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, I 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 I inspect the property taking note of any terrain features that might enhance or complicate the trail. Once I feel familiar with the parcel, I 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.

When I’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 I incorporate into the design.

Once the design has been approved, I sometimes return and mark the trees to be harvested to avoid confusion when the trail is cut.

There are generally two options when it comes to actually cutting 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 was planned in conjunction with a scheduled forest thinning. Often the cost of the trail is offset by the proceeds from the timber harvest.

An alternative approach to cutting and clearing the trail is by the landowner or by 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. I have conducted day-long demonstration sessions for schools and other volunteer groups who have gone on to create wonderful community trails.

Once the trail corridor has been cut and cleared of trees, brush and undergrowth, it is time for the heavy equipment. In most cases, the machine of choice is a tracked excavator which can quickly pop out stumps, level the trail surface, bank the turns, and install culverts where necessary. Some contractors prefer to rough out the trail with the excavator and finish it off with a small bulldozer, but most experienced excavator operators are skillful enough to leave a surface that is ready for grass seed or wood chips.

The final steps include cutting the overhanging branches with a ploe saw, installing informative trail signs at significant junctions, and developing a colorful map of the trail system.