Hiking trails don’t simply spring from the ground. They’re the result of planning, hard work, knowledge, and elbow grease. Fortunately, with proper instruction, anyone can learn to build and maintain safe, durable, and environmentally sound hiking trails that provide paths into nature for everyone.

Completely revised by a professional forester, with the collaboration of AMC’s trails staff, the fifth edition of this authoritative guide is rooted in AMC’s 140 years of experience building and maintaining 1,800 miles of trails from Maine to Washington, D.C., including the most miles of the Appalachian Trail of any organization.

Updated to reflect the latest thinking on trail resiliency in an age of climate change and the best practices in equitable, inclusive, accessible trail design and crew management, this new edition also provides expanded advice on planning, funding, design, construction, safety, and maintenance. Volunteer and professional trail crews, land trusts, outing clubs, and public agencies will find this trusted guide the essential reference for creating and maintaining recreational hiking and cross-country ski trails.