Whether you are a private landowner seeking to create walking and snowshoeing trails on your property or a multi-season resort developing a world-class trail network, a successful project requires careful and professional planning.

Our first priority is to work collaboratively with our clients from the outset to develop an overall plan.  Many trails, particularly in North America, have happened by accident.  Old logging roads or railroad beds may, at first glance, seem to make a good trail; most, however, are not designed for biking, running, skiing, or other recreational uses.  At best, such trails never reach their full potential; at worst, they are infrequently used and eventually abandoned.

Depending on the complexity of a project, Morton Trails will develop an overall conceptual trail plan considering some of the following key questions:

• What are the intended uses for the trail system?
• Who are the trail users, including their demographic characteristics and mix of skill levels?
• Will the trail be used for competitive and recreational events?
• What natural features and points-of-interest should the trail highlight?
• What are the best options for location of trailheads, activity centers, start/finish areas, and amenities?
• Who are all of the stakeholders including adjacent landowners, public agencies, conservation organizations, community groups, and others?
• What permits are required?
• How can trail development be coordinated with a forest management plan or a planned timber harvest?
• If applicable, what is the economic model to support the development costs of the project and the long-term operations of the trail system?  What is the most appropriate means to monetize trail use?