The Trail Co. Paves Niche

A unique-to-the-market company is in the process of forming in Fayetteville.
The Trail Co., led by James Shepard and Matt Reynolds, believes it has found a niche in designing and building trail systems for residential developments. The duo recently completed a mile-long nature trail around the Hyde Park subdivision in Cave Springs.
“There’s not a company that I’ve found around here doing this, although there are a few individuals,” Shepard said. “But we foresee this as another amenity that people want with all the new developments going on.”
Through his research, Shepard said only about 20 companies that specialize in building trail systems exist nationally. He said most developers will have it done with a bulldozer, which detracts from the “natural” appeal of a trail.
Prices range from $4 to $7 per linear foot depending on the type of trail — natural, gravel or asphalt. Adding bridges also can increase costs.
“It all depends on the land,” Shepard said. “How rocky it is and how wide it needs to be are the main factors.”