229 views • posted 07/15/2022 • updated 07/24/2023
Implications for sustainable trail design and management
This research investigates the influence of layout and design on the severity of trail degradation.
Previous trail
studies have been restricted by relatively small study areas which provide a limited range of environmental
conditions and therefore produce findings with limited applicability; this research improves on this limitation by
analyzing a representative sample of the Appalachian Trail with significant topographical, ecological, use-
related, and managerial diversity. Many trail science studies have also focused on a singular form of trail
degradation, whereas this study investigates all three core types of trail impact: trail soil loss, widening and
muddiness. Relational analyses with all three indicators provide a more cohesive understanding of trail impact
and reveal interrelationships between trail degradation processes. ANOVA testing of the mean values for these
trail impact indicators across categories of influential independent factors confirms and refines the relevance of
core trail design principles, specifically the sustainability advantages of trails with low grades and side-hill
alignments. Findings also reveal and clarify the importance of landform grade in determining the susceptibil-
ity of trails to degradation and the influence of routing decisions; these relationships have received relatively
little attention in the literature. The results also reveal several methodological considerations for trail alignment
metrics and trail impact indicators.
Attached document published December 2019
posted Aug 23, 2023
What would it take for all Americans to be able to go out their front doors and within fifteen minutes be on trails that wind through their cities, towns or villages and bring them back without retracing steps?
Building a Permeable, Low Maintenance Recreational Trail Along a Shoreline
posted Apr 7, 2023
In 2009, the city of The Colony planned to build a recreational trail (10 foot-wide, 3.5 mile pathway) that would run along the lake’s shoreline, contouring to its natural shape and providing residents with a picturesque route for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, and cycling. The city selected the GEOWEB® Soil Stabilization System due to its flexibility to conform to curves, surface permeability, and low maintenance design.
Public Lands and the Continental Divide Trail Study
posted Feb 14, 2023
The primary goal of this study was to understand who uses the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), how they use it, their preferences, and the economic impact of the CDT in the region. Additional data were also collected regarding protecting public lands and using the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado.
Pacific Crest Train Assn. Crew Leadership: Managing Volunteers
posted Aug 17, 2022
For students with moderate to extensive trail building experience who want to lead trail crews and work parties. Not a construction techniques class; this is about effective leadership. Students will have classroom and field work in the following topics: work day responsibilities, risk assessment and safety, tool safety and tool talk, leadership and team building, practical experience leading volunteers.
