1. Planned and designed: Trail development is guided by trail management objectives (TMO) and constructed to design parameters that support intended use with low impact to the surrounding environment.

 

2. Contour curvilinear alignment: Build trail side-hilling with topographical contour lines, not perpendicular to them (reduces “fall-line” trails & over-steep grades and promotes even sheet flow of water off of the trail). 

 

3. Controlled grade: Through careful planning, design, and trail layout, controlled grade, at an average of 8-10%, can help limit erosion of the tread surface. The percent grade of the trail should also not exceed half of the grade of the side- slope (otherwise known as the half-rule). 

 

4. Integrated water control: Use alignment, not structures, to shed water off the tread surface and maximize sheet flow; water control designed into the alignment reduces dependence on water bars or drains, which can fail. Examples include “grade reversals” and outsloped tread. 

 

5. Full bench construction: Full bench trail on a side-hill provides the most compact tread surface possible, encourages sheet flow, does not trap water on trail, and eliminates the potential for tread slump failure.

 

6. Durable tread surface: Ensure long-term durability of tread surface by utilizing on-site native material or importation of material (i.e. gravel) to rectify poor drainage or tread surface, especially on flat ground and when full bench is not possible.

 

7. Regular maintenance: Being able to accurately predict maintenance tasks allows land managers to plan for volunteer, service learning or professional crews to fill the need.

 

8. Integrates well into the environment: Trail does not destroy the feel, aesthetics or ecological integrity of the environment that it becomes a part of. Its character should strive to enhance natural features rather than destroy them. Trail draws user into the landscape.

 

9. Satisfies its intended user: Trail is enjoyable, safe, and appropriately challenging for its intended user group (walkers, runners, hikers, bikers, wheelchairs, horses) and holds up to the impact of this travel over time.