The design of a successful recreational trail is more art than science, and for that reason the process is flexible depending upon a variety of factors. Typically, Morton Trails will meet with the client to get a clear sense of the purpose of the trail. Obviously, trails designed to host international competitions will be quite different from a trail for a private landowner who simply wants to teach his grandchildren to ski on the family wood lot. At this initial meeting we also study maps of the available property and identify the boundaries. Often the client will indicate specific goals: "We'd like the trail to access the hilltop so that we can enjoy the view," or "Keep the trail away from the stream because it floods every spring."

Then we inspect the property, taking note of any terrain features that might enhance or complicate the trail. Once we feel familiar with the parcel, we begin hanging strips of engineer flagging from tree branches to indicate a general centerline of the proposed trail. It is difficult to accurately predict how long this process will take since it is dependent upon many variables including the terrain, foliage, preexisting logging roads, wetlands, and ledge, to name a few.

This facet of the project can be complicated somewhat if the trail is to be homologated to comply with international competition standards. There are specific guidelines regarding the location and duration of climbs on the course, the width of the trail, and the layout of the start/finish area, which become pieces of a puzzle which must all fit together.

Click here to learn more about competitive venue design and homologation.

When we've finished flagging a route which fulfills the goals of the client, we walk the proposed trail together to gather feedback. Many times this draft version survives intact, but often the client suggests modifications or revisions which we incorporate into the design.

Once the design has been approved, we return and mark the trees with forestry paint to be harvested. This serves as a final opportunity to refine the route and avoids confusion regarding which trees should be cut for the trail.

We also make a GPS record of the trail route that forms the basis of a trail map to be used by the logger, the excavator operator and later the landowner. In the case of trail systems intended for homologation, the GPS data becomes a vital component of the information submitted to the US Ski Association and the International Ski Federation for course certification.

There are generally two options when it comes to actually cutting and clearing the trail. Many projects are cut commercially by professional loggers who have the experience and the heavy equipment to get the job done quickly and efficiently. This approach is especially effective if the trail design is coordinated with a prescribed forest thinning. Sometimes the cost of creating the trail is offset by the proceeds from the timber harvest.

An alternative approach to opening the trail route is through the efforts of the landowner or a group of community volunteers. This approach can also be effective if the volunteers are well organized and trained in the best procedures for cutting, clearing and stacking. We have conducted day-long demonstration sessions for schools and other volunteer groups who have gone on to create wonderful community trails.