International Trails Summit
Durham, North Carolina
April 13-15, 2027
2027 Summit Details
Core Summit: April 13-15
Pre-Summit Workshops: April 10-12
Allied Meetings, Workshops, & Field Trips: April 12
Post-Summit Workshops: April 16
Registration rates will be available by September 1, 2026. Rates will be comparable to 2025 rates (within 10%).
The early bird registration (attendees and sponsors/exhibitors) deadline is December 1, 2026
MORE INFO IN
SEPTEMBER 2026!
Call for Presentations
The 2027 International Trails Summit is seeking presentation proposals from trail professionals, researchers, planners, designers, builders, land managers, educators, advocates, consultants, and volunteers.
We're looking for practical sessions that share innovative projects, lessons learned, research, tools, and best practices that attendees can apply in their own work.
Join us in Durham, North Carolina, April 13–15, 2027, and help shape one of the trail industry's premier educational events.
Deadline for Submissions: September 15
What to Expect
Concurrent sessions, roundtable discussions, and plenary sessions on broad themes, case studies, and technical training
Networking opportunities with 800+ attendees from the public, private, and non-profit sectors
An offsite day (Thursday 4/15) with the Dirt Demo and mechanized equipment, hands-on education sessions, food trucks and more (included in registration)!
A dynamic Exhibit Hall throughout the Summit
Pre- and Post-Summit workshops (optional for an additional fee) will provide technical training in a hands-on small group learning setting
Field trips (Monday 4/12) - (optional for an additional fee) provide opportunity to explore the area’s trails and beauty before the conference starts
Exhibit and Sponsorship Opportunities
Demonstrate that your company or organization is a leader in the trails and outdoor recreation industry.
Your brand will be seen by thousands of agency, government, business, academic, and nonprofit outdoor recreation leaders across the U.S. and abroad through our website, native mobile app, social media, email marketing, printed materials, and advertising impressions.
Onsite, you will have exclusive, dedicated access to 900+ attendees, 120+ speakers, and multiple channels of outreach.
Tuesday, April 13, 2027
The World Trails Film Festival is made by and for trail-loving communities worldwide and is excited to be held in conjunction with the International Trails Summit. The Film Festival will showcase a variety of films. Past themes of the films have included: mental health, hand-made trails, having hope in the face of challenges, and the power of walking. The films will be shared in early 2027 once confirmed.
Sponsor opportunities available! Email info@trails.film to learn more.
About: The World Trails Film Festival is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a nonprofit arts service organization. To learn more, visit https://trails.film.
Off-Site Day
Thursday, April 15
Takeover Night - Thursday 4/15
We will close out the Summit with the Takeover night! Attendees will toast an amazing week of education and networking at this no-host evening!
Location TBD!
Presenting Sponsors
