Trail Vision
We build trail experiences with vision.
Trail Vision was founded by Dave Naulls, a trail builder with over 20 years of experience. We specialize in assessing, designing, building, maintaining, and educating on sustainable, safe, and challenging trails that connect walkers, hikers, and mountain bikers with nature.
Trail Assessment
Detailed reports and actionable plans that create peace of mind.
Trail Design
Thoughtful, accurate and reliable trail designs.
Risk Management
Minimizing hazards while preserving the trail experience.
Regenerative Tourism
Actively contributing to the regeneration and revitalization of natural ecosystems.
Sustainability & Longevity
Trail Assessment
Trail Assessments are comprehensive evaluations of outdoor trails that focus on various aspects to ensure they are safe, accessible, and enjoyable for users.These assessments typically cover the following areas:
Trail Condition: Inspecting the physical state of the trail, including surface quality (dirt, gravel, pavement), erosion, vegetation encroachment, and overall maintenance needs.
User Experience: Evaluating how well the trail meets the needs of different users, such as hikers, bikers, and equestrians. This includes assessing trail width, grade, and the presence of features like viewpoints or rest areas.
Safety Factors: Identifying potential hazards along the trail, such as steep drops, water crossings, unstable surfaces, or wildlife encounters. This part of the assessment ensures that safety measures are in place.
Access and Connectivity: Evaluating how well the trail connects to other trails, parks, and community facilities. This also includes assessing accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Environmental Impact: Considering the ecological impact of the trail on surrounding habitats, including effects on wildlife, plant life, and water quality. This aspect helps in promoting sustainable trail use.
Signage and Navigation: Reviewing the clarity and visibility of trail markings, maps, and informational signs to ensure users can easily navigate the trail.
User Feedback: Gathering input from trail users regarding their experiences and any issues they’ve encountered can provide valuable insights for improvement.
Compliance with Standards: Ensuring that the trail meets local, regional, or national standards for safety, accessibility, and environmental protection.
Maintenance Planning: Identifying specific maintenance needs and developing a schedule or plan for addressing them, which helps in keeping the trail safe and enjoyable over time.
Trail assessments are crucial for effective trail management, helping to promote user safety, enhance the overall experience, and protect natural resources. Trail Vision Trail Assessments offer detailed reports and actionable plans to ensure your trails are sustainable and provide a positive user experience that promotes Regenerative Tourism.
"Dave Naulls' trail assessments have been vital in helping the Stewards of Bancroft Eagle's Nest stay ahead of trail damage and promptly address safety concerns. His expertise has made a huge difference in maintaining the integrity of our trails. We couldn't do it without him!"
— Virginia DeCarle, Ontario Forester
Sustainability
Trail Design
Sustainable trail design requires a deep understanding of the land's natural contours and hydrology to create sustainable, low-impact trails.Proper boundary mapping ensures respect for property lines, while archaeological studies protect historical artifacts.Using ESRI mapping and advanced data collection, we deliver accurate, reliable trail designs that preserve both the environment and our cultural heritage.
70% of damage to archaeological and historical sites could be prevented with proper planning and design prior to trail development. (Source: National Park Service)
40% of significant cultural artifacts are lost or damaged during land development projects without adequate archaeological studies in place. (Source: Society for American Archaeology)
Safety & Compliance
Risk Management
Integral to Risk Management, Risk Assessments are systematic processes used to evaluate the potential hazards and risks associated with outdoor trails, particularly those used for hiking, biking, or other recreational activities. Trail Vision creates these assessments is to ensure the safety of users by identifying and mitigating risks.
Here are key components of trail risk assessments:
Hazard Identification: Identifying potential hazards along the trail, including natural elements (like steep grades, loose rocks, or wildlife), man-made features (such as bridges or steps), and environmental conditions (weather, vegetation).
Risk Analysis: Evaluating the likelihood and severity of incidents related to the identified hazards. This involves considering how often users encounter these hazards and the potential consequences of an incident.
Risk Evaluation: Comparing the risks against predefined criteria or standards to determine which risks are acceptable and which need management strategies.
Control Measures: Developing strategies to manage identified risks. This may include modifications to the trail, signage to warn users, maintenance practices, or emergency response plans.
Monitoring and Review: Regularly reviewing and updating the risk assessment to account for changes in trail conditions, usage patterns, or environmental factors. Continuous monitoring helps in making timely interventions when necessary.
Stakeholder Involvement: Engaging with local authorities, trail users, and environmental groups to gather input and share responsibility for safety measures.
Documentation: Keeping thorough records of the assessment process, findings, and implemented measures to provide accountability and facilitate future assessments.
By conducting thorough trail risk assessments, organizations can enhance the safety of trail users and improve overall trail management practices. Trail Vision services offer detailed reports and actionable plans, providing peace of mind to organizations responsible for managing risk on their trails.
40% of trail-related injuries are caused by improper trail maintenance from hazards like erosion, fallen debris, and poor signage. (Source: The US Forest Service)
Unmanaged trails increase erosion by up to 70%, damaging the environment and creating safety hazards. (Source: USDA Study)
Beyond Sustainability
Regenerative Tourism
Trail Vision believes in the core values of Regenerative Tourism. This new approach to tourism goes beyond sustainability by actively contributing to the regeneration and revitalization of natural ecosystems, local communities, and cultural heritage. The concept focuses on positive impacts rather than merely minimizing negative ones.
Here are the key principles of regenerative tourism:
Ecosystem Health: Regenerative tourism seeks to restore and enhance natural habitats and biodiversity. This can involve initiatives like reforestation, conservation of wildlife, and the promotion of practices that reduce pollution and resource depletion.
Community Engagement: Involving local communities in the tourism process ensures that they benefit economically and socially. This can include prioritizing local businesses, creating jobs, and ensuring that cultural practices are respected and preserved.
Cultural Preservation: Regenerative tourism aims to celebrate and preserve local cultures and traditions. Visitors are encouraged to engage with local customs, arts, and heritage in meaningful ways that respect and support the community.
Positive Economic Impact: This approach focuses on ensuring that tourism dollars circulate within the local economy, promoting equitable economic development and empowering local entrepreneurs.
Educational Experiences: Regenerative tourism emphasizes the importance of educating travelers about the environmental and cultural contexts of their destinations. This fosters a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the places they visit.
Long-term Thinking: Unlike traditional tourism models that may prioritize short-term profits, regenerative tourism is grounded in the idea of long-term benefits for the environment and communities, encouraging practices that support future viability.
Innovation and Collaboration: It often involves innovative solutions and collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including governments, businesses, nonprofits, and travelers, to create a holistic approach to tourism development.
By prioritizing regeneration over mere sustainability, regenerative tourism aims to create a cycle of positive impacts that enhance the well-being of both people and the planet, creating a more responsible and rewarding travel experience. Trail Vision is actively involved in Regenerative Tourism through the World Trails Network and a partnership with Kijicho Manito Madaouskarini Algonquin Nation.
Experiences made with vision
Trails with a future.
Effective assessment, design, and risk management ensure safe, sustainable, and enjoyable trail experiences. By strategically evaluating conditions and addressing risks, land managers create resilient trails that balance environmental integrity and user safety, optimizing maintenance and long-term sustainability.
How can we help you realize your vision?
Tell us about your trail project needs.
© 2025 Trail Vision
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