trailhead

Trailhead is the point at which a hiking, biking, or equestrian trail begins. It is typically located where a road, parking area, or park facility provides access to the natural area, and it may also serve as the trail's end point in certain layouts. A trailhead often acts as an orientation point, offering information about the trail network, distance, elevation gain, and expected conditions.

Typical features include signage, maps or kiosks, marked trail connections, a parking lot, and sometimes restrooms, trash receptacles, water sources, and shaded seating. Some trailheads host ranger stations, trail registers, permit stations, or volunteer-maintained information boards. In many park systems, multiple trailheads connect to a single trail or form a network, allowing access from different directions.

Trailheads are important for navigation and safety, helping users plan routes, identify difficulty levels, and check current conditions. They may display rule signs, seasonal closures, and accessibility information. Management varies by jurisdiction but commonly falls to national, state, or local land agencies, with input from volunteers and adjacent landowners. Maintenance can include trailhead parking lot upkeep, trimming vegetation, and updating signage.

In addition to outdoor contexts, Trailhead is also the name of Salesforce's online learning platform that offers guided paths and hands-on challenges for software professionals.