Why Professional Trail Design and Construction?

Access to professionally designed trails means access to safe, reliable spaces where people of all ages and abilities can connect with nature.

Resilient Trails Network bridges the gap between local needs and the specialized skills required for sustainable trail projects.

By partnering with expert builders, we bring high-quality trail experiences to underserved communities that might not have access to these resources independently.

Distinguishing Professional Roles

At Resilient Trails Network, professional trail builders collaborate with us in two ways: (1) as unpaid volunteers contributing their expertise on select projects, and (2) as paid contractors when selected by towns or agencies for specific trail construction roles.

This distinction allows builders to provide valuable guidance as volunteers while ensuring that any compensated work aligns with community-led project goals.

When a town or agency engages one of our professional partners for a trail construction project, they have full control over choosing and compensating the builder.

This dual-role structure enables affordable access to professional expertise with clear guidelines for compensation, fostering fair and mutually beneficial partnerships for all stakeholders.

Lay Volunteers

We focus the efforts of lay trail volunteers on trails that have been professionally designed and constructed. This approach has two key advantages:

1. Professionally designed trails are far less likely to experience recurring issues caused by design flaws, making them more sustainable in the long run.

2. We are committed to supporting high-quality trails and honoring the expertise of the professionals who make them possible.

By dedicating volunteer efforts to sustainable, expertly designed trails, we ensure that volunteers can focus on manageable, routine maintenance rather than repeated fixes. This approach respects the time and commitment of our volunteers and allows us to invest in trails built to endure.

High-Quality Outdoor Experiences

Trails crafted with professional expertise are designed to follow the natural terrain, optimize scenic views, and provide a safe, inviting environment. This thoughtful approach enriches visitors’ experiences, allowing them to connect deeply with the beauty of North Carolina’s landscapes.

Landscape Preservation

Through durable, low-impact design, we ensure that each trail preserves and integrates with its surrounding environment, sustaining North Carolina’s natural beauty for generations to come.

Partner With Us

Resilient Trails Network connects municipalities, agencies, and nonprofits with skilled trail professionals who can bring trail projects to life through sustainable, high-quality design and construction.

For trail builders, communities, or supporters interested in partnering with Resilient Trails Network, please contact Jenny Edwards at jenny@theresilienttrailsnetwork.org or call (336) 496-8181.

Together, we can build sustainable trails that inspire, connect, and endure.

Sample Partnership Memorandum of Agreement with Resilient Trails Network is here.