Summary:

• select a route for the user,
• review and apply design principles and standards on trail length, grades, materials, views, etc., (see also guidelines for different trail types),
• consider public safety,
  
  
• mark the trail route based on the trail layout and type,
• consider environmental protection,
• adjust the route flagging as required for ease of construction, trail durability and minimum impacts,
  
  
• use design techniques to reduce soil erosion,
• use suitable construction techniques and options, eg. bridges, boardwalks and drainage structures,
• plan for waste disposal,
  
  
• reduce maintenance requirements,
• prepare trail design drawings and specifications,
• prepare a cost estimate.

Once overall trail planning decisions are made, use these logical design steps to prepare construction drawings and specifications. Detailed trail routing, clearing and tread widths, types of materials, environmental protection measures and the location of special construction requirements, such as switchbacks or boardwalks are all part of the design process. The final products of the design phase are a flagged trail route, construction drawings, specifications, cost estimates, construction schedule, and a maintenance outline