Every community has unique geography or topography terrain, culture, and needs. That’s why our process combines creative design with technical precision, ensuring every greenway plan or trail system enhances recreation, mobility, and economic growth.
Our Core Services Include:
Trail & Greenway Planning
Our team leads comprehensive trail planning efforts that balance recreation, ecology, and transportation. From feasibility studies to on-the-ground alignments, we help leaders shape connected systems that serve residents and attract visitors.
Trail Design & Engineering
Our in-house designers and engineers create solutions that are as beautiful as they are functional. We focus on long-term sustainability, user safety, and accessibility—ensuring every trail design integrates seamlessly into the landscape.
Construction & Trail Building
We don’t just plan; we build. From paved greenways and gravel paths to backcountry routes, our trail building expertise ensures long-lasting infrastructure that’s both environmentally responsible and community-minded.
Public Engagement
Community support is essential. We lead interactive workshops, public meetings, and design charrettes to help residents shape the trails they’ll use and love for years to come.
Sustainable Trail Workshops
Our team also provides sustainable trail design, construction, and maintenance workshops, training volunteers and organizations in techniques that minimize impact on the natural environment while promoting a desired experience and long-term sustainability.
Why Invest in Trail & Greenway Design?
Trails connect people—to nature, to each other, and to the heart of their community. When done right, trail design and greenway planning can:
- Boost outdoor recreation and tourism
- Improve public health and mobility
- Encourage economic development
- Increase access to parks and downtown areas
- Strengthen community pride and identity
Who Needs Trail & Greenway Planning?
We partner with:
- City and county governments
- Parks and recreation departments
- Tourism development authorities
- Nonprofits and land conservancies
- Downtown development and greenway coalitions
If your goal is to create spaces that invite movement, connection, and exploration, our firm can guide the way.
What Sets Us Apart
Trail and greenway projects require more than a path connecting assets—they demand vision. Our approach is rooted in understanding landscapes and the people who use them. We bring together planners, engineers, landscape architects, and marketing experts to deliver a complete solution: from greenway planning and trail design, to promotion and community branding once the trail is open.
Featured Trail & Greenway Projects
Overmountain Victory National Historic and North Carolina State Trail – VA, TN, NC, SC
A regional trail planning effort with the National Park Service for 330 miles of trail through four states. This trail links numerous cities, towns, communities and regional assets.
Fonta Flora State Trail – Burke County, NC
Trail design and construction support for one of Western North Carolina’s most scenic and ambitious multi-use trail systems.
Rockingham Community College Trail System – Wentworth, NC
Local trail system design, construction, and improvement project at Rockingham Community College with a focus on providing outdoor recreation opportunities for community members, college students, staff, and faculty.
Why Destination by Design?
At Destination by Design, trail and greenway design isn’t just a service—it’s a passion. Our team blends creative planning, community engagement, and sustainable construction to create trails that endure. From the first planning session to the final trail build, we help communities design and implement systems that connect people to place.
FAQs
Yes, our firm has extensive experience in both environments—from downtown greenway networks and rural paths to wooded natural surface trail systems. We specialize in a range of trail types, from ADA-accessible greenways to singletrack mountain bike and hiking trails
Project timelines vary by project scope, permitting requirements, and funding, but most planning efforts range from 6 to 12 months, from concept to construction.
Yes. Our team regularly helps clients identify, pursue, and manage federal and state grant funding opportunities for greenway and trail projects.
Sustainable trails focus on minimizing the effects of natural and user impacts on the natural environment while maintaining accessibility and safety and providing a superior user experience.
Yes. We offer full construction support services to ensure trails and greenways are built according to design specifications, safety standards, and environmental best practices.
Let’s Build Something That Lasts
Your community has potential. We help you unlock it. If you’re ready to take the next step—whether it’s a regional trail system or a greenway that links your parks—we’d love to talk.
