665 views • posted 08/03/2020 • updated 08/02/2023
A Guide to Designing and Constructing Native-surface Trails
What is a sustainable trail? Building a sustainable trail system takes into account many factors. Most importantly, a sustainable trail should have as little impact to the environment as possible; this is accomplished through proper trail planning, design, construction and maintenance. A properly built trail will last for generations to come with little maintenance needed and will blend into the natural surroundings.
by International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)
Prepared By: Richard Havel, Trails Planner for Town of Castle Rock, Parks & Recreation
Native-surface trails, also known as soft-surface trails, use the existing site materials to construct the final trail; this defers from paved trails in which, in some circumstances, asphalt or concrete may be used as the trail material. Because of the nature of the material used to construct native-surface, the principles of sustainable trail development are vital to the longevity of the trail system as a whole.
Well-constructed trails will withstand erosion and are more enjoyable to use. Poorly designed trails will create an unpleasant experience for riders and walkers as well as a financial and volunteer resource drain.
This guideline will focus on native-surface development guidelines to help insure the success of the final trail.
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit educational association whose mission is to create, enhance and preserve great mountain biking experiences.
posted Nov 25, 2023
This white paper provides collected best practices on winter bikeway maintenance as seen in US cities and around the world. The paper covers snow removal from bikeways, different types of de-icing surface applications and their advantages/disadvantages, and best practices for winter maintenance prioritization and scheduling. The paper also includes a brief discussion on innovative winter maintenance techniques either in use or in development.
Winter Maintenance Resource Guide
posted Nov 25, 2023
Who is responsible for winter maintenance—property owners or government agencies—and what are the challenges?
Mountain Bike Trail Development
posted Oct 10, 2023
The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) recognized the need to create a resource for mountain bike (MTB) trail construction that would assist land and park managers seeking to build sustainable trails. The result of this effort is the Mountain Bike Trail Development Guidelines, a comprehensive “how to” that breaks down the process from start to finish beginning with assessing the project and ending with how to maintain the newly built trails.
posted Oct 4, 2023
The 2002 Hayman Fire grossly affected Trail Creek, a tributary to the South Platte River, with a concomitant increase of sediment yield, increases in significant flood events, and reduced habitat quality.
