County of Santa Clara Dept. of Parks and Recreation
This Trail Maintenance Manual was developed as a field guideline and procedure manual for Park staff responsible for the maintenance, construction, and operation of the Santa Clara County Parks trails’ system.
The topography, geology, climate, soils, and vegetation vary throughout the trail system of Santa Clara County Parks; therefore this manual may not be applied throughout the system. This manual is not intended to, nor capable of, supplanting trained, experienced and skilled park staff. It is intended to provide guidelines for Park staff charged with trail maintenance and construction responsibilities, and provide base knowledge of trail management and construction practices for the inexperienced trail worker. The guidelines within this manual address all types of trails including single-track, dual purpose, multi-use, paved trails, and service and fire roads. This manual complies with the Santa Clara County Parks, Countywide Trails Master Plan and uniform Interjurisdictional Trail Design, Use and Management Guidelines-1999.
The goals and objectives of this trail maintenance manual is to provide standards and guidelines for trail design, maintenance, construction and management so trails are sustainable over the long-term, require low maintenance, allow for safe public access, protect the natural and cultural resources and meet recreational needs of the park user. A common mistake made by many park professionals is becoming so focused on the construction and maintenance of trails that they often overlook the role trails play in overall park operations. Sections of this manual are dedicated to trail standards, maintenance priorities and activities, trail construction standards, and trail feature construction and maintenance to address not only the respective guidelines, but also address the role of trails in parks.
We provide a sustainable system of diverse regional parks, trails and natural areas that connects people with the natural environment, supports healthy lifestyles, offering outstanding visitor experiences that renew the human spirit, while balancing recreation opportunities with the protection of natural, cultural, historic, and scenic resources.
posted Jul 15, 2022
For trails to be considered “sustainable” they must meet these recreational needs while providing adequate protection to the environment while minimizing trail maintenance.
Environmentally Sustainable Trail Management
posted Jul 15, 2022
This guide considers the environmental impacts of particular activities, viz., hiking and camping, off road vehicles and recreational boats, as well as impacts specific to certain ecosystems.
American Trails Webinar - The Science of Sustainable Trail Design and Management
posted Jul 15, 2022
This webinar describes the three most common forms of trail impact, identifies the most influential factors to develop and maintain sustainable trail networks, and discusses methods for rating trail sustainability.
Improving the Sustainability of the Appalachian Trail
posted Jul 15, 2022
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) is a unique internationally recognized protected natural area encompassing more than 250,000 acres and a 2,190-mile footpath from Maine to Georgia.
