Design and Construction of Trails, Assets, and Transportation Amenities
Find best practices for designing and building trails, recreational assets, and parking and transportation related amenities.
Sustainable construction and design of outdoor recreation amenities is a hot topic in the industry, often with conflicting information about what it means to be “sustainable”. Designing and building sustainable trails and outdoor recreation assets is about creating outdoor spaces that last, protect the environment, and serve all kinds of users. From hiking trails to boat launches, and signage to parking lots, sustainable methods help ensure these places stay safe, fun, and accessible for years to come. This tool applies these core tenants of sustainable construction and design to trails, but also extends these principles to other outdoor recreation assets like beach and boat access, rock climbing areas, interpretive signage, and parking areas. As you proceed through this tool, follow the links for resources on all aspects of sustainable design.
Sustainable Design - The Three Pillars
Sustainable design is essential when designing outdoor recreation assets. A sustainable outdoor recreation area supports current and future use, protects the environment, and minimizes ongoing maintenance needs. If a recreational asset is sustainable, it reduces one of the most prominent issues that managing agencies face: maintenance.
Maintenance is expensive and requires human resources to perform the tasks. This challenge for land managers can be addressed through thoughtful design that incorporates environmental, social and economic factors.
The following sections outline the principles of environmental sustainability, social sustainability, and economic sustainability. This tool applies these three pillars of sustainable design first to the creation of local trail networks but also extends these principles to other types of outdoor recreation assets.
Environmental Sustainability
Environmental sustainability considers natural physical features within the environment and how to work with them to achieve a solid foundation within the landscape.
Trails
When exploring environmental elements for trail systems, there are four components to consider: slope grade, trail alignment angle (the relationship between the trail and the horizontal contour lines), cross-slopes, and grade reversals. During the initial stages of your project, ask yourself a few basic questions:
- Is the trail aligned to shed water, rather than collect it?
- Is the slope grade appropriate for the type of user it is intended to serve?
- Are grade reversals build to slow erosion?
- Is the surface material appropriate for expected traffic and weather conditions?
If your trail project can achieve these essential components, you’re setting yourself up for success (your maintenance department will thank you later).
Other Recreational Infrastructure
Similarly, you will want to work with the natural features of a landscape when designing and building outdoor recreation infrastructure. While trail design often focuses on elements like slope grade, trail alignment angle, cross-slopes, and grade reversals, the principles of environmental sustainability also apply to other outdoor recreation assets.
For example, a boat launch must be placed to avoid disrupting aquatic habitats, minimize shoreline erosion, and withstand changing water levels. Parking lots, beach access points, and other transportation infrastructure should be sited on stable ground with proper drainage to prevent sediment runoff into nearby ecosystems. Signage should be placed where it won't disturb sensitive vegetation and should be made of materials that can withstand local environmental conditions with minimal maintenance. Similarly, rock climbing access points should be located to protect sensitive cliff ecosystems, avoid disturbing nesting bird habitats, and prevent soil erosion from foot traffic.
Just like with trails, ensuring environmental sustainability with other outdoor recreation assets can begin with simple questions. You might ask yourself:
- Does this asset shed water appropriately, rather than collect it?
- Are materials selected for durability and low ecological impact?
- Is vegetation being preserved or restored in the area?
If these questions are being addressed, your project is well on its way to achieving environmental sustainability.
Social Sustainability
Social Sustainability is arguably the most important component to sustainable trail design and is often overlooked. In the context of recreation planning, social sustainability relates to meeting the needs of the user groups. Failing to implement social practices will inevitably lead to management challenges like overcrowded recreation areas, recreation amenities with little to no use, unauthorized use of recreation areas, and user conflict and competition.
Trails
Social sustainability in trail systems may include addressing – and getting ahead of – these challenges. Keep an eye out for indicators that the social balance of your trail system is under stress. For example, the creation of unofficial trail networks, often known as “social trails”, threaten wildlife habitat and erode the landscape. These social trails may be a result of unknowing visitors seeking short cuts to park features or competing user groups seeking out space for themselves. See the Destination Marketing and Management tool for further guidance on ensuring sustainable tourism levels for your recreational asset.
Other Recreational Assets
Social sustainability focuses on meeting the diverse needs and expectations of user groups. While this is often discussed in the context of trail use, it is equally relevant to other outdoor recreation assets.
For example, a socially sustainable boat launch might include accessible features for paddlers with limited mobility, while beach access points should consider inclusive design for strollers, wheelchairs, and users of all ages. Clear, inclusive signage in multiple languages or formats, ensures a welcoming experience for all. Rock climbing access should account for diverse skill levels and provide clear, safe routes to climbing areas, as well as spaces for social interaction and education on responsible use. Adequate parking and transportation options that reflect user demand, such as shuttle services to reduce vehicle congestion, help ensure a welcoming experience for climbers and other visitors alike.
Ignoring social sustainability can result in overcrowding, conflicts between user groups, the development of unauthorized routes or structures, and an overall decline in user satisfaction. Well-designed facilities that reflect the social needs of the community are more likely to be respected, maintained, and cherished by their users.
Economic Sustainability
Economic sustainability identifies the managerial and funding needs necessary for recreation areas to operate. It is often understood that outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism have a positive effect on individuals and communities. However, as with social sustainability, this element within sustainable outdoor recreation planning is overlooked with respect to long-term sustainability in trail systems. As nature-based areas continue to experience an increase in visitation, economic sustainability becomes a vital component for these areas to serve the needs of their visitors. The bottom line with economic sustainability is it must be prioritized and understood how to maintain it for the vitality of a recreation area.
This principle extends to both trails and other outdoor recreation assets. Each of these requires funding not only for initial construction but for ongoing maintenance, staffing, repair, and upgrades. For instance, installing durable materials for a trail surface may cost more upfront but reduce long-term maintenance costs. Well-designed signage can minimize the need for constant supervision or user support. Thoughtfully planned parking and transportation systems can reduce congestion and associated maintenance costs.
As visitation grows and expectations shift, ensuring that these assets are economically viable over time is crucial. Budget planning, partnerships, and sustainable revenue model such as parking fees or concessions can all contribute to the longevity and vitality of outdoor recreation infrastructure.
Sustainability Resources
Now that we’ve addressed basic sustainable design elements, let’s dive into the various resources to guide you along your journey.
General Sustainable Trail Design Guidelines
- NH State Parks Trail Best Management Practices
- IMBA Trail Guidelines
- Kootenay Adaptive Trail Standards
- Vermont Town Forest Trail Design Guide
- USFS Trail Maintenance and Construction Notebook
- USFS Trail Fundamentals and Trail Management Objectives
- USFS Sustainable Recreation Site Design Guide (Campground, Picnic Areas, Vistas, Trailheads, etc.)
- USFS Wetland Trail Design and Construction
Trail Classifications and Rating Systems
- Adaptive Mountain Bike (aMTB) Rating System
- IMBA Trail Rating System
- Vermont Town Forest Trail Design Guide
Accessibility
- USDA Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation and Trails
- USFS Trail Accessibility Guidelines (2013)
- US Access Board - Outdoor Developed Areas
- Building Accessible Trails - Vermont Trails and Greenways
Signage
Mountain Biking
- IMBA Guidelines for a Quality Trail Experience
- IMBA Mountain Bike Trail Development Guidelines for Successfully Managing the Process
- USFS Bicycle Design Parameters
- Vermont Mountain Bike Association Best Management Practices for Trail Construction and Maintenance
Motorized (OHV/ATV)
Trails & Wildlife
Hikers & Pedestrian
Backcountry Skiing
Cross Country Skiing
Snowshoeing
Equestrian
- USFS Designing for Equestrian Use
- USDA Equestrian Design Guidebook for Trails, Trailheads, and Campgrounds
Rock Climbing
River & Beach Access
- NPS River Access Planning Guide
- US Access Board - Outdoor Developed Areas
- US Access Board - Guide to Accessible Boating