Building Trails

Designing trails means serving many masters. Those who do it professionally must balance aesthetics with practical concerns like drainage.

1 minute read

March 4, 2017, 9:00 AM PST

By Casey Brazeal @northandclark

Patrick Poendl / Shutterstock

Building nature trails requires artistry and design, "These trails do not emerge naturally (as some might imagine) from regular use. In fact, their “natural” appearance is the byproduct of extremely conscientious design," Kurt Kohlstedt reports for 99% Invisible. Kelly Kate Warren works for California Conservation Corps and builds trails as a large part of her work. "Trail construction often “…boils down to keeping water off the trail," Warren says in Kohlstedt’s report.

These trails serve many different groups, "Routes must factor in cyclists, cross-country skiers or horseback riders with different needs and levels of impact," Kohlstedt says.

FULL STORY: Behind the Scenery: The Subtle Art of Crafting Public Wilderness Trails

Monday, February 27, 2017 in 99% Invisible

Landscape Architecture World Trails Wilderness Nature Design View More

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

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