Trails
Great Northern Docks’ boardwalks and footbridges provide durable, low-impact access across wetlands, forests, and streams. Made from lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminum, each modular section is easy to carry, assemble, and install within trails, preserves, and outdoor spaces.
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Wooden Walkway Options
For the Do-It-Yourselfer using DIY trail bridge hardware.
Build your own adjustable wooden boardwalk, supported by wood posts, metal pipes or on floatation with Great Northern Docks’ DIY trail bridge hardware.
Build your own adjustable wooden boardwalk, supported by wood posts, metal pipes or on floatation with Great Northern Docks’ DIY trail bridge hardware.
Make walkways using DIY trail bridge hardware to get through woodsy and wet terrain. The hardware and plans by Great Northern Docks are ideal for building nature walkways as well as docks. Here are a few examples of boardwalks constructed in the field that rely on the Great Northern Dock hardware.
Use 4×4 Post DIY Trail Bridge Hardware to Build Footbridges
See how in the video.
Use Pipe Leg Hardware to Build Footbridges
When pipe legs are preferred, use our height-adjustable pipe brackets, with a socket diameter that fits 1-1/2” galvanized or aluminum pipe (SCH 40 / SCH 80) and uses double set screws for strength. This size pipe drives well into most soils and gravel. Use our pipe foot to prevent settling in soft soil.
Use Perforated Decking for Footbridge Surfaces
Great Northern Docks has decades of experience working with plastic based decking. Our highest quality, low maintenance decking products, include sunlight pass-through surfaces for minimal impact below. We can help guide you into a long lasting trail bridge solution, backed by our proven techniques.
Use Hinge Hardware and Floats for Floating Footbridges
Our hinging hardware and flotation make the ideal building components for portable floating docks and boardwalks, and are made to fit on framing as small as 2×6 so you can keep the weight down for ease of portability.
Trail Bridges and Above-Ground Walkways
Modular Boardwalks by Great Northern Docks
Make land accessible for all with Great Northern Docks aluminum trail bridges. Comprised of either Dura-LITE™ or Feather-LITE™ standard sections, the lightweight components can easily be carried deep into the forest or wetlands to be assembled with simple hand tools. Heavy equipment that would scar the natural landscape is not necessary for installation.
Sections simply stand on pipe legs with feet that prevent settling. For areas that are restricted from use of chemically treated lumber, the aluminum frame and solid board HDPE decking (all recyclable material) provide a practical alternative that requires little or no maintenance. Sections are fully adjustable to follow slopes, nestle into the landscape or span across ditches, streams and open water.
Railings can be attached for added safety, and facia board can be applied to the outside of the frame for aesthetics. Joints between standard sections can be slightly angled to follow wide curves on the trail. Custom angled sections can be ordered for sudden turns in your walkway that may be required. Planning a trail bridge is the first step to getting everyone, young and old, into nature. Make your next trail bridge one that will last for generations to enjoy.
Town of Poland Maine
Arched Modular Bridge at Waterhouse Brook Poland Maine
The Orono Bog Boardwalk
Lake Environmental Association (L.E.A.)
Custom arched aluminum foot bridge by Great Northern Docks spans 40′ over the Willett Brook in Pondicherry Park.
National Ecological Observation Network
Sycamore Land Trust
