Trail University

Where Trail Enthusiasts Become Experts!

Trail U Home | Expert Trail Maintainer | Expert Ecological Steward | Expert Trail Builder

Whether you’re new to trails or a seasoned builder, get ready to dig in at the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference’s Trail U!

Trail University (or “Trail U” for short) is a series of workshops and hands-on training opportunities designed to empower outdoor enthusiasts, taught by experienced Trail Conference volunteers and staff. Trail U provides the skills needed to help build and maintain trails, as well as care for the lands these trails pass through. Thanks to dedicated volunteers trained through these workshops, the Trail Conference can care for over 2,000 miles of trail in New York and New Jersey.

We offer 3 Curriculum Tracks

If you want to participate in Trail U Workshops in 2025, please complete this survey. Your input will help us plan which workshops to offer, and where to host them, and keep you informed as our workshop calendar fills up.

Expert
Trail
Maintainer

Expert
Ecological
Steward

Expert
Trail
Builder

Don’t forget to download our Trail U brochure to check off the required workshops as you attend them!

Download the Trail U Brochure

1. Start your journey with an introductory workshop

Start with an introductory workshop, then dive into more technical courses, such as rock shaping and invasive plant identification. Trail U workshops are taught by professionals and experienced Trail Conference volunteers.

2. Complete all workshops in a curriculum track and email your Trail U brochure

Complete all workshops in a curriculum track and email your Trail U brochure to [email protected] for your Trail Conference patch and rocker declaring you are an expert in that field. For each additional track completed, you will receive a new rocker. Some dedicated students will try to earn them all!

If you are interested in helping to lead Trail U workshops as a volunteer or are a public land manager interested in hosting a Trail U workshop, please email [email protected].

Trail U is proudly sponsored by Subaru Distributors Corp.