When riders see a new ribbon of singletrack appear in the woods, it can feel like it happened overnight. In reality, a new trail system is usually the result of months—or more often, years—of planning, relationship-building, and careful work behind the scenes.
CAMBr doesn’t own the land we ride on. That means every new trail system begins and ends with partnership: earning trust with land managers, proving we can build sustainably, and demonstrating that we’ll be reliable long-term stewards once the trail is open.
Here’s what the process typically looks like.
1) Identifying the opportunity
New trail opportunities come from many places:
- A land manager exploring new recreational uses
- A community member or local official asking “Could mountain biking work here?”
- CAMBr volunteers spotting a property with strong potential
- A broader planning effort (master plans, open space initiatives, conservation projects)
At this stage, our job is to listen and learn. We consider basic questions like:
- Is this property publicly accessible (or potentially accessible)?
- Does it have the right terrain and soils for sustainable trails?
- Is there a realistic path to approval and long-term maintenance?
- Could mountain biking fit alongside other uses (hiking, equestrian, nature education, etc.)?
Not every good “map idea” becomes a good real-world project—so we prioritize opportunities with the best alignment between recreation, conservation, and partner goals.
2) Evaluating the site: sustainability first
Before we pitch anything, we assess whether a site can support durable trails with minimal impact. This includes:
- Terrain & drainage: Can we build trails that shed water naturally?
- Soils: Will the trail surface hold up to traffic, or is it prone to rutting?
- Sensitive areas: Wetlands, rare habitats, steep slopes, cultural resources, and protected zones
- Access & logistics: Parking, emergency access, equipment staging, and volunteer safety
- Connectivity: Can the trail system be designed to reduce conflict and improve flow?
This is where good trail building starts: not with “where we want to ride,” but with “what the land can sustain.”
3) Making contact with the land manager
The most important step in any new trail system is the relationship with the land manager. They have responsibilities we share:
- Protecting natural resources
- Managing risk and public safety
- Balancing multiple user groups
- Operating within policy, budgets, and public expectations
Our approach is collaborative and professional. We seek to understand:
- Their priorities and constraints
- What has (and hasn’t) worked in the past
- Their internal approval process and timeline
- What “success” looks like from their perspective
When we build trust early, everything else goes better.
4) Pitching the proposal: benefits, not demands
A strong proposal is not “we want trails.” It’s a plan that shows how trails can help the land manager meet their goals.
A typical CAMBr proposal includes:
- A concept-level trail plan (phased, flexible, and designed around sensitive areas)
- A stewardship plan (who maintains what, how often, and with what oversight)
- A safety and risk approach (signage, difficulty ratings, inspections, closures, and reporting)
- A community value case (healthy recreation, volunteer engagement, responsible use)
- A low-risk partnership model (CAMBr provides expertise and volunteer labor; land manager retains control)
5) Working through objections and concerns
Land managers and stakeholders often raise valid questions. Addressing them well is part of being a trusted partner.
Common concerns include:
- Environmental impact: erosion, wildlife disturbance, invasive species, and habitat fragmentation
- User conflict: hikers, equestrians, dog walkers, and other shared-use needs
- Safety and liability: injury risk, emergency response, and public perception
- Maintenance capacity: “Will this become our problem?”
- Policy and precedent: how the decision fits with agency rules and past decisions
CAMBr’s role is to respond with facts, experience, and practical solutions—like sustainable design standards, shared-use etiquette, sightline improvements, speed management strategies, and clear signage.
Sometimes, projects change significantly during this phase. That’s normal—and often necessary to create a trail system that lasts.
6) Agreements and approvals
Before any shovel hits the dirt, there’s typically a formal agreement that defines roles and expectations. These may include:
- Scope of work and approval authority
- Volunteer requirements and supervision
- Safety procedures and incident reporting
- Insurance and liability provisions
- Tool use and storage
- Communication protocols
- Termination clauses and review periods
These agreements protect the land manager, protect CAMBr, and protect long-term access. They also keep everyone aligned when leadership changes—on either side.
7) Making sure we can truly support it
A new trail system isn’t just a build. It’s a long-term commitment.
Before we take on a new project, we evaluate whether we have the capacity to deliver:
- Volunteer leadership: crew leaders, safety leads, and project coordinators
- Volunteer participation: steady turnout across seasons—not just at launch
- Financial resources: tools, materials, signage, equipment, and contingency needs
- Partnership support: communication, approvals, and ongoing alignment with the land manager
If we can’t maintain it, we shouldn’t build it. Sustainable access is earned through consistency.
8) Planning the build: design, phasing, and standards
Once approved, the trail design becomes more detailed and grounded in the real world:
- Final alignment flagged and reviewed
- Drainage and erosion controls planned
- Trail difficulty and progression mapped intentionally
- Construction sequencing established (often in phases)
- Safety considerations integrated (sightlines, intersections, speed control)
We aim to build trails that are fun, durable, and maintainable—and that fit the land manager’s stewardship expectations.
9) Tools, signage, and opening day readiness
Trail systems need more than dirt work to be successful.
A responsible opening includes:
- Trailhead kiosks and maps
- Rules, etiquette, and shared-use messaging
- Difficulty ratings and “yield triangle” guidance
- Closure signage and condition reporting tools
- Wayfinding and intersection markers
- Ongoing communication plans (web updates, social reminders, conditions)
Good signage reduces conflict, improves safety, and protects the trail investment.
10) The part that never ends: maintenance and stewardship
After opening, the real work begins.
Sustainable trails still require:
- Routine inspections
- Drainage clearing and corridor trimming
- Tread repair and armoring where needed
- Feature upkeep (if applicable)
- Seasonal closures and re-openings
- Adaptive changes based on use patterns and conditions
This is where CAMBr’s volunteer community shines—turning passion into consistent stewardship that land managers can count on.
Why membership matters
A new trail system is rarely limited by enthusiasm. It’s limited by capacity and credibility.
Strong membership and volunteer support help CAMBr:
- Show land managers we represent a committed, organized user base
- Fund tools, materials, signage, and project needs
- Train and equip volunteer leaders
- Maintain trails consistently after opening
- Build trust that leads to future expansion
Every membership and every workday is part of the case for more trails—done the right way.
Want to help build the next trail system?
If you’ve ever wondered how you can make “more places to ride” a reality, this is it:
- Become a CAMBr member
- Join a trail workday
- Step up as a crew leader or organizer
- Share trail etiquette and wet-weather responsibility
- Be a positive ambassador on shared-use trails
New trails don’t happen by accident. They happen because a community shows up—again and again—and proves it can be a responsible steward of public land.
