Chapter Four: Design Guidelines

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Introduction

• Purpose/Intent
• Goals
• Users of the Design Guidelines
• Resources

Section 2 - Trail Location and Placement Guidelines

• Sensitivity to Natural and Cultural Resources
• Trails within Floodways
• Scenic, Cultural, and Recreational Value
• Adjacent Farmland
• Adjacent Commercial/Residential/Industrial Land
• Railroad Corridors
• Road Rights-of-Way
• Utility Corridors

Section 3 - Trail Design Guidelines: Use Modes

• Hiking/Walking Trails
• Pedestrian Trails
• Sidewalks
• Bicycle Trails
• In-Line Skating Trails
• On-Road Bicycle Facilities
• Mountain Bike Trails
• Equestrian Trails
• Snowmobile Trails
• Off-Highway Vehicle Trails (3- and 4-wheeled)
• Motorcycle Trails

Section 4 - Trail Design Guidelines: Multi-Use Corridors

• Single-Treadway Corridors
• Dual-Treadway Corridors

Section 5 - Design Guidelines for Crossings

At-Grade Crossings

• Crossing Layout
• Sight Lines
• Signage, Striping, and Signals
• Roadway Crossings
• On-Road Bicycle Facilities at Intersections
• Railroad Crossings
• Agricultural Crossings
• Crossings of Other Trails

Grade-Separated Crossings

• Roadway Underpasses
• Agricultural Underpasses
• Roadway Overpasses
• Bridges over Watercourses and Other Independent Trail Bridges
• Wetland Boardwalks

Section 6 - Support Services

• Trailheads and Access Points
• Rest Areas
• Interpretive Facilities
• Signage
• Designation of Canoe Routes