Client: The Nature Conservancy

Scope: We built nine miles of hiking-only singletrack that is part of two national trails - the North Country Trail and the American Discovery Trail - as well as the Buckeye Trail that loops around Ohio. Located in the 20,000-acre Edge of Appalachia Nature Preserve in southern Ohio, we collaborated with the Nature Conservancy to create winding, narrow natural surface trails passing through biologically sensitive areas intended to preserve habitat for species such as rattlesnakes. The North Country Trail is one of just 11 National Scenic Trails within the U.S.

Client: The Nature Conservancy

Scope: Dirt Artisans teamed up for a second hiking trail project with The Nature Conservancy of Ohio in the 20,000-acre Edge of Appalachia Preserve System located in southern Ohio. This trail is a 1.5 mile natural surface trail that winds along a gorge with 70 foot high cliffs and ends at a 15 foot waterfall named Cedar Falls. To protect a fragile plant community along a section of this trail, we carefully bypassed this area with our machines and equipment and then continued building further down the trail. The Nature Conservancy wanted a platform constructed at the falls for hikers viewing enjoyment and safety. They mandated stamped structural engineering drawings with a geotechnical survey for the platform which we obtained and managed. We brought in the wood, cement and other needed materials and created and installed the concrete piers. We then built the wooden deck structure with a sturdy platform, steps, railings and bench for years of use to view and safely enjoy the beautiful Cedar Falls.

Client: City of Covington

Scope: This was the project that started it all for Dirt Artisans. In the process of designing and building 10 miles of world-class trails for activities like hiking, running and off-road cycling, we transformed previously undeveloped, relatively unappealing land into a regional destination for outdoor enthusiasts. We also worked closely with city officials to build natural surface trails connecting adjacent neighborhoods to Devou Park amenities that were previously only accessible via paved roads with no shoulders or sidewalks. Since completion, the project has received numerous local and regional accolades.