SWIMBA Trail Standards11

SWIMBA Trail Standards
In an effort to provide consistency and improve communications among trail builders, land
owners and Federal Land Managers (FLM), SWIMBA has decided to adopt trail standards. As
SWIMBA moves forward with trail development and long term maintenance we need a more
effective and consistent way of communicating trail design parameters and long term
maintenance needs. This starts with a hierarchy of trail classification and moves toward the
intended trail users. One user group may have specific trail needs which will necessitate specific
design parameters leading to that trails assignment of a “designated use.” As an example,
equestrians may need branches cleared much higher above the trail than other users and
mountain bike trails may need more twists and turns than other user groups in an effort to reduce
speed while increasing the fun factor.
Upon beginning the quest for information on this topic it became quickly apparent SWIMBA
isn’t alone and many other trail building organizations and FLMs have come to the same cross
roads. Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) went through this same process in the fall of 2011
which provided a wealth of useful information that SWIMBA will be utilizing. The U.S. Forest
Service went through the process of redefining trail classifications and design parameters in
2008. Whistler Mountain Resort one of Canada’s premier mountain biking locations also went
through a similar process and developed an excellent trail difficulty classification.
With these thoughts in mind SWIMBA is opting to adopt the 2008 Forest Service trail
classification1, user designation process and design parameters as SWIMBA’s trail standards for
future trail development and trail improvement plans. In areas SWIMBA will have the flexibility
to rate trails we will be adopting Whistler’s trail rating system2. What follows is a
conglomeration of the U.S Forest Service Trail Classification system, Whistler’s trail rating
system and definitions taken for both these organizations.
1
National Trail Classification System , FSM 2350 and FSH 2309.18, Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 201 /
Thursday, October 16, 2008, pp 61600-61547. Available at: http:// www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2008-10-16/pdf/E8-
24193.pdf
2
Whistler Trail Standards Environmental and Technical Trail Features, Andrew DeBoer, Whistler Cycling
Community, Summer 2003. Available at: http://www.mbta.ca/assets/pdfs/trail_standards_first_edition.pdf
Trail Class Matrix
Trail Classes are general categories reflecting trail development scale, arranged along a continuum. The Trail Class identified for a National Forest System
1
(NFS) trail prescribes its development scale, representing its intended design and management standards. Local deviations from any Trail Class descriptor
may be established based on trail-specific conditions, topography, or other factors, provided that the deviations do not undermine the general intent of the
applicable Trail Class.
Identify the appropriate Trail Class for each National Forest System trail or trail segment based on the management intent in the applicable land management
plan, travel management direction, trail-specific decisions, and other related direction. Apply the Trail Class that most closely matches the management intent
for the trail or trail segment, which may or may not reflect the current condition of the trail.
Trail Trail Class 1 Trail Class 2 Trail Class 3 Trail Class 4 Trail Class 5
Attributes Minimally Developed Moderately Developed Developed Highly Developed Fully Developed
Tread Tread intermittent and often Tread continuous and discernible, Tread continuous and obvious Tread wide and relatively smooth Tread wide, firm,
& indistinct but narrow and rough with few irregularities stable, and
Traffic Flow Single lane, with allowances generally uniform
May require route finding Single lane with minor allowances constructed for passing where Single lane, with allowances
constructed for passing required by traffic volumes in constructed for passing where Single lane, with
Single lane with no areas with no reasonable passing required by traffic volumes in frequent turnouts
allowances constructed for Typically native materials opportunities available areas with no reasonable where traffic
passing passing opportunities available volumes are low to
Native or imported materials moderate
Predominantly native Double lane where traffic
materials volumes are high and passing is Double lane where
frequent traffic volumes are
moderate to high
Native or imported materials
Commonly hardened
May be hardened with asphalt or other
imported material
Obstacles Obstacles common, Obstacles may be common, Obstacles may be common, but Obstacles infrequent and Obstacles not
naturally ocurring, often substantial, and intended to not substantial or intended to insubstantial present
substantial and intended to provide increased challenge provide challenge
provide increased challenge Vegetation cleared outside of Grades typically <
Blockages cleared to define route Vegetation cleared outside of trailway 8%
Narrow passages; brush, and protect resources trailway
steep grades, rocks and
logs present Vegetation may encroach into
trailway
2
Trail Trail Class 1 Trail Class 2 Trail Class 3 Trail Class 4 Trail Class 5
Attributes Minimally Developed Moderately Developed Developed Highly Developed Fully Developed
Constructed Structures minimal to non- Structures of limited size, Structures may be common Structures frequent and Structures frequent or
Features existent scale, and quantity; typically and substantial; constructed substantial; typically continuous; typically
& constructed of native of imported or native constructed of imported constructed of imported
Trail Drainage typically materials materials materials materials
Elements accomplished without
structures Structures adequate to Natural or constructed fords Contructed or natural fords May include bridges,
protect trail infrastructure and boardwalks, curbs, handrails,
Natural fords resources Bridges as needed for Bridges as needed for trailside amenities, and
resource protection and resource protection and user similar features
Typically no bridges Natural fords appropriate access convenience
Bridges as needed for Trailside amenities may be
resource protection and present
appropriate access
Signs2 Route identification signing Route identification signing Route identification signing Route identification signing at Route identification signing
limited to junctions limited to junctions at junctions and as needed junctions and as needed for at junctions and for user
for user reassurance user reassurance reassurance
Route markers present when Route markers present when
trail location is not evident trail location is not evident Route markers as needed Route markers as needed for Route markers as needed for
for user reassurance user reassurance user reassurance
Regulatory and resource Regulatory and resource
protection signing infrequent protection signing infrequent Regulatory and resource Regulatory and resource Regulatory and resource
protection signing may be protection signing common protection signing common
Desination signing, unless Destination signing typically common
required, generally not infrequent outside of Destination signing common Destination signing common
present wilderness; generally not Destination signing likely outside of wilderness;
present in wilderness outside of wilderness; generally not present in Information and interpretive
Information and interpretive generally not present in wilderness signs common
signing generally not present Information and interpretive wilderness
signing not common Information and interpretive Accessibility information
Information and interpretive signs may be common likely displayed at trailhead
signs may be present outside of wilderness
outside of wilderness Accessibility information
likely displayed at trailhead
Typical Natural, unmodified Natural, essentially Natural, primarily May be modified May be highly modified
Recreation unmodified unmodified
Environs ROS: Typically Primitive to ROS: Typically Semi- Commonly associated with
& Roaded Natural ROS: Typically Primitive to ROS: Typically Primitive to Primitive to Rural Roaded visitor centers or high-use
Experience3 Roaded Natural Typically Roaded Natural Natural to Rural setting recreation sites
WROS: Typically Primitive to
Semi-Primitive WROS: Typically Primitive to WROS: Typically Semi- WROS: Typically Portal or ROS: Typically Roaded
Semi-Primitive Primitive to Transition Transition Natural to Urban
Generally not present in
Wilderness
1 For National Quality Standards for Trails, Potential Appropriateness of Trail Classes for Managed Uses, Design Parameters, and other related guidance, refer to FSM 2353, FSH 2309.18,
and other applicable agency references.
2
For standards and guidelines for the use of signs and posters along trails, refer to the Sign and Poster Guidelines for the Forest Service (EM-7100-15).
3
The Trail Class Matrix shows the combinations of Trail Class and Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) or Wilderness Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (WROS) settings that commonly occur,
although trails in all Trail Classes may and do occur in all settings. For guidance on the application of the ROS and WROS, refer to FSM 2310 and 2353 and FSH 2309.18.
3
Design Parameters
Design Parameters are technical guidelines for the survey, design, construction, maintenance, and assessment of National Forest System trails, based on their
1
Designed Use and Trail Class and consistent with their management intent . Local deviations from any Design Parameter may be established based on trail-
specific conditions, topography, or other factors, provided that the deviations are consistent with the general intent of the applicable Trail Class.
Designed Use
HIKER/PEDESTRIAN Trail Class 1 Trail Class 2 Trail Class 3 2 Trail Class 4 2 Trail Class 5 2
Design Wilderness 0” – 12” 6” – 18” 12” – 24” 18” – 24” Not applicable
(Single Lane)
Tread Exception: may be Exception: may be
36” – 48” at steep side 36” – 48” at steep side
Width slopes slopes
Non-Wilderness 0” – 12” 6” – 18” 18” – 36” 24” – 60” 36” – 72”
(Single Lane)
Non-Wilderness 36” 36” 36” – 60” 48” – 72” 72” – 120”
(Double Lane)
Structures 18” 18” 18” 36” 36”
(Minimum Width)
Design Type Native, ungraded Native, limited grading Native with some onsite Native with improved Likely imported material,
borrow or imported sections of borrow or routine grading
Surface3 May be continuously May be continuously material where needed imported material,
rough rough for stabilization, routine grading Uniform, firm, and stable
occasional grading
Minor roughness
Intermittently rough
Protrusions ≤ 24” ≤ 6” ≤ 3” ≤3” No protrusions
Likely common and May be common and May be common, not Uncommon, not
continuous continuous continuous continuous
Obstacles 24” 14” 10” 8” No obstacles
(Maximum Height)
Design Target Grade 5% – 25% 5% – 18% 3% – 12% 2% – 10% 2% – 5%

Grade 3
Short Pitch Maximum 40% 35% 25% 15% 5%
FSTAG: 5% – 12%2
Maximum Pitch Density 20% – 40% of trail 20% – 30% of trail 10% – 20% of trail 5% – 20% of trail 0% – 5% of trail
4
Designed Use
HIKER/PEDESTRIAN Trail Class 1 Trail Class 2 Trail Class 3 2 Trail Class 4 2 Trail Class 5 2
Design Target Cross Slope Natural side slope 5% – 20% 5% – 10% 3% – 7% 2% – 3%
(or crowned)
Cross
Slope Maximum Cross Slope Natural side slope 25% 15% 10% 3%
Design Height 6’ 6’ – 7’ 7’ – 8’ 8’ – 10’ 8’ – 10’

Clearing
Width ≥ 24” 24” – 48” 36” – 60” 48” – 72” 60” – 72”
Some vegetation may Some light vegetation
encroach into clearing may encroach into
area clearing area
Shoulder Clearance 3” – 6” 6” – 12” 12” – 18” 12” – 18” 12” – 24”
Design Radius No minimum 2’ – 3’ 3’ – 6’ 4’ – 8’ 6’ – 8’

Turn
1
For definitions of Design Parameter attributes (e.g., Design Tread Width and Short Pitch Maximum) see FSH 2309.18, section 05.
2
Trail Classes 3, 4, and 5, in particular, have the potential to provide accessible passage. If assessing or designing trails for accessibility, refer to the Forest Service Trail Accessibility
Guidelines (FSTAG) for more specific technical provisions and tolerances (FSM 2350).
3
The determination of trail-specific design grades, design surface, and other Design Parameters should be based upon soils, hydrological conditions, use levels, erosion potential, and
other factors contributing to surface stability and overall sustainability of the trail.
5
Design Parameters
1
Designed Use
PACK AND SADDLE Trail Class 1 Trail Class 2 Trail Class 3 Trail Class 4 Trail Class 5
Design Wilderness Typically not designed 12” – 18” 18” – 24” 24” Typically not
(Single Lane) or actively managed for designed or actively
Tread equestrians, although
May be up to 48” along May be up to 48” along May be up to 48” along
managed for
steep side slopes steep side slopes steep side slopes
Width use may be accepted equestrians, although
48” – 60” or greater along 48” – 60” or greater along 48” – 60” or greater along use may be accepted
precipices precipices precipices
Non-Wilderness 12” – 24” 18” – 48” 24” – 96”
(Single Lane) May be up to 48” along 48” – 60” or greater along 48” – 60” or greater along
steep side slopes precipices precipices
48” – 60” or greater along
precipices
Non-Wilderness 60” 60” – 84” 84” – 120”
(Double Lane)
Structures Other than -bridges: 36” Other than bridges: 36” Other than bridges: 36”
(Minimum Width) Bridges without Bridges without handrails: Bridges without handrails:
handrails: 60” 60” 60”
Bridges with handrails: Bridges with handrails: Bridges with handrails: 84”
84” clear width 84” clear width clear width
Design Type Native, limited grading Native with some onsite Native, with improved
borrow or imported sections of borrow or
Surface2 May be frequently rough material where needed imported material, routine
for stabilization, grading
occasional grading
Minor roughness
Intermittently rough
Protrusions ≤ 6” ≤ 3” ≤ 3”
May be common and May be common, not Uncommon, not
continuous continuous continuous
Obstacles 12” 6” 3”
(Maximum Height)
10/16/2008
6
Designed Use
PACK AND SADDLE Trail Class 1 Trail Class 2 Trail Class 3 Trail Class 4 Trail Class 5
Design Target Grade 5% – 20% 3% – 12% 2% – 10%
Grade 2
Short Pitch Maximum 30% 20% 15%
Maximum Pitch Density 15% – 20% of trail 5% – 15% of trail 5% – 10% of trail
Design Target Cross Slope 5% – 10% 3% – 5% 0% – 5%

Cross
Slope Maximum Cross Slope 10% 8% 5%
Design Height 8’ – 10’ 10’ 10’ – 12’

Clearing
Width 72” 72” – 96” 96”
Some light vegetation
may encroach into
clearing area
Shoulder Clearance 6” – 12” 12” – 18” 12” – 18”
Pack clearance: 36” x 36” Pack clearance: 36” x 36” Pack clearance: 36” x 36”
Design Radius 4’ – 5’ 5’ – 8’ 6’ – 10’

Turn
1
2
7
Design Parameters
1
Designed Use
BICYCLE Trail Class 1 Trail Class 2 Trail Class 3 Trail Class 4 Trail Class 5
Design Single Lane 6” – 12” 12” – 24” 18” – 36” 24” – 48” 36” – 60”
Tread
Width Double Lane 36” – 48” 36” – 48” 36” – 48” 48” – 84” 72” – 120”
Structures 18” 18” 36” 48” 60”

(Minimum Width)
Design Type Native, un-graded Native, limited grading Native with some onsite Native, routine grading Likely imported material,
borrow or imported with improved sections routine grading
Surface2 May be continuously May be continuously material where needed of borrow or imported
rough rough for stabilization, materials Uniform, firm, and stable
Sections of soft or Sections of soft or occasional grading
Stable with minor
unstable tread on unstable tread on Intermittently rough roughness
grades < 5% may be grades < 5% may be
common and continuous common Sections of soft or
unstable tread on
grades < 5% may be
present, but not
common
Protrusions ≤ 24” ≤ 6” ≤ 3” ≤ 3” No protrusions
Likely common and May be common and May be common, not Uncommon, not
continuous continuous continuous continuous
Obstacles 24” 12” 10” 8” No obstacles
(Maximum Height)
Design Target Grade 5% – 20% 5% – 12% 3% – 10% 2% – 8% 2% – 5%

Grade 2
Short Pitch Maximum 30% 25% 15% 10% 8%
50% on downhill-only 35% on downhill-only
segments segments
Maximum Pitch Density 20% – 30% of trail 10% – 30% of trail 10% – 20% of trail 5% – 10% of trail 0% – 5% of trail
10/16/2008
8
Designed Use
BICYCLE Trail Class 1 Trail Class 2 Trail Class 3 Trail Class 4 Trail Class 5
Design Target Cross Slope 5% – 10% 5% – 8% 3% – 8% 3% – 5% 2% – 3%
Cross
Slope Maximum Cross Slope 10% 10% 8% 5% 5%
Design Height 6’ 6’ – 8’ 8’ 8’ - 9’ 8’ - 9’
Clearing
Width 24” – 36” 36” – 48” 60” – 72” 72” – 96” 72” – 96”
Some vegetation may Some light vegetation
encroach into clearing may encroach into
area clearing area
Shoulder Clearance 0’ – 12” 6” – 12” 6” – 12” 6” – 18” 12” – 18”
Design Radius 2’ – 3’ 3’ – 6’ 4’ – 8’ 8’ – 10’ 8’ - 12’

Turn
1
2
9
Design Parameters
1
Designed Use
MOTORCYCLE Trail Class 1 Trail Class 2 Trail Class 3 Trail Class 4 Trail Class 5
Design Single Lane Typically not designed 8” – 24” 18” – 36” 24” – 48” Typically not designed
or actively managed or actively managed for
Tread for motorcycles, motorcycles, although
Double Lane although use may be 48” 48 ” – 60” 60” – 72” use may be accepted
Width
accepted
Structures 36” 48” 48”
(Minimum Width)
Design Type Native, limited grading Native with some onsite Native with imported
borrow or imported materials for tread
Surface2 May be continuously material where needed stabilization common,
rough for stabilization, routine grading
Sections of soft or occasional grading
Minor roughness
unstable tread on grades Intermittently rough
< 5% may be common Sections of soft tread not
and continuous Sections of soft or common
unstable tread on
grades < 5% may be
present
Protrusions ≤ 6” ≤ 3” ≤ 3”
May be common and May be common, not Uncommon, not
continuous continuous continuous
Obstacles 18” 12” 3”
(Maximum Height) May be common or Common, left for Uncommon
placed for increased increased challenge
challenge
Design Target Grade 10% – 25% 5% – 20% 3% – 10%
Grade 2
Short Pitch Maximum 40% 25% 15%
Maximum Pitch Density 20% – 40% of trail 15% – 30% of trail 10% – 20% of trail
10/16/2008
10
Designed Use
MOTORCYCLE Trail Class 1 Trail Class 2 Trail Class 3 Trail Class 4 Trail Class 5
Design Target Cross Slope 5% – 10% 5% – 8% 3% – 5%
Cross
Maximum Cross Slope 15% 10% 10%
Slope
Design Height 6’ – 7’ 6’ - 8’ 8’ - 10’

Clearing
Width 36” – 48” 48” – 60” 60” - 72”
(On steep side-hills, Some light vegetation
increase clearing on uphill may encroach into
side by 6” – 12”) clearing area
Shoulder Clearance 6” – 12” 12” – 18” 12” – 24”
Design Radius 3’ – 4’ 4’ – 6’ 5’ – 8’
Turn
1
2
The determination of trail-specific grades, surface, and other Design Parameters should be based upon soils, hydrological conditions, use levels, erosion potential, and other factors
contributing to surface stability and overall trail sustainability.
11
NAME: Easiest SYMBOL: White NAME: Easy SYMBOL: Green circle NAME: More Difficult SYMBOL: Blue NAME: Most Difficult SYMBOL: Black Diamond
circle Square
GENERAL GENERAL GENERAL
GENERAL • Gentle climbs and easily •Challenging riding with steep slopes and/or • A mixture of long steep climbs, loose trail surfaces,
avoidable obstacles such as obstacles, possibly on a narrow trail with poor
• Fairly flat, wide and paved. numerous difficult obstacles to avoid or jump over,
rocks, roots and pot-holes.10 traction. Requires riding experience. 11
Suitable for all users.9 drop-offs and sharp corners. Some sections are
DETAILED definitely easier to walk. 12
• Maximum climbing grade: 25%
DETAILED DETAILED
• Maximum sustained climbing grade:
• Maximum grade: 10% • Maximum grade: 15% 10% DETAILED
• Preferred average grade: no • Maximum sustained • Maximum descent grade on non-rock • Maximum climbing grade: 30%
climbing grade: 8%
more than 5% surface: 35% • Maximum sustained climbing grade: 15%
• Maintain a minimum 2.5 m curve • Curve radius: 2.4 m • Curve radius: 1.8 m minimum
minimum
• Usually associated with Trail Type II
radius • Usually associated with Trail Type II or
• Usually associated with Trail Type • Usually associated with Trail III EXPECTED TECHNICAL TRAIL FEATURES
Type II or III GENERAL EXPECTED TECHNICAL TRAIL FEATURES
IV or V
• TTF width to height ratio of 1:2 GENERAL
EXPECTED EXPECTED • Small bridges (flat, wide, low and • TTF width to height ratio of 1:4
TECHNICAL TRAIL TECHNICAL rollable from section to section) • Elevated bridges and teeter-totters with maximum
• Small rollable drops deck height
FEATURES TTFs TRAIL FEATURES
• Small teeter-totters
GENERAL • Connected bridges
are not appropriate • Small jumps
• Small roots & logs to cross • Medium sized logs • Mandatory air
for this trail level.
• Embedded rocks to avoid DETAILED • Larger jum ps
• Wide bridges • Embedded trail obstacles: up to 20 cm • Steep descents with sharp transitions
high
• Elevated bridges: less than 1.8 m (6’) DETAILED
DETAILED
high above surface • Elevated bridges: less than 3 m (10’)13 high
• Embedded trail obstacles: up to - Minimum width of flat decking is one-half the
10 cm. above surface
height above surface
• Logs and roots - For connected sections, the bisecting angle
- Minimum width of flat decking is one-quarter
perpendicular to direction of the height above surface
between each connected section must be large
travel (±15°) enough to allow the bicycle to complete • Teeter-totter: maximum pivot height less
• Bridge minimum 90 cm wide, transition without requiring any wheel lifting than 1.8 m (6’) above surface
handrail required if height of techniques - Minimum width of flat decking is one-quarter
bridge above surface • Teeter-totter: maximum pivot height, the height above surface at pivot point
exceeds 60 cm less than 60 cm (2’) high above the surface • Mandatory air less than 1.0 m (3.3’) vertical
• Rock face descents not to exceed - Minimum width of flat decking is one-half the • Rock or ramp descents not to exceed 120%
25% height above surface at pivot point • Jumps
• No drops • Rock or ramp descents not to exceed - Table tops, no maximum height
• N o j um p s 45%
• Drop-offs not exceeding 30 cm high
with exit cleared of all obstacles - No gap jumps
• Jumps
- No jumps with consequences for lack of speed
(for example, coffin jumps or gap jumps) • Rock or ramp descents not to exceed 120%
- Table top jumps maximum height 60 cm (2’) - • Jumps
Jumps maximum height 45 cm (18”) - Table tops, no maximum height
- No gap jumps
* The Canadian trail classification numbering is slightly different than the USFS classification. This has led to slight modifications to the trail difficulty rating system above. The Whistler trail rating system also
includes most difficult (diamond) and a double diamond rated trail. These types of trails would not occur on Federal Lands currently within SWIMBA’s trail building influence but could occur on private lands or
bike parks.
12

SWIMBA Trail Standards11

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

SWIMBA Trail Standards11

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

SWIMBA Trail Standards

Design Target Grade 5% – 25% 5% – 18% 3% – 12% 2% – 10% 2% – 5%

Design Height 6’ 6’ – 7’ 7’ – 8’ 8’ – 10’ 8’ – 10’

Design Radius No minimum 2’ – 3’ 3’ – 6’ 4’ – 8’ 6’ – 8’

Design Target Cross Slope 5% – 10% 3% – 5% 0% – 5%

Design Height 8’ – 10’ 10’ 10’ – 12’

Design Radius 4’ – 5’ 5’ – 8’ 6’ – 10’

Structures 18” 18” 36” 48” 60”

Design Target Grade 5% – 20% 5% – 12% 3% – 10% 2% – 8% 2% – 5%

Design Radius 2’ – 3’ 3’ – 6’ 4’ – 8’ 8’ – 10’ 8’ - 12’

Design Target Grade 10% – 25% 5% – 20% 3% – 10%

Design Height 6’ – 7’ 6’ - 8’ 8’ - 10’

You might also like