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
PTBA Member Companies are on a growth trajectory. In the last 5 years, they have seen 350% growth in gross revenue and 135% growth in employees. PTBA has had a 43% growth in PTBA member companies during that same time.
Not show in this graph is the anticipated growth in workforce - which is projected to be 25% in 2025.
Even though PTBA is a subset of the trail industry, this data represents an increased investment in trails and a professionalization of our industry.
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 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 Summit brought together 840 trail professionals from all sectors for 3 days of trail education, networking, a dynamic Exhibit Hall, and hands-on learning in Madison, Wisconsin! Every other year, PTBA partners with American Trails to co-host the International Trails Summit, bringing together a broad subset of the trails industry.
Updated Trail Competencies
PTBA has been a leading partner in the Trail Skills Project since its inception and is excited to announce the release an updated Trail Competency Framework with new competencies and defined skills (entry, full, expert) associated with each competency.
Competencies are a key strategy as PTBA works to professionalize our industry, define career pathways, inform and align trail education programs, and ultimately build our workforce.
Apply for PTBA Membership
PTBA is a trade association for the trail industry representing private-sector companies.
All member company applicants submit an online portfolio that is reviewed and vetted by the PTBA membership at large. The portfolio includes project experience and documentation, letters of reference, and sponsorship from a current PTBA member company. The process also includes an interview and all member e-vote.
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 (i.e. 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.