Trail Tips

We are diving into the visitor-filled summer season! Over the next few months, it's important to remember that in addition to lakes, waterfalls, boats and picnicking, our hiking and mountain biking trails also attract a number of visitors looking for recreational opportunities. Check out the info in this blog for a quick refresher on building and maintaining professional, sustainable trails and to find resources that may help your park manage trails efficiently throughout the summer when staff time is limited.

• This PDF - Why Trails? was created by Dan Hudson for the most recent Ranger School students. It can be used as a brief refresher for those who have some trail background, or can provide an introduction for seasonal staff members who may be doing quick trail assessments during their employment. 

• For MPS-specific trail standards, be sure to use the Wayfinding Guide. Important information regarding trail signage can be found there, so skim the material to stay up to date and avoid situations like the one in the image here! --->  

• Check out the USFS Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook for detailed information about trail planning, design, maintenance and special considerations.

• New trail classes and webinars are posted frequently on the American Trails training calendar. On pages 28 and 29 of this American Trails Magazine edition, there are a variety of resources noted where you can access full courses and classes about sustainable trail design, creation and maintenance, GIS, and even trail funding. Be sure to check with your supervisor and fill out the appropriate out-service paperwork before registering for these courses! 

• Looking for funding for trails in your park? Check out the Recreational Trails Program through the State Highway Administration for more information about possible grants.

• For help contracting a professional trail building team, use the Professional TrailBuilders Association. Under the resources tab, you can find information on contract assistance and how to submit a trail-specific contract for bids.

Free trail tech:
- Avenza app - Download a DNR map of your park and open it in the Avenza app on your phone to have a handheld interactive trail reporter. The app can be used to drop pins where there are maintenance issues or even to track the distance between trail markers. 
- Strava heatmap - Check out which trails are most commonly used in your park on the Strava Heatmap website.
- Navigate the way some visitors do by using REI Project Apps (Hiking Project or MTB Project) and Trailforks - All three websites/apps are great to visit to see what various trail users are saying about trail conditions in your park.

Are there other apps or gadgets you use related to trail work? Do you have any tips or resources to add? Share in the comments section below!