Delivering successful trail projects requires a clear understanding of the full trail project life cycle - from early planning and feasibility through design, construction, and long-term maintenance. This session walks through the key phases of trail development, highlighting important decisions, project deliverables, stakeholder coordination, and implementation considerations along the way.
Participants will gain insight into how trail projects evolve across phases, how early decisions influence long-term sustainability and user experience, and how different project components work together to support successful outcomes. Ideal for land managers, planners, nonprofit leaders, and trail professionals, this session provides a practical overview of how trail projects move from idea to implementation.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the key phases of the trail project life cycle.
Participants will identify the major stages of trail development, from planning and feasibility through design, construction, and long-term maintenance.
Evaluate how early project decisions affect long-term outcomes.
Participants will explain how choices made during planning and design can influence sustainability, maintenance needs, user experience, and overall project success.
Identify the roles of coordination, deliverables, and implementation in successful trail projects.
Participants will recognize how stakeholder engagement, project documentation, and coordinated implementation contribute to moving a trail project from concept to completion.
Presenters:
Erin Amadaon, Town 4 Trail Services
Mariah Keagy, Sinuosity