I frequently get asked if creating trails in different parts of the U.S. isn't pretty much the same wherever you are. Surprisingly, my answer is usually no.

Now let me explain that answer. Trail building philosophy in various regions has several fundamental differences: elevation, soil types, average annual rainfall amounts, location, and population densities all play an important role in how we build trails in these different locations.

Of all these differences, location and population densities play the most important roles. Highly populated areas with heavy trail use, such as in the Northeast, have different trail development and maintenance needs than little-used trails. We think of the West as having more wide open spaces, but even that assumption has exceptions: some trails in Southern California, Texas and Arizona are pushing the limits of overuse. As a result, their trail design and engineering end up similar to urban areas in the Northeast.

The experience found on most of the more popular trails in the Rocky Mountain states offer solitude, incredible long-range views, and trail features that would cause most land managers to toss in their sleep. How many times have you heard friends returning from a Western trail vacation say, ÒIt was great! We had the trail all to ourselves!Ó If you've been there you may have said it yourself.

Now think about how many times that happens on a crowded trail -- no matter where you are -- and I think you will see my point.

The trails in those special meccas are sought out by people looking for the solitary type of experience they have to offer.

In return, these less-used trails suffer fewer environmental impacts.

If high-density trail builders were to follow the same design standards in a misguided attempt to re-create those experiences, they would find that trail quality deteriorates very quickly because use on them would be ten times as much as those trails they were emulating. These problems are known as user impacts.

Another problem we have to deal with in some areas is higher rainfall amounts. Rain has the nasty tendency to wash away materials loosened up by user impacts, creating trenches and sand pits at the bottom of every hill. It also creates mud holes that seem to grow daily during periods of heavy rainfall. We call these natural impacts.

Bring the two together and it spells a recipe for disaster unless we adhere to a strict set of design criteria.

These two types of impacts govern how our trails have to be designed and built in order to be maintainable over the long haul.

And that, my friends, is why we build trails the way we do. Besides, there are areas that have some features that make them special, like deep forests that add a wonderful sense of adventure by always hiding what's around the next corner. There may also be streams that challenge the best riding skills and will reward you with a cool dunking if you fail to make the far bank.

I am a big advocate of challenging trails. I also like to build trails that we can enjoy and not have to spend all our time maintaining. We can all draw on the things that make our regions unique and create trails that are both challenging and ultimately maintainable.

If any of this has piqued your curiosity and you are interested in learning more, then consider signing up for the next round of Trail Master classes.

Owner of Trail Design Specialists, LLC (www.traildesign.com), Mike Riter teaches AERC Trail Master courses.

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