Professional TrailBuilders Association
The Professional TrailBuilders Association (PTBA) is the non-profit trade association for the trail industry representing private-sector companies who plan, design and build trails worldwide.
PTBA’s mission is to advance the trail industry by promoting quality and professionalism.
PTBA’s vision is a thriving trail industry that:
- Establishes industry best practices
- Builds a robust and skilled workforce
- Fosters a strong and supportive professional network
- Is recognized as an integral part of the outdoor recreation economy
- Continues to evolve and grow
PTBA is proud to partner with American Trails for the fifth year on the Advancing Trails Webinar Series—continuing our shared commitment to high-quality, practical training for trail professionals.
The 2026 lineup included sessions on aggregate surfacing, stonework, and bridge construction. Explore this year’s topics or revisit past PTBA webinars, all publicly available to support your continued learning.
Discover a Career in the Trail Industry
PTBA is the trade association for the trail industry and represents private sector companies who plan, design, and build all types of trails around the globe.
This resource is especially focused on the technical expertise of people who work on trails full-time utilizing diverse and specialty skill sets including:
- Trail Construction (hand and mechanized)
- Trail Design
- Field Layout + Flagging
- Trail Master Planning
- Bridges and Boardwalks
- Stonework + Rigging
- Technical Training + Education
- Trail Restoration + Reclamation
- Bike parks and pump tracks
In addition to working in the private sector, there are many jobs within the trails world – here are a few examples:
- Managing a trail system for a public agency like a state park or the Forest Service
- Leading and training volunteers for a nonprofit that stewards a long-distance trail
- Maintaining local trails for a friends group
- Managing a grant program that funds trail projects
- Management, fundraising, and/or communications for a trail-based non-profit organization