Updated 10/18/95
Begin planning a trail by obtaining a legal survey description or plat of the property. Good choices are either a survey map of the property or a tax map (aerial photo) from your county tax office. Begin to identify major landmarks, including access roads, buildings, and power lines, on a photocopy of the map.
Transfer the boundary lines to a contour or topographic map (Figure 1). Topographic maps illustrate the physical features of the property and are useful in locating cliffs, watercourses, swamps, and other unique or problem areas. A topographic map of the property allows you to identify steep and difficult areas to be avoided when constructing the trail. You also can map major vegetation types, water bodies, clearings, existing roads, and rough topography.
Figure 1. Topographic map showing property location and boundaries.
Topographic maps are available from your Soil Conservation Service office, outdoor outfitting stores, survey or engineering supply houses, or directly from the U.S. Geological Survey. From the North Carolina Index your can locate your property and order the map or maps necessary to cover all of your property. The preferred map scale is 1 inch equals 24,000 feet.
If the proposed trail location will not follow a major watercourse or other land feature, you will need to survey the property systematically. By walking over the property you can record the location of key features and unique areas. The only true way to locate all the important and unique interpretive items and objects is to use the grid method of surveying (Figure 2). The grid method, used frequently by foresters, requires sampling of the whole tract, ensuring that no key features are overlooked.The grid method allows for the systematic sampling of a property. Transect lines are established on a compass bearing that runs into the longest path across a property. Parallel lines are then followed so that a total "survey" of the property is made at a chosen distance--for example, 100 or 200 feet.
Figure 2. Establishing a grid is the first step in evaluating a property for trail
layout. Parallel transection lines are oriented to offer reference points.
As you traverse the property, record roads, waterbodies, timber changes, or other major interest points on your map (Figure 3a). Flag important areas that are likely to be included in the final trail. Record all pertinent information in your field notes, as it will become the basis of your final layout (Figure 3b).
Figure 3a. Take field notes and locate transition areas and points of interest that
can be connected by the final trail.
Figure 3b. Take detailed notes of items and their location while conducting your field
survey.
Once all of your property's features have been identified and flagged, begin a rough layout of possible routes on the field map. In laying out the trail, avoid straight lines by winding the trail to conform to the land's contour. Maneuver from one interpretive point to the next, flagging as you go, until all points have been connected ( Figure 4).
Figure 4. Your final layout map should include interpretation points of interest
and trail location.
With practice and thorough knowledge of the property, most people can design a successful trail. Remember that no amount of office preparation can substitute for actually inspecting the property. The following tips will help you create successful forest trails on your property.
Favor trail placement in areas with
well-drained soils
natural openings
scenic vistas
open timber
light brush and vegetation conducive to easy travel
special historical, ecological, and natural features
access to and view of water bodies or streams
natural drainage, such as side slopes and gently rolling terrain
natural contours, such as those along terraces
seasonal differences and experiences
safe crossings of roads, railroads, and power lines
good access from parking areas
minimal conflict with existing land-use or management activities.
wet and flat areas with poor drainage constraints
frequently flooded bottomlands
areas of unstable, fragile, or erosive soils prone to mud or rock slides
areas where there are steep slopes and abrupt elevation changes
areas that include bluffs, cliffs, and ledges, except where included for
their scenic beauty
locations requiring bridges or culverts
areas of heavy vegetation requiring excessive clearing and periodic pruning
and maintenance
areas with fragile vegetation or rare and sensitive habitats
cultural and archeological sites, except where featured as a part of the
trail
places where visitors could have adverse effects on wildlife or other
resources
timbered areas subject to blowdown, falling limbs, or lightning strikes
road and rail crossings where sight distances are limited
old mine areas and other natural or man-made hazards
areas requiring multiple switchbacks or retaining structures.
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