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IMG_0618
Kids Trail _Beverly
trails rehabiltiation _Middleton
flowy trail _Beverly
flowing singletrack _Beverly
singletrack ahead
trail rehabilitation _Middleton
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the basement _Dubuque
wall rider _Bevelry
wall ride drawing
modular obstacles _BSDF
DaVinci arch bridge _Beverly
tree crotch _Dubuque
curved boardwalk _Des Moines
groomed singletrack _Sac & Fox
trail rehabilitation _Mt
trails rehabilitationt _Mt
trail repairs _Mt
trail exit _Trashmore
rock armored trail _Dubuque
rock armored corner _Creekside
rock armorned climb _Creekside
rock stacking _Middleton
trail rehab rock armor _Middleton
tracked dumper
meadow tail _Middleton
drainage rehab  _Middleton
Trail School _North Iowa
log skinny texture
technical trail feature _Beverly
asphalt pumptrack _LaCrosse
custom sign _Fairway
custom wayfinding _Middleton
wayfinding decals
Sustainable Trails Conference
presenting _Des Moines
enjoy dirt
BYT on vacation
dirty work _Beverly
FUN ahead
trail work sign jump
trail work sign jump
trail work sign jump
climbing trail _Dubuque

Professional, Sustainable Trail Planning, Design, and Construction

Backyard Trails works with communities and project partners to create natural-surface trails and facilities that are enjoyable to use and grounded in long-term stewardship.

 

SERVICES

Customized to our clients' specific needs and objectives. Additional options available, for more information on services not listed here, please Contact Us

SERVICES
our_vision

MISSION

To help people transform their communities through the power of natural-surface trails.

VALUES
 

Quality

Thoughtful, well-built trail experiences with lasting character.

Accessibility

Trail experiences that welcome a wide range of users and communities.

Community

Collaborative relationships that bring together volunteers, partners, and professionals.

Advocacy

Long-standing experience helping trail projects move from idea to reality within communities.

Well-being

Supporting physical, mental, and community health through access to trails.

VISION

To be a trusted regional resource for weaving thoughtful natural-surface trails into the fabric of communities.

MEET KEN...

Ken Barker
OWNER

Ken Barker has been building and riding trails for decades, developing a deep, experience-based understanding of what makes trail systems work. His travels with friends and family to first-rate trails across North America have shaped a belief that well-designed trails are a powerful way to connect people to place and to one another.

 

Before focusing full-time on trail development, Ken worked in the field of education, where collaboration, creativity, and clear decision-making are essential. He led teams in designing and delivering student-centered programs, experience that continues to inform how he approaches complex, community-based projects.

 

Ken’s approach to trail building reflects a commitment to quality and sustainability, blending science-based design with creativity and care. As he puts it:

“Building trails is an art form. Trail concepts and design best practices are based in science, with new techniques continually evolving; however, the final result is truly a work of art. This merging of science and creativity contributes to unique and exciting trail experiences. I strongly believe these sorts of trails should be within striking distance of every home.”

KEN BARKER

CONTACT

BACKYARD TRAILS LLC

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© 2026 BACKYARD TRAILS LLC

Trail Design & Development in Your Community | Cedar Rapids, Iowa

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