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TRAIL SURFACING Choosing surface type requires careful considerations for many different factors: who the users will be, the user experience, the topography, the level of maintenance that can be supported, and the financial ability to develop the trail. All of these should be addressed, on some level, in your project proposal. Revisit the work you did for your project proposal to help determine the best trail surface for your project. When considering the level of maintenance that can be supported long-term, it is important to know who is going to do this maintenance, if the necessary equipment is available, and what financial resources are needed to maintain the trail. Surface issues are one of the main maintenance issues besides mowing and weed control that occur when caring for a trail. There are major differences of costs for the surfaces of trails, and it should be noted that there are advantages and disadvantages of each type of trail surface. Type of Surface Appropriate Uses of Surface Things To Consider Natural (mowed grass or dirt) In rural areas, blending into natural environment. Users include mountain biking or hiking, equestrian, motorized. Erosion issues; potential of unwanted trail creation; maintenance to keep trail clearly identified; not suitable for heavily trafficked areas; may not be accessible for users; generally closed when wet. Woodchips Nature trails around parks Users include hiking. Can absorb water, which can reduce erosion. May require frequent maintenance and not suitable for areas with heavy rain or snow. Somewhat accessible for users. Limestone/ Aggregate rock More regional or rustic experiences. Users can include hiking, biking, motorized. Soil will determine how to design for compaction; weed control; erosion; can be accessible for users. Asphalt Paved trail experience for park and city trails. Users include biking, running and walking. Smooth and durable; expensive to install and gets hot in the sun for users; accessible for users. Concrete Paved trail experience that sees heavy use. Users include biking, running, and walking. Smooth and durable; expensive; can get hot for users; accessible for all users. Boardwalk Environmentally/historically sensitive areas. Users include walking, running, biking. Smooth; high maintenance; not used for entire trail system, but for smaller areas; accessible for all users. If considering crushed limestone, learn about aggregate and gradation. Check out this great resource from Penn State about Trail Surface Aggregate. dirtandgravel.psu.edu/about-the-center/trails Sensitive Areas Environmentally and culturally sensitive areas must be considered in trail design. These are places are where plant or animal life or their habitats are valuable or rare, or an area where important cultural resources exist. These areas can be easily disturbed or degraded by human development. Check out the resources section on page 38 for more information. 25 DESIGN