ABOUT PTBA
PTBA is the trade association for the trail industry representing professional trail contractors, designers, and consultants. PTBA currently represents private sector companies who employ ~2000 trailbuilders worldwide.
As an organization, PTBA works to:
Promote quality and professionalism in the trail industry
Inspire and engage the next generation of trail professionals
Support the community of PTBA member companies
In 2023, PTBA Member Companies:
Worked 2.35 million hours on trails
Built 1,500 miles of trail
Designed 2,700 miles of trail
Built 120 bike parks
Provided 180 Trail Trainings
Produced 165 trail master plans
Built 21,000 feet of bridge
A Growing Trail Industry
PTBA Member Companies are on a growth trajectory. In the last 5 years, they have seen 400% growth in gross revenue and 112% growth in employees.
Even though PTBA is a subset of the trail industry, this data represents an increase in investment in trails and a professionalization of our industry.
Data source: PTBA Member Company annual surveys
Join PTBA and American Trails for 3 days of trail education, networking with 700+ trail professionals from all sectors, a dynamic Exhibit Hall, and hands-on learning! Every other year, PTBA partners with American Trails to co-host the International Trails Summit, bringing together a broad subset of the trails industry. We are excited to head to Madison, WI for 2025!
REGISTRATION and the CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS is open!
Join PTBA for the Oceania edition of the PTBA Sustainable Trails Conference in December 2025! We are headed to Derby, Tasmania for 3 days of education, connection, and exploration of this amazing town and trails.
We are excited to start planning in partnership with our local partners and regional PTBA members!
More info to come! Registration will open in 2025.
The Trail Skills Project
The Trail Skills Project serves as the workforce hub for the trails community providing connections to trails education, trail expertise, professional development, and job opportunities.
PTBA has taken a leadership role in developing the Trail Competency Framework and the competency skills breakout (coming soon) with American Trails, the US Forest Services, the Federal Highway Administration, National Park Services, the Bureau of Land Management, National Trail System, Northern Vermont University, Northwest Arkansas Community College, the Corps Network, and the Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands.
PTBA WEBINAR SERIES
PTBA offers webinars each year as part of American Trails’ Advancing Trails Webinar Series (2023/24 webinars listed below)
Past webinars can be downloaded and/or watched on YouTube,
Check out the PTBA Party Shirts!
Party Shirts International designed these shirts (with hidden objects!) to add flare and function to your trailbuilding season! They’re lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking, 4-way stretch and wrinkle resistant shirts built for any adventure!
APPLY TO BE A PTBA MEMBER COMPANY
PTBA is a trade association for the trail industry representing private-sector companies. All member company applicants must have a PTBA Member Company Sponsor and demonstrate a high level of professionalism, quality, and experience in trails. All member company applicants submit an online portfolio that is reviewed and vetted by the PTBA membership at large.