through non-governmental organizations. The Professional Trail Builders Association For a more hands-on experience, the International Mountain Bicycling Association travels the country conducting Trail-building Schools.
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