Updated 10/18/95
Decide the purpose of the trail before beginning the planning process. Educational,
recreational, and scenic trails differ in layout, design, and interpretation.
Know your users' needs and provide ample resting areas, benches, and pamphlets or
brochures for their enjoyment. Plan carefully to save resources and avoid problems.
Hit points of interest. Maximize users' exposure to natural features, water bodies, and
vegetation changes.
Keep the trail natural in appearance by blending it with its surroundings and by using
natural and native materials in construction.
Follow the contour whenever possible to maintain a gentle trail slope with a grade of less
than 10 percent.
Vary the direction of the trail to add variety.
Keep trail length between 1/2 and 2 miles; whenever possible, create a loop so that users
can return to the starting point.
Trail width should be a minimum of 2 to 4 feet with a trailside vegetation clearing of an additional
12 inches on each side. Trails that will receive heavy use and trails on steep terrain should be
6 to 8 feet wide. Maintain an overhead clearing height of 7 feet for foot trails, 8 feet for bike trails,
and 10 feet for horse trails.
In concentrated or heavy-use areas, trail surfacing may be required. Use low-cost native
or natural materials such as wood chips, bark, or mulch.
Consider trail markers, informational signs, and brochures, especially on self-guided nature
and interpretive trails.
Ashbaugh, B. L., and R. F. Holmes. 1967. Trail Planning and Layout. National Audobon Society. New York, NY. 104p.
Fogg, G. E. 1986. A Site Design Process. National Recreation and Park Assoc., Alexandria, VA. 185p.
Fogg, G. E. 1981. Park Planning Guidelines Revised. National Recreation and Park Assoc., Alexandria, VA. 202p.
Larsen, D. M., and W. R. Miles. Nature Trails. Agricultural Extension Service, University of Minnesota. Extension Bulletin Number 368. 15p.
PLAE, Inc. 1993. A Design Guide for Universal Access to Outdoor Recreation. Berkeley, CA. 240p.
USDA Forest Service 1985. Trails Management Handbook. (FSH 2309.18) 84p.
Other Woodland Owner Notes Available:
Extension Teletip Messages on Forestry, Wildlife, and Forestry Products
An Informational Guide to Forest and Wildlife Management
Where to Go for Forestry Assistance
Financial Incentives for Forest Management
Measuring the Volume of Standing Trees with a Scale Stick
A Consumer's Guide to Consulting Foresters
Forest Soils and Site Index
Reforestation as an Investment: Does It Pay?
Reforestation of Southern Pine
Timber Sale Agreements
Wild Turkey Management
Deer Management
Thinning Pine Stands
Producing Firewood from Your Woodlot
Site Preparation Methods and Contracts
Steps to Successful Pine Plantings
Plant Trees and Wildlife Cover Under the Conservation Reserve Program
Longleaf Pine Straw Production
Before You Sell Your Timber...
Growing Shiitake
Liability and the North Carolina Landowner
Maintaining the Forestry Exemption Under the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act
Enrolling in North Carolina's Forest Stewardship Program
Restoration of Wetlands Under the Wetlands Reserve Program
A Landowner's Guide to Working With Recreationists
Understanding Forestry Terms
Forest and Wildlife Stewardship
Forest Stewardship: Planning for Beauty and Diversity
To return to the Introduction!