2.2 Plan for the User

Summary:

determine who the trail is for and what experiences are sought,
assess how many people will use the trail, how many are appropriate,
will the trail be used for different activities?
how will different users affect each others experience?
assess public safety and liability,
assess what kind of information will be needed to assist the user,
consider the "limits of acceptable change" approach to plan for users,

Information on the user will improve trail planning and design, and can help reduce long term maintenance costs. Avoid "over-building" or constructing trails that are too difficult by understanding the interests and abilities of the users. Match the trail design to the recreation or interpretive experience that is sought.