Professional TrailBuilders Association
About PTBA
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 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
A Growing Trail Industry
Over the past five years, PTBA member companies have experienced remarkable growth: a 350% increase in gross revenue and a 135% increase in employees. During the same period, PTBA itself has grown by 44% in total member companies.
While not shown in the graph, workforce projections indicate an additional 26% growth in 2025.
Though PTBA represents just a portion of the broader trail industry, this data signals a significant shift—reflecting both increased investment in trails and the ongoing professionalization of our field.
Data source: PTBA Member Company annual surveys
2024 Member Company Impact
Worked 2.4 million hours on trails
Built 1,400 miles of trail
Designed 5,000 miles of trail
Built 150 bike parks
Provided 230 Trail Trainings
Produced 200 trail master plans
Built 34,000 feet of bridge
Photo: TrailScapes Pty Ltd
PTBA
Worldwide
2024
In 2024, PTBA Member Companies planned, designed and built trail across the globe:
49 US states
9 Canadian provinces
8 Australian states
17 European countries
7 Asian countries
1 Caribbean country
4 Central and South American countries
PTBA Conference || Oceania Edition
Join trail professionals, advocates, and land managers from Australia, Asia and around the world for a dynamic event focused on advancing the trail industry.
We are excited to be hosting PTBA’s first international conference in Derby, Tasmania, one of the world’s leading trail town success stories.
Registration is open!
Call for Presentations is open!
International Trails Summit
The 2025 Summit welcomed over 900 trail professionals from across the industry for three days of education, collaboration, and hands-on learning in Madison, Wisconsin. Attendees explored a dynamic Exhibit Hall, participated in interactive sessions, and built lasting connections with peers from every sector of the trail world.
Held every other year, the International Trails Summit is co-hosted by the Professional TrailBuilders Association (PTBA) and American Trails, bringing together a wide cross-section of the trail community to share knowledge, celebrate progress, and shape the future of trails.
Trail Competencies + Defined Skills
PTBA has been a core partner in the Trail Skills Project since its inception and played a key role in developing the updated Trail Competency Framework, released in 2024. This framework outlines key competencies with clearly defined skill levels—entry, full, and expert—providing a structured foundation for the workforce development.
Now in use across multiple training and education programs, these competencies are central to PTBA’s efforts to professionalize the industry, define clear career pathways, and support the development of a strong, skilled workforce.
Apply for PTBA Membership
PTBA is the professional trade association representing private-sector companies in the trail industry.
To ensure a high standard of quality and professionalism, all prospective member companies undergo a thorough vetting process. Applicants submit a detailed online portfolio that includes project documentation, references, and sponsorship from a current PTBA member. The review process also includes a member interview and a vote by the full PTBA membership.
Next deadline: October 15, 2025
Photo: Allegra Trails
The PTBA Vendor Network
The PTBA Vendor Network is an opportunity for companies that sell products that support the trail industry such as tools, equipment, bridges, trail counters, etc.
The quality and application of products to the trail industry are assessed by PTBA prior to inviting companies to join.