Trail Construction

[IndianChris]

Not familiar with this field myself but was recently asked by someone if I knew of any manuals or books that would help describe proper trail building and maintenance techniques. The trail construction is going to be done on private property near the Adirondacks.
If anyone could provide references of such manuals/books, if they even exist, that would be great.
Thanks a lot.

 

[brianW]

Not geared for just hiking trails but have glanced thru this in the past and the mt bike club I work with uses it when constructing/mainting trails.
http://www.imba.com/catalog/book-trail-solutions

 

[TDawg]

AMC has their guide.

And here's a page with a bunch of options...

 

[cooperhill]

FS Trail Construction Manual

Forest Service Technology division's Trail manual. Also slanted a bit towards mountain bikes.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/fspubs/07232806/index.htm

You can also order the hard copy here:

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/trailpub.htm

 

[IndianChris]

Wow! Awesome references. I think I'll find what I need there.
Thanks a lot guys!!!

 

[Creag Nan Drochaid]

Appalachian Trail Fieldbook

For more than 20 years we have used the AT Fieldbook as our guidelines. It is pocket-size, spiral bound so you can turn it to the right page for what you are doing and protect it in a ziplock baggie. It is in outline format, and for each type of work it is divided into what the trail should and should not be like. Very helpful for encouraging focused observation and thinking, it has helped many a new worker steepen their learning curve so they can contribute better and have more fun. Hard copy from AT Conservancy, but we can read it here:
http://blueandwhitecrew.org/files/fieldbook.pdf
If your trails are for foot travel only then this may be what you need to get started.
Creag nan drochaid

 

[cooperhill]

For more than 20 years we have used the AT Fieldbook as our guidelines. It is pocket-size, spiral bound so you can turn it to the right page for what you are doing and protect it in a ziplock baggie. It is in outline format, and for each type of work it is divided into what the trail should and should not be like. Very helpful for encouraging focused observation and thinking, it has helped many a new worker steepen their learning curve so they can contribute better and have more fun. Hard copy from AT Conservancy, but we can read it here:
http://blueandwhitecrew.org/files/fieldbook.pdf
If your trails are for foot travel only then this may be what you need to get started.
Creag nan drochaid

Link seems to be bad. I looked around and found this. Seems to be the same one. Ah the vagaries of the interwebs.

http://blueandwhitecrew.org/files/Fieldbook.pdf