4.0 Apply Design Guidelines by Trail Type

Summary:

  • foot trails:

    • - hiking
    - walking
    - interpretive trails
  • horse trails
  • bicycle trails
  • cross-country skiing trails and ski touring
  • snowshoe trails
  • snowmobile trails
  • special trails:
    - multi-use trails
    - interpretive and wildlife viewing trails
    - barrier free trails
    - portage trails
Design guidelines are specific to the type of recreation use. But construction methods for specific trail types may vary between regions, depending on local environmental conditions and user requirements. For example, trail clearing and maintenance in forested coastal area differs from dry interior sites. Adopt a flexible approach to the trail guidelines.

Consider user needs and safety on multiple-use trails. In most cases, avoid motorized and non-motorized use on the same trail. Depending on the volume and season of use, hiking and equestrian or bicycle use on the same trail may not be compatible. Avoid planning for bicycle use on interpretive trails. In favorable terrain conditions, many trails may be used in both the summer and winter.

This manual outlines a standard approach to classifying trail types, based on the system for hiking trails used by the B.C. Parks Branch since the 1960s. Trail types are classified from I to V depending on how many different types of trails are in each category. For example, hiking and walking trails have a wide range of characteristics, and are described using 5 different types. Snowmobile trails have 3 types shown. Type I trails are always the highest standard trails, with the lowest standard of trail or route shown by Type III, IV or V grading depending on what activity the trail is for. For example, Type V hiking trails and Type IV ski trails are routes only.

Type: Type I Type II Type III Type IV Type V Type VI
Decreasing standards
highest standard.......................... lowest standard or route only
maximum users........................... least number of users
may have highest.........................
environmental impact		 likely has lowest environmental
impact
hightest cost................................ lowest cost
highest maintenance lowest maintenance
Trail Type Summary
Type I Type II Type III Type IV Type V Type VI
Foot
Horse
Bicycle
Ski
Snowshoe
Snowmobile
Interpretive
Barrier Free