Trails

Trails are routes designed for travel on foot, by bicycle, horseback, or other non-motorized means. They traverse landscapes from urban parks to remote wilderness and serve recreation, transportation, and habitat connectivity. The term is used worldwide with variations in management and terminology.

Types include hiking trails, nature trails, multi-use or shared-use trails, and equestrian trails. Longer routes known as long-distance trails or national or regional trails are often designated and maintained for multi-day use. Some trails are interpretive, offering educational features about geology, biology, or culture. Ski, snowshoe, and winter trails provide seasonal access.

Construction and maintenance: trails consist of a tread or path surface, with features such as drainage, switchbacks, boardwalks, bridges, and signage. Tread materials vary from bare earth to gravel, asphalt, or wooden planks. Signage and blazes mark routing. Maintenance includes clearing vegetation, repairing erosion, improving drainage, and invasive species control. Management is typically by public agencies, land managers, or volunteer groups, often on public lands or rights-of-way.

Usage and etiquette: users should stay on designated routes, yield to horses, keep dogs under control, carry out trash, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Many trails are accessible to some degree, but uneven surfaces and elevation gain can limit mobility for some users. Safety concerns include weather, navigation, wildlife, and rough terrain. Maps, guides, and GPS are common planning tools.

Impact and conservation: trails support recreation and tourism but can affect soil, vegetation, and wildlife. Sustainable design emphasizes erosion control, seasonal closures, and minimizing habitat disruption. Notable trails include the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Camino de Santiago, and the Inca Trail, illustrating a range of cultural and natural settings.