More Trailbuilding Resources

Resources and Library:

Cool Trail Solutions

Trail and park rules and regulations signs

Signs stating the rules for use at access points and trailheads. Signs may cajole, plead, explain, or threaten the user entering a park or trail. Signs are an oppportunity to teach or remind users what is expected of them. The longer the sign, the less likely visitors are to actually read them. However, stating the regulations satisfies a lawyer-driven need that enables staff to enforce the laws. Trails and parks have many variations in what is allowed, so it is important to state clearly what is essential. Signs can also encourage more responsibility on the part of the user, such as taking away trash and being aware of other users.

Also see the photo galleries of maps at trailheads. and trailhead signs

Click on any photo to see it full size:

(Commentary and photos by Stuart Macdonald, November 2009)

Thompson Parkway and trail rules, Anacortes, WA; photo by Stuart Macdonald, August 28, 2006

Just the facts; Olympic National Park, WA; photo by Stuart Macdonald, September 15, 2008

A different approach to the rules on Wilson Mountain National Recreation Trail, Sedona, AZ; photo by Stuart Macdonald, August 12, 2009

Rules for a privately-owned facility with public trail access; Lake View Park, Asheville, NC; photo by Stuart Macdonald, March 20, 2009

Encouraging one specific behavior; Marsh Island Trail, Union Bay, Lake Washington; photo by Stuart Macdonald, August 2008

Sign notes this is only a partial listing of the regulations; Bear Creek Greenbelt, Lakewood, CO; photo by Stuart Macdonald, Nov. 10, 2009

Carr Cross Florida Trail (between Gainesville and Orlando); photo by Stuart Macdonald, November 16, 2006

Baltimore & Annapolis rail trail, Maryland; photo by Stuart Macdonald, November 16, 2006

Changing demograhics in suburban Maryland, Patuxent Branch Trail, Guilford, MD; photo by Stuart Macdonald, Aug. 1, 2009.

Trailhead sign at parking lot, Patuxent Branch Trail, Guilford, MD; photo by Stuart Macdonald, Aug. 1, 2009.

Rules for trail around Skagit County, WA airport; photo by Stuart Macdonald, September 28, 2006

Riverfront Recreation Trail rules, Davenport, IA in the Quad Cities; photo by Stuart Macdonald, June 16, 2007.

Conservation-oriented rules at Heron Pond Natural Area along Platte River Greenway, Denver, CO; photo by Stuart Macdonald, November 24, 2006

Duluth, MN LakeWalk; photo by Stuart Macdonald, September 8, 2007

Parley's Canyon, Salt Lake City; photo by Stuart Macdonald, December 30, 2006

Clear Creek Trail, Wheat Ridge, CO; photo by Stuart Macdonald, August 1, 2009

Tennessee Riverpark in Chattanooga; photo by Stuart Macdonald, August 1, 2009

Little Tennessee National Recreation Trail, Franklin, NC; photo by Stuart Macdonald, March 21, 2009

Truckee River Trail showing plaement of rules sign, downtown Reno, NV; photo by Stuart Macdonald, March 9, 2008