ABOUT
Based in Western Maine & Mount Washington Valley, Recon Trail Design, LLC is a full-service firm specializing in recreational trail planning, design, construction, and education.
We practice a conservation-focused approach, and are experienced in managing the environmental and social aspects unique to trails and outdoor recreation resources. We are experienced in working with a variety of clients, organizations, and volunteers.
Our work specializes in non-motorized recreational trail design and construction, including ADA/ABA-specification design, mountain bike trails, boardwalks and bridges.
We also specialize in rigging for trail work; used for lifting and moving heavy objects in hard-to-reach places. We offer on-site operation, system design and consultation, and multi-day skills trainings.
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OUR TEAM IS GROWING
Recon Trail Design is owned and operated by Matt Coughlan of western Maine. We currently employ a seasonal trail crew and are invested in growing professionals in the fields of trail-building and conservation work.
Matt Coughlan
Owner
M.S. Environmental Conservation
University of New Hampshire
B.S. Recreation Resource Management
Vermont State University, Lyndon
(formerly Lyndon State College)
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As a Maine-native, Matt enjoys numerous outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding, hunting & fishing.​ Prior to starting Recon Trail Design, Matt worked for the U.S. Forest Service, Maine Appalachian Trail Club, The Nature Conservancy of Maine, Student Conservation Association NH Conservation Corp, and as a professional stone mason.
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He started his trail career in the early-2000's as an intern at Kingdom Trails in East Burke, VT where Webb's was the first trail he helped build. He then went on to lead a crew that built the first lift-accessed mountain bike trail at Grand Targhee Resort in Alta, WY, and patrolled the Snake River Canyon in Jackson, WY as a River Ranger for the U.S. Forest Service.
During graduate school at UNH, Matt worked for the Maine Appalachian Trail Club, leading backcountry volunteer stonework projects on the A.T. in Maine. Here he was introduced to rigging for trailwork by Lester Kenway (who helped initiate the practice during his time working on trails in Baxter State Park).
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After graduate school, Matt ran the SCA NH Corps trails program for several years, mentoring corps members and developing relationships with conservation partners throughout New England.
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Join Our Team!
Job Opportunities
RTD is a growing company that seeks to create sustainable careers in trailwork. Check here for current job openings and other opportunities.​​
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Our 2025 positions are currently filled, please check back in the coming season. Thank you!
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