Since 1987

Trail design & construction leaders.

For over 40 years, Bellfree Contractors has led the way in trail and pedestrian bridge construction.

Since 1987

Trail design & construction leaders.

For over 40 years, Bellfree Contractors has led the way in trail and pedestrian bridge construction.

Since 1987

Trail design & construction leaders.

For over 40 years, Bellfree Contractors has led the way in trail and pedestrian bridge construction.

Since 1987

Trail design & construction leaders.

For over 40 years, Bellfree Contractors has led the way in trail and pedestrian bridge construction.

1500+

Successful Projects

2500+

Miles of trails

400+

Bridges

20+

Trailhead Parking Lots

What we do

Services

We excel in both urban and wilderness trail consulting and design/build projects. We can also team up with youth groups, volunteers, and agency staff for dynamic public and private ventures.

Preconstruction Planning

Trail planning, design and construction cost estimating.

Trail and Bike Park design, planning and construction cost estimating.

Trail Construction

Trail and trail related amenities such as signage, bridges, retaining walls, steps, fencing, stone work, culverts, shade structures…

Client List

1000+ trails

Some great work

With over 1500 projects, including many very popular well-known trails,such as many segments of the Pacific Crest Trail, Skyline Trail in Big Bear, Santa Ana River Trail in the San Bernardino Mountains… Bellfree's extensive trail network means that if you're an avid trail user, chances are you've traversed our paths.

Get your trail going

Back in the 1980's Bellfree constructed approximately 150 miles of the PCT in the San Jacinto wilderness and also in the San Bernardino mountains. More recently we rerouted 3 miles of the PCT on the Sky River wind farm above Tehachapi and repaired a segment as part of a trailhead restoration project at Vincent Gap in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Back in the 1980's Bellfree constructed approximately 150 miles of the PCT on San Jacinto and in the San Bernardino mountains. More recently we rerouted 3 miles on

In 2013 Bellfree constructed 9 miles of the Skyline Trail in Big Bear California. This trail has become one of Big Bear's most popular trails for hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers.

Bellfree constructed the Santa Ana River Trail from Heart Bar to Angelous Oaks. This is a 20 mile segment of trail that parallels the Santa Ana River. This trail is very popular with mountain bikers.

Recent projects

Here are a few of our latest exciting projects

Steps construction

Gnatcatcher Trail improvement project

Santiago Oaks Regional Park, Orange California

Trail construction

Sister Cities Trail

City of La Canada Flintridge

Trailhead Parking lot

Cha Chaany

Cleveland National Forest near Julian CA

View more

What goes into making a trail

Trail building may seem simple, but it requires extensive time, knowledge, expertise, and problem-solving skills.

Planning and Design

The process of building a hiking trail begins with careful planning and design. This stage involves assessing the terrain, considering environmental impacts, and determining the trail's route. Factors such as elevation changes, natural features, and accessibility are taken into account during this phase.

Clearing and Grading

Once the trail route is determined, the next step is clearing the path and grading the terrain. This involves removing obstacles such as rocks, roots, and vegetation to create a smooth and navigable pathway. Grading ensures that the trail maintains a consistent slope and drainage to prevent erosion and water accumulation.

Construction of Structures

Hiking trails often require the construction of various structures to enhance the hiking experience and ensure safety. This may include building bridges, boardwalks, steps, and retaining walls to navigate challenging terrain, cross water bodies, or prevent soil erosion.

Signage and Wayfinding

Proper signage and wayfinding are essential for guiding hikers along the trail safely and efficiently. This includes installing trail markers, directional signs, and information boards at key junctions, landmarks, and trailheads. Clear and informative signage helps prevent hikers from getting lost and promotes responsible trail use.

Sustainability and Conservation

Building a hiking trail involves a commitment to sustainability and conservation. Trail builders must prioritize minimizing environmental impact by employing erosion control measures, using locally sourced materials, and adhering to best practices for trail construction. Additionally, efforts are made to preserve and protect sensitive ecosystems and wildlife habitats along the trail corridor.

Maintenance and Management

After the trail is constructed, ongoing maintenance and management are crucial to ensure its longevity and usability. This includes regular inspections, repairing erosion damage, clearing fallen trees, and replenishing trail markers and signage. Volunteer groups, park staff, and trail maintenance organizations often collaborate to keep hiking trails safe and enjoyable for visitors.

Get your trail going!

Ready to blaze a new trail? Contact us for expert trail construction and outdoor solutions!

Contact us

Trail building and maintenance

Pre-construction planning

All the amenities your trail needs