Trail Design
Sustainable trails allow people to experience nature in an intimate way, while minimizing their impact on the environment. There are three main elements in our practice of creating sustainable trails: design, construction and maintenance.
Design
Sustainable trail design integrates several variables into a cohesive whole. Who will use the trail and how will they use it? There are different considerations when designing hiking, biking or horse trails. How does the trail emphasize the natural beauty of the site? A trail can meander alongside a rolling stream or make a steep ascent to crown a rugged stone outcropping. How can we minimize the impact of erosion and traffic on the trail? Water always wins, but with thoughtful design, drainage can be directed and controlled, reducing the need for maintenance and the potential for flooding or washing out the trail.
Construction
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The trail construction process must have minimal impact on the environment. What types of tools and machines can be used effectively and efficiently to build the trail? We hand build trails and use select equipment to reduce the damage done to the outlying areas during construction. What materials are appropriate to the setting? This can be the aesthetic concerns of similar stones for steps or the practical issue of preventing invasive plants being introduced in a load of mulch. How will materials be moved to the work site? Winch systems, helicopters and mule trains are all examples of solutions to the thorny issue of getting building supplies deep into the woods without ruining the woods along the way.
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A well designed trail needs minimal maintenance, but it is important that periodic checks of the whole trail network are made. Downed trees, encroaching vegetation and user wear patterns can all damage the trail or limit trail access. Annual maintenance is usually sufficient, though it is important to walk the trail after major storms.