Planning and Developing Trails and Routes - Tourism and Trails: Cultural, Ecological and Management Issues - page 198

means that relatively little control can be exerted by agencies and individuals
in charge of these long-distance routes in terms of route changes, vegetation
along the way, the adequacy of facilities and services, or quality of road
maintenance. In an ideal situation, however, planning and designing a scenic
corridor should take into account roadside development, viewpoints, parking
areas, picnic and rest areas, and landscaping (Baud-Bovy & Lawson, 1998)
(see also the case study in Chapter 3 on the development of the Causeway
Coastal Route in Northern Ireland).
Trail structure
The types of trails and their design will depend on the primary market
being targeted and the main purpose of the development. For instance, dif-
ferent consumers sometimes prefer different surfaces, gradients and lengths
(Aguirre, 2009; Bell, 2008; Fiala, 1999; Lieber & Allton, 1983). The use of
urban bicycle paths for rural access will require special consideration while
they are being designed (Watkins, 1984).
There are three main components of hiking trails and footpaths: the
trailhead, the corridor and other elements. All of these need to be considered
together, because all of them are important in the recreation experience.
Design elements of recreation trails typically include destination attractions
(e.g. waterfall, canyon), campsites and picnic areas, scenic overlooks, rest-
rooms, bike racks, interpretive displays and water supplies (Kirschbaum
et al. , 1999).
Trail design must also take into consideration elements of slope, tread,
surface, protruding objects and vertical clearances (Kirschbaum et al. , 1999).
Shallow gradients tend to be more desirable for cyclists and runners (Dowson
& Doxford, 1997; Mudway, 2004), whereas walkers, hikers and horseback
riders are more content with steeper gradients. There are also gradient rules
to consider regarding disability access, which must be followed if access for
all is part of a trail's mandate. Slope considerations have a bearing on the
sustainability of nature tracks that are being developed from scratch in that
they can be planned and executed in ways that help prevent the ecological
impacts of hikers and natural processes. Trails that include steep slopes
should be designed with switchbacks and drainage pipes to help minimize
the flow of water runoff and subsequently avert the effects of erosion on and
near the trail. Utilizing existing natural earth contours can also help inhibit
wear on track surfaces (Wallin & Hardin, 1996: 521). In areas of heavy runoff
potential, there should also be a substantial buffer zone to help absorb water.
As well, the choice of surface material and hardening techniques, if
chosen, can help preserve the path itself and its surrounding environment.
Bell (2008: 106) suggests that route layouts and surface material should
depend on the degree of unspoiled nature desired or how much wear and tear
is expected. The type of surface materials has been shown to have a direct