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Crusher fines surfacing for trails

Finely crushed rock (crusher fines) is a useful alternative to paving trails that accomodates most trail activities. Crusher fines is a finely-crushed stone mix that is often the byproduct of gravel operations. For use in trail surfacing, the material should be composed of irregular angular particles that interlock and bind into a firm matrix. The rock particles should range in size from dust to 3/8 inch, and are applied over landscape fabric to a depth of 4-6 inches. According to trailbuilder Tony Boone, "Whether it's a trail to school in an urban area or a core loop of your open space trail system, crushed stone trails provide a user-friendly, all-season surface for all types and ages of visitors. If built properly crushed stone trails can meet the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines." For construction details, see "The art of building crushed stone trails" by Tony Boone.

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Photos and commentary by Stuart Macdonald; click on any photo to see it full size:

Typical crusher fines trail in a natural setting; photo by Stuart Macdonald

Typical crusher fines surface showing very firm matrix with only a few loose larger rock particles; photo by Stuart Macdonald

Top quality crusher fines trail along the Highline Canal in Cherry Hills Village, CO; photo by Stuart Macdonald, 18 Oct 09

Horses, bikes, and walkers all use the crusher fines Highline Canal Trail near Denver, CO; photo by Stuart Macdonald, 18 Oct 09

Low bridge over tributary to Cherry Creek built in 2009, at Monaco Street, Denver; photo by Stuart Macdonald, 14 Oct 09

Crusher fines trail climbing gentle slope in Elk Meadow Park, Jefferson County, CO; photo by Stuart Macdonald, October 17, 2009

Crushed rock that is larger and looser than ideal; Bluff Lake Nature Area, Denver; photo by Stuart Macdonald, Dec. 4, 2009

A better crusher fines trail in the same Bluff Lake Nature Area, Denver; photo by Stuart Macdonald, Dec. 4, 2009

Crusher fines trail built up to form a bench; Lomaki Wupatki National Monument, AZ; photo by Stuart Macdonald, Aug. 11, 2009

Crusher fines trail lined with native rock; Lomaki Wupatki National Monument, AZ; photo by Stuart Macdonald, Aug. 11, 2009

The plank edging is supposed to keep the crusher fines in place; Big Dry Creek Nature Trail, Westminster, CO; photo by Stuart Macdonald, December 1, 2009

Here the edging keeps water from draining so obstacles in the form of drainage bars were placed to try to keep the crushed rock from eroding; photo by Stuart Macdonald, December 1, 2009

The fabric used under the crusher fines is exposed because of insufficient depth of material; Big Dry Creek Nature Trail, Westminster, CO; photo by Stuart Macdonald, December 1, 2009

The landscape fabric is exposed in this Philadelphia park due to runoff: the trail runs straight down the slope; photo by Stuart Macdonald, October 6, 2008

Water running down the slope gathers on the crusher fines trail because of insufficient cross slope of the trail; photo by Stuart Macdonald, November 17, 2009

Crusher fines will eventually dry smooth once snowmelt stops; Adams County, Colorado, park; photo by Stuart Macdonald, June, 2006

Crusher fines trail through mowed turf park at Westerly Creek Dam, Denver; photo by Stuart Macdonald, June 20, 2007

A fine grained, dark crusher rock is the surface for trail at Westerly Creek Dam, Denver; photo by Stuart Macdonald, June 20, 2007

Trail climbs at a low angle up the face of Westerly Creek Dam, Denver; photo by Stuart Macdonald, June 20, 2007

Crusher fines trail on top of the Westerly Creek Dam, Denver; photo by Stuart Macdonald, June 20, 2007