International Trails Summit Coming to Dane County April 15-17
April 10, 2025
Land & Water Resources
Over 700 trail professionals from around the world are coming to Dane County to foster professional growth for the trail building community through education, networking and skills development
April 10, 2025
Joleen Stinson, Dane County Parks Director
(608) 422-0657, Stinson.joleen@danecounty.gov
Mike Passo, American Trails Executive Director
(530) 645-9683, mikepasso@americantrails.org
Aaryn Kay, Professional TrailBuilders Association Executive Director
(360) 734-7270, aaryn@trailbuilders.org
MADISON – American Trails and the Professional TrailBuilders Association are hosting the International Trails Summit at Monona Terrace Convention Center April 15-17. The Summit will bring together over 700 trail professionals, including local government representatives, business leaders, academics, and nonprofit organizations from the U.S. and around the world.
This year’s Summit will offer a blend of classroom sessions and hands-on experiences curated so that attendees can take back what they learn to their communities bettering all types of trails, including biking, biking, equestrian, motorized trails, water trails, snow trails, and more.
“I am thrilled to see our vibrant trails community showcased on this international stage,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “Dane County has prioritized the development of regional multi-use trails for decades, making significant progress in connecting communities throughout the county.”
“American Trails and the Professional TrailBuilders Association selected Madison for the 2025 Summit because it is a model trail city - attendees can literally access a trail from the Monona Terrace Convention Center,” said Aaryn Kay, PTBA. “Throughout the Summit planning, we have had such amazing support from the Wisconsin trails community, and we think that this really comes through in the Summit content which features many sessions on Wisconsin projects and programs."
The Summit will feature an Offsite Field Day at Babcock County Park in McFarland, WI, on Thursday, April 17. The Field Day provides attendees with an opportunity to explore local trails, participate in field demonstrations, and experience the surrounding natural beauty firsthand.
“Dane County Parks is proud to host the Summit Offsite Field Day,” said Dane County Parks Director Joleen Stinson. “This event is a fantastic opportunity to share our exceptional park system, regional trails, and water trails.”
Additionally, Dane County Parks will offer two field trips as part of the Trail Summit, including a bicycle ride along the Lower Yahara River Trail and a paddle from Babcock County Park to Fish Camp County Park. The Summit features a variety of add-on field trips and technical training workshops.
Registration for the International Trails Summit is still open. To secure your spot, visit www.trails-summit.org.
The World Trails Film Festival will take place in conjunction with the Summit on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. The festival is open to the public as well as Summit attendees. For more information on the festival, visit https://trails.film/festivals/its25/.
About Dane County Parks
The Dane County Park System is made up of 18,000 acres of land that features the best of Wisconsin’s natural beauty. Our Parks do not require an entry fee and offer countless opportunities to get away from it all to unwind, spend time outdoors, and make memories with friends and family. Dane County Parks takes an active role to enhance and preserve the county’s finest natural resources. We strive to create welcoming spaces, events and educational opportunities for park visitors of all backgrounds and ability levels.
About American Trails
American Trails is a nationwide coalition of all types of trails organizations, agencies, and individuals (motorized and nonmotorized). Our objective is to connect and assist the professionals and volunteers within the trails community in improving, protecting, and raising awareness of America's priceless trail infrastructure. Offering a broad suite of resources including conferences, professional development opportunities, and trail grants, American Trails fosters an inclusive and cohesive trails workforce, raises awareness of the value of our nation’s trail systems and helps fund sustainable and accessible trail networks across the country. We aim to substantially increase the capabilities and capacity of trail volunteers and professionals, and support trail stewardship and advocacy organizations now and into the future.
About Professional TrailBuilders Association
The Professional TrailBuilders Association is the trade association for the trail industry, representing private sector companies who plan, design, and build trails worldwide. PTBA works to advance quality and professionalism in the trail industry by establishing industry best practices, workforce development, and building a strong and supportive professional network.