Natural-Surface Trail Specialists

Further works for the conservation and enjoyment of natural resources through the sustainable development of trail-based recreation that enriches lives.

Based in Western New York, Further Trail Services, LLC, specializes in the construction of high-quality, shared-use trails.

In addition to trail construction, Further provides trail services for planning and design, as well as educational offerings.

Further’s professional experience in mountain biking trail development and municipal facilities management has resulted in a portfolio that spans from New York, to Georgia, to Utah, as well as many other diverse locations.

Whether your goals include more sustainable trails, more inclusive trails, or destination-worthy trails, Further employs a holistic planning and design methodology that focuses on resource conservation and user experience to produce trails that are environmentally low-impact and provide enjoyable access to natural spaces for a variety of user types.

Learn more about Further’s approach below or get connected to discuss your trail project goals.

Integrated Design for Quality Trails

Great trail projects can offer many benefits to their home communities. From increased health and wellness, to economic infusion from tourism or new residents, there are many positive reasons to “choose trails.”

In order to enjoy the maximum number of benefits from trails, when starting any trail project, it’s important to ask the right questions. From project inception though construction, planning and design considerations should inform every step of the process.

An integrated approach can help:

  • Define a clear project vision, desired outcomes and goals

  • Seek approvals and evolve policies to be more inclusive

  • Increase protection of environmental resources

  • Assess existing conditions and offer alternatives

  • Provide a case for funding support

  • Benefit as many project stakeholders as possible

With the view of trails as products or facilities, Further combines its professional experience with a background in Industrial Design methodology, and understandings from Recreation and Leisure Management, to design trail-based facilities that meet the needs and preferences of many different user types.

Quality design work provides for:

  • Assessment of opportunities offered by the terrain

  • Development of trail narratives for targeted user experiences

  • Properly aligned trail grades for the intended trail types

  • Real-time creative decisions during construction

  • Reducing environmental impact and eventual maintenance needs

  • And much more

Successful trails serve their home communities well and can make for very desirable destinations!

Take a look at Further’s portfolio for examples of selected projects.

Trail featured on the cover of Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine (September/October 2021)

Increasing Local Capacity

Further was created to help combine professional trail industry knowlege and capabilities with the local community’s desire for growth.

In addition to its status as a company, Further intends to be a collaborative and educational platform for the sharing of knowledge and pooling of resources to support trail projects. Members of the community often have professional experience in trail project-related fields such as engineering, landscape architecture, and project management. By cultivating local talent, developing a local trails industry increases the capacity for projects and can help to achieve community goals and ensure long-term success.

Collaborative projects could include trail planning, field design, volunteer trainings, workshops and more. Check out Further’s services for more offerings or get connected to discuss your ideas!

Volunteers at a training event working on a stone armoring project to enhance their local trail system in Columbus, Georgia.