Recreation Trails

Definition

A defined route developed to improve recreation access within or through an area for non-motorized uses.

Guidelines and Assessment Procedures

Trail Planning Requirements

A forester, forest technician, or other qualified person must develop a trail plan. The purpose of this plan is to design the trail layout and standards to provide the intended access for this property or property block for one or more purposes and to minimize environmental impacts, especially erosion.

Site Assessment and Considerations

Mitigating techniques should be considered when dealing with property features such as:

• Slope (topography): Minimize steep grades; use switchbacks where necessary
• Soil types: Identify areas prone to erosion or rutting
• Wetlands: Avoid or minimize impacts; may require boardwalks or bridges
• Rare vascular plants: Route trails to avoid sensitive plant populations
• Risk management: Identify and mitigate hazards (unstable trees, cliffs, etc.)
• Other features: Cultural sites, scenic viewpoints, water features

Safety Considerations

Trails should be periodically assessed to minimize public safety risks.

• Remove or mark hazard trees along trail corridor
• Identify and address unstable slopes or erosion areas
• Maintain sight distances on curves for user safety
• Install signage for warnings, directions, and wayfinding
• Consider seasonal hazards (ice, flooding, etc.)

Cost-Effective Design Principles

Owners may wish to consider future maintenance costs when designing recreation trails. Generally, trails will be designed to minimize costly infrastructure treatments such as water course crossings and cut and fill operations. Where these are required to meet the objectives of the plan, then the minimum standards for water course crossings or surficial grubbing will be modified to address the maximum weight requirements of the intended use.

Avoidance Strategy

A policy of avoidance will reduce overall costs for maintenance (e.g. select shaded routes where there will be minimal tree harvesting, seedling propagation and pruning required, avoid wet areas and steep slopes).

Trail Design Standards

Width and Height

Establish a trail width and height that addresses the width and height required for the intended purpose. Ensure seasonal use is evaluated (e.g. snow shoeing height to higher than walking height).

Typical dimensions by use:

• Hiking trails: 1-2 m width, 2.5 m height clearance
• Mountain biking: 1.5-2.5 m width, 2.5 m height clearance
• Cross-country skiing: 2.5-4 m width, 3 m height clearance
• Snowshoeing: 1-2 m width, 3-4 m height clearance (snow depth)
• Multi-use trails: 3-4 m width, 3 m height clearance

Clearing Standards

Stump height on the established trail should normally be at or below the surface of the soil.

Trail Alignment and Curvature

Use trail curvature to address both opportunity enhancement and safety (e.g. short visibility distances for wildlife viewing verses cross-country skiing safety).

• Gentle curves: Improve aesthetics and user experience
• Sight lines: Adequate for user safety based on anticipated speeds
• Natural routing: Follow terrain contours where possible
• Grade reversals: Use rolling terrain to facilitate drainage

Pruning Standards

Use proper pruning techniques to minimize stem damage, which might cause tree and shrub disease entrance or transference.

• Make clean cuts at branch collar
• Remove branches rather than just trimming back
• Avoid tearing bark or leaving stubs
• Prune during dormant season when possible

Drainage and Erosion Control

• Grade: Maintain sustainable grades (typically <10%; maximum 15% for short sections)
• Outslope: Slight outward tilt to trail tread for water runoff
• Grade reversals: Periodic uphill sections to break water flow
• Water bars: Angled barriers to divert water off trail
• Rolling dips: Gentle depressions that shed water while maintaining trail continuity
• Turnpikes/bog bridges: Raised structures over wet areas

Environmental Protection

• Route trails to avoid sensitive habitats and rare species
• Minimize stream crossings; use existing crossing points
• Maintain vegetated buffers along water bodies
• Avoid soil compaction in areas intended for regeneration
• Control invasive species spread through trail corridor management

Signage and Wayfinding

• Trailhead information (map, rules, difficulty, distance)
• Junction markers at trail intersections
• Directional and distance markers
• Interpretive signs for educational value
• Warning signs for hazards

Maintenance Program

• Regular inspections: Assess trail condition, drainage, hazards
• Vegetation management: Prune encroaching branches, control brush
• Drainage maintenance: Clear water bars, repair erosion
• Surface maintenance: Fill holes, remove obstacles, repair tread
• Hazard tree removal: Remove or address trees that pose safety risk
• Signage upkeep: Replace damaged or faded signs