AI and the Future of Trail Building: A Conversation Among Builders
Artificial intelligence (AI) is making waves in nearly every industry, and trail building is no exception. While the idea of using AI in a field traditionally built on hands-on craftsmanship and creativity might seem contradictory, trail builders are beginning to explore how it can complement their work. To better understand how AI is being applied in trail building today and where it might be headed, I spoke with three trail builders who offered a mix of optimism, skepticism, and practical insights.
Where AI Fits into Trail Building Today
For many, trail building is as much an art as it is a science. It requires creativity, intuition, and a deep understanding of the landscape. But as Daniel from Mountain Bike Movement points out, AI has the potential to be a powerful tool—especially in the planning phase.
"AI can assist in the planning process by analyzing terrain data and quickly suggesting optimal routes," he explains. "It can help design trails that avoid sensitive ecosystems and ensure long-term sustainability. But it’s crucial that the final decision remains with humans, as AI cannot replace creativity or a deep understanding of the community’s needs."
Other trail builders agree that AI shines in data-heavy tasks. GIS systems and AI-supported drones are already being used to generate topographic maps, analyze erosion risks, and assess soil stability. AI can sift through massive amounts of data in minutes—something that would take humans weeks or even months.
However, there are challenges. One builder shared that AI-generated trail recommendations are often too generic to address specific on-site conditions. Another noted that while AI models can optimize trail routes based on variables like slope and drainage, they sometimes ignore the more "fun" or intuitive aspects that make a trail exciting to ride.
AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement
One of the biggest concerns about AI in trail building is the fear that it could replace human builders. But as another trail builder explains, AI is best used as a supporting tool rather than a replacement for hands-on expertise.
"The process I use still requires human inputs—start and end points, key trail features, and desired difficulty levels. AI then connects the dots using data layers like soil type, elevation, and slope," he says. "It’s really helpful for projects in unfamiliar terrain or for planning trails during the winter when everything is covered in snow."
However, fully automating the process doesn’t work. AI tends to prioritize efficiency over experience, sometimes skipping over features that make a trail truly special. "It’s the challenge of balancing the detailed vision we have as people with the more binary approach of computers," one builder adds. "AI doesn’t always understand why a short climb to a hidden waterfall might be worth it."
Beyond Planning: AI’s Role in Maintenance and Safety
Beyond trail design, AI is starting to prove its value in maintenance and safety. Trail builders are exploring how AI can detect trail wear, identify hazards, and even predict erosion before it happens. By collecting user data, AI could suggest early repairs, helping builders stay ahead of costly damage.
"One area that could benefit from AI is assessing existing trail systems with drainage issues," says one builder. "We could overlay AI-generated maps with current trails to pinpoint problem areas and suggest reroutes."
AI could also enhance sustainability efforts by helping trail planners monitor the environmental impact of trails. Some builders see potential in using AI-powered tools to analyze how trails affect local wildlife, vegetation, and water runoff, allowing for more responsible land management.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for AI in Trail Building?
So, what does the future hold? Some builders believe AI will continue to become more common in trail planning, especially for smaller communities that lack the resources of larger trail-building firms. AI-powered planning tools could allow local teams to design new trails without needing an entire team of GIS specialists.
But challenges remain. As one builder put it, "A model is only as good as the data it’s trained on. AI doesn’t know when it’s wrong, so human oversight is critical." There’s also the question of accessibility—many of the most advanced AI tools require expensive software and specialized knowledge to use effectively.
Despite these challenges, most agree that AI isn’t going away. As the technology improves, it has the potential to make trail building more efficient, data-driven, and environmentally conscious. The key, as many trail builders emphasized, is to use AI as a tool, not a replacement—enhancing rather than replacing the creativity, skill, and intuition that make great trails possible.
"Technology always moves forward," one builder summed up. "The real opportunity is in integrating AI into trail building in a way that supports, rather than replaces, the human touch."
While AI might never replace the hands-on craftsmanship of trail building, it’s clear that it can play a valuable role in shaping the trails of the future. Whether streamlining the planning process, aiding in maintenance, or improving sustainability, AI offers exciting possibilities—as long as the final decisions remain in human hands.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sean Benesh
Sean is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Trail Builder Mag. He is also the Communications Director for the Northwest Trail Alliance in Portland, Oregon. Sean also spends time in the classroom as a digital media instructor at Warner Pacific University.
