Guidelines and Best Practices for the Design, Construction and Maintenance of Sustainable Trails for All Ontarians - Trails for All Ontarians Collaborative 2006
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The terms listed and described in this glossary were identified through a review of this resource document. Definitions and/or descriptions of the meaning of these terms were developed from a combination of our understanding of how they are used in this document and accepted definitions of terms within the trails community [96].
A foundation under both ends of a bridge to support the load of the bridge structure and the weight of loads travelling across it (i.e., people, recreation vehicles, horses, maintenance vehicles, etc.) and to make the bridge level.
Designated areas and passageways that allow the public to reach a trail from adjacent streets, trails or community facilities.
A term used to describe a site, building, facility, or trail that can be approached, entered, and used by people with disabilities.
A trail that complies with legal standards for access by people with disabilities. The standards that will be developed for trails through the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005) are one example of legal standards against which the accessibility of a trail can be judged.
Supports laid on the ground under the stringers of a bridge or boardwalk. The sills are placed perpendicular to the stringers. The purpose of the sills is to provide a solid and stable surface of support for the stringers. The sills also prevent the stringers from contacting soil or moisture in the ground, which can promote decay of the wood.
An area where there are no maintained roads or permanent buildings – just primitive roads and trails.
A trail design that promotes the elimination of physical barriers that reduce access by people with disabilities. Trails free of obstacles, barriers or changes in level that would make access difficult for those using crutches, canes, or wheeled forms of mobility.
A relatively flat, stable surface (tread) on a hillside occurring naturally or by excavation. When excavated, the bench is often referred to as a full, half, or partial bench depending on what proportion of the tread is located on excavated terrain.
The ridge of material formed on the outer edge of the trail that projects higher than the centre of the trail tread.
The specific methods used to design, construct or maintain trails that are sustainable (environmentally, socially and economically) and universally designed.
Binding or stabilization materials include bonding agents, landscape fabrics and cellular containment systems. Binding agents are typically made from natural materials, such as tree sap or seed hulls. They are designed to create a more solid and unified surface when mixed with natural soil or crushed aggregate.
Marking the route of a trail using readily identified symbols such as paint marks, symbols posted on trees, marking posts, or marking cairns.
A fixed planked structure that is close to the ground (i.e., less than 0.3 metres above surrounding terrain). It is built on sills or pilings (posts), in areas of wet soil or water. The planks provide a dry tread for users crossing through the area.
A boardwalk that is constructed on sills that sit on the natural terrain.
A boardwalk that is constructed on posts or pilings that have been drilled or dug deep into the ground.
Bollards are solid obstacles installed on a trail tread to control the movement of people and/or vehicles on the trail.
A structure, including supports, erected over a depression (stream, river, chasm, canyon, or road) and having a deck for carrying trail traffic. Because most bridges are elevated a significant distance above the surrounding terrain, handrails are typically provided on both sides of the tread.
Any type of natural or constructed barrier (trees, shrubs, or wooden fences) used between the trail and adjacent lands to minimize impacts (physical or visual). Buffers also provide a transition between adjacent land uses.
The maximum height to which the buffer extends above the trail tread. The buffer height includes the clear height over the trail tread plus the additional height of the buffer above the heads of trail users. For trails intended for human-powered users the buffer height should be at least 0.5 metres (20 inches) more than the height of the tread corridor.
The maximum width from the outside of the buffer on one side of the trail tread to the outside of the buffer on the opposite side of the trail tread. The buffer width includes the width of the clear trail tread (1.0 metres (3.3 feet) for hiking-only trails) plus the additional width of the buffer on each side of the trail (at least 0.3 metres on each side).
The vertical area that is free of obstructions or potential hazards. The buffer zone is determined by the buffer width and buffer height.
Type of Mexican food made from a tortilla wrapped around the filling. The term “burrito” is often used to describe the construction of drainage structures when landscape fabric is wrapped around drainage rock
Carrying capacity is the amount of use that an area can withstand without undue environmental degradation.
Elevated section of trail contained by rock, usually through permanent or seasonally wet areas.
Clay is smooth and sticky when wet. When molded by hand it forms a ribbon that is long and pliable
The vertical dimension, which must be cleared of all tree branches and other obstructions that would otherwise interfere or influence movement along the trail.
The distance across a stream or wet area required to prevent damage to the stream or edge habitat. In terms of the stringers of a bridge, it is the measurement used to calculate the thickness of the beam being used to support the bridge.
The clear trail corridor includes the trail tread, and also the space above the trail tread where trail users are expected to travel and an additional buffer zone that separates trail users from surrounding vegetation.
A turn which is constructed on a grade of 20% or less when measured between the exterior boundaries of the turn, and which follows the grade as it changes the direction of the trail 120 to 180 degrees.
The consolidation of earth and/or aggregate material by tamping with hand tools or machinery (e.g., preparing the trail tread).
A detailed log (i.e., notes) containing the specifications for the construction of the trail tread, structures and facilities. The construction log is typically developed during the trail design process.
Lines on a topographic or orthophoto map that join points at the same elevation to illustrate altitudes, slopes, and other terrain properties.
Trail constructed such that it more closely follows the contours of the natural land rather than climbing the fall line (perpendicular to the contours).
A control point is a feature of the natural environment that “controls ”or influences the movement of trail users.
A primitive type of boardwalk (puncheon design) made with native logs instead of wood planks. Corduroy is a technique that, in the past, was often used to construct a trail across wet terrain. Typically, it consisted of logs laid side-by-side across the tread, although some trail construction guides recommend that the logs be anchored together. The installation of corduroy has a negative impact on the trail environment. Most users (any many animals) will walk or ride around the corduroy, trampling and stripping adjacent vegetation, ultimately increasing the size of the wet and muddy area. The collection of trees (either living or dead) from the surrounding environment also substantially alters the life cycle of the natural environment. The difficulty of travelling on corduroy will also negatively impact the social sustainability of the trail, and therefore its use is not recommended. Corduroy can be considered for trails only used in the winter (e.g., cross country ski trails) and in very remote areas where there is no feasible alternative as long as the logs are securely anchored and covered with compacted soil or crushed rock. Covering the logs will make the logs rot faster but is necessary to create a firm tread that trail users will actually use (rather than avoid).
A type of abutment: a timber or log box filled with rock used as a foundation to support a bridge
The slope from one side of the trail across to the other side, measured at a right angle to the direction of travel, expressed in percentage, degree, or ratio.
A tread that is constructed from mechanically compacted crushed rock that contains a range of particle sizes (typically 2 cm or less, including a proportion of crushed fines).
A drainage structure made of wood, metal, plastic, or rock that is placed perpendicularly under the trail to channel water from one side of the trail to the other.
Decking is the term used for the planks that create the walking surface on an elevated tread structure.
A subjective rating of the degree of challenge a trail presents, theoretically based on an average user with average physical abilities and skills. Difficulty is a function of trail condition and route location factors such as alignment, steepness of grades, gain and loss of elevation, and amount and kind of natural barriers that must be crossed. Snow, ice, rain, and other weather conditions may increase the level of difficulty. Although widely used, trail difficulty ratings are not recommended because they are subjective interpretations that may or may not relate to the abilities or interests of each trail user.
The natural flow of water in the trail environment.
A reverse in the grade of the tread combined with an outslope that is used to direct water off the tread surface.
A drainage lens is constructed below grade to allow for water movement underneath the trail tread. It is typically used instead of a culvert where the flow of water is smaller in volume or more dispersed across the terrain.
Edge protection is a barrier at the side of the trail, such as a curb or handrail, designed to prevent users from going off of the trail tread. The provision of, and design used for edge protection on a trail is based on the safety or impact of trail users.
Natural processes (water, wind, ice, or other physical processes) by which soil particles are detached from the ground surface and moved downslope, principally by the actions of running water (gully, rill, or sheet erosion) or trail users. The combination of water falling on the trail, running down the trail, and freezing and thawing, and the wear and tear from traffic create significant erosion problems on trails.
Techniques intended to reduce and mitigate soil movement from water, wind, and trail user traffic.
A plant introduced from another country or geographic region outside its natural range.
Direction water flows down a hill (path of least resistance). A line that runs perpendicular to the contours of the land. Constructing a trail on the fall line encourages water to run down the trail.
The degree to which a surface resists deformation by indentation when, for instance, a person walks or wheels across it. A firm surface would not compress significantly under the forces exerted as a trail user walked or wheeled on it.
Stone filled ditches that can have a porous pipe laid along the base to collect the water and carry it away from the site. The top must be kept clear of the surfacing material; allowing water to run freely into the drain. Not recommended for use within the trail tread because of the uneven surface of the stones.
Gabion baskets are a commonly used technique for constructing abutments with volunteer labour. A containment structure is built with wire mesh and then the structure is filled with rock to ensure its stability.
An opening in the tread surface of the trail.
Structure that can be swung, drawn, or lowered to block an entrance or passageway.
A semi-impervious, non-woven fabric cloth that provides a stable base for the application of soil or gravel.
The degree of rise (ascent) or fall (descent) of a slope of a tread, calculated in percentage as vertical distance ÷ horizontal distance = percentage grade.
A short rise in the trail, as it traverses a slope, that forces any water on the trail to drain off to the side. See also drainage dip.
A framework of latticed or parallel bars that prevents large objects from falling through a drainage inlet, while permitting water and some sediment to fall through the slots.
Trails that are designed according to universal design and sustainable design principles, so that the trail can exist over the long term and which allows for greater participation by persons of diverse abilities and lifelong use for those who are ageing.
Cross slope of the trail tread that forces water to flow to the uphill side of the tread.
A trail that follows a single line from point of origin to destination.
A trail that forms a single circle that begins and ends at one point of origin.
Constructed structures on the trail that support the weight of trail users. Examples are bridges, boardwalks, and ladders. Engineering expertise is required to determine whether the load-bearing facility is strong enough for the type and number of permitted trail users.
Loam is a type of soil that is smooth (flour-like), but slightly gritty. When molded by hand it forms a ball, but a ribbon usually breaks easily.
Work that is carried out to keep a trail in its originally constructed serviceable condition. Usually limited to minor repair or improvements that do not significantly change the trail location, width, surface, or structures.
A maze is a network of linear and/or loop trails that criss-cross each other between the point of origin and the destination.
A tread made from clearing and grading the native soil, with no additional surfacing materials.
Physical objects that impede or slow travel on a trail. Logs, rocks, roots and ruts are common obstacles.
The Ontario Trails Strategy is a long-term plan that establishes the strategic direction for the planning, management, promotion and use of quality, diverse, safe, accessible and environmentally sensitive urban, rural and wilderness trails for recreational enjoyment, active living and tourism development. The vision is a "world-class system of trails that captures the uniqueness and beauty of Ontario’s vast open spaces, and natural and built cultural and heritage resources" [97].
A method of tread grading that leaves the outside edge of a hillside trail lower than the inside so that water runs to the downhill side and off the tread. The outslope should be barely noticeable (i.e., 5% or less).
Organic soil (e.g., peat, muck) contains a high amount of decomposed material and water. Black to brown in colour, it is typically found in wetlands, and other low-lying areas.
This encompasses any plant or animal that is legally protected because it is endangered, threatened to become endangered, or one of special concern.
A protruding object is any item protruding into the clear trail corridor.
A low-lying wooden trail tread that is used to cross wet, boggy ground or small creeks. Puncheon is a type of boardwalk that is built on sills so that contact with the terrain is intermittent.
All work to bring an existing trail up to its classification standard, including necessary relocation of minor portions of the trail.
Structure used to provide stability and strength to the downhill edge of the trail tread and to support the trail tread at the edge of lead-bearing structures (e.g., bridges). Can also be used at a grade change, when it is not possible to stay within the angle of repose, to prevent the soil from slumping, sliding, or falling onto the tread from the up-hill side. It is usually made of log or stone.
A linear corridor of land held in free simple title, or an easement over another’s land, for use as a public utility (highway, road, railroad, trail, utilities, etc.) for a public purpose. Usually includes a designated amount of land on either side that serves as a buffer for adjacent land uses.
A habitat that is strongly influenced by water and that occurs adjacent to streams, shorelines, and wetlands.
Sand is a type of soil that is loose and gritty and will not form a ball when molded by hand.
A trail that is based on one central loop trail which begins and ends at the point of origin. Additional loop trails begin at various points along the central loop trail or lead off from the central loop via short linear spurs.
Silt is a type of soil that appears smooth like flour, not gritty. When molded by hand it will form a ribbon that breaks under its own weight.
The bed or support that the crib or stringers are placed on.
The downslope movement of a mass of soil under wet or saturated conditions. A micro-landslide that produces micro relief in soils.
Slip resistance is a measure of the “stickiness” of the top of the surface. That is, how much friction there is between the trail user’s shoe or wheel and the top layer of the surface.
The incline/decline of terrain. It is mostly measured in percentage, calculated as the vertical distance divided by the horizontal distance, multiplied by 100. It can also be expressed as a ratio or in degrees.
A trail that has the point of origin in the centre of the trail network, with trails radiating out in different directions to join with the perimeter loop trail.
A soil dam is a surface that will not rot (typically rock or concrete) that physically separates the stringers from contact with damp soil, or earthen-gravel fill.
Measures that protect soil from the erosive forces of trail use, raindrop impact and flowing water. They include, but are not limited to, vegetative establishment, mulching, and the application of soil stabilizers to the trail tread.
A trail that has one point of origin and has two or more loops stacked on top of each other.
A step or set of steps used to pass over a fence or wall. Historically used on trails instead of an opening or gate. The installation of stiles on a trail is not recommended because many trail users find them difficult to negotiate and many new designs for gates and fence openings are now available which are equally effective.
Stringers are the main members or beams, parallel with the direction of trail travel, which connect adjacent anchors and support an elevated tread (e.g., boardwalk, bridge). Typically, they are made of wood, either log or lumber. For some projects, steel beams may be used as stringers.
Material on top of the trail bed or base course that provides the desired tread. Construction of the surface is designed to lessen trampling and compaction of adjacent terrain, provide a dry surface for users, and prevent potential erosion and abrasion. In addition to concrete and asphalt, trails can be surfaced with a wide variety of materials, such as soil, rock, wood, snow, or grass.
Development that maintains or enhances economic opportunity and community well-being while protecting and restoring the natural environment upon which people and economies depend. Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable designs are those that can be maintained over the long-term from environmental, economic and social perspectives.
A trail alignment crossing back and forth (zigzagging) across a steep slope to make it easier for the user to traverse up or down the slope.
Route on land or water with protected status and public access for recreation or transportation purposes. Activities that are typically performed along a trail can include walking, jogging, motorcycling, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, snowmobile or ATV driving, bird watching, nature observation or backpacking [98].
The overall design or pattern of trails on the land. Transportation trails are most often linear. Recreation trails may be linear, loop, stacked loop, satellite loop, spoked loop or a maze.
The surface of the trail or the portion of the trail corridor on which users travel.
The beginning or ending point of a trail or trail segment. A trailhead is more than an access point. A trailhead typically offers some combination of additional facilities, such as restrooms, water, trail information (e.g., signage), or parking.
Technique of raising the trail bed above wet, boggy areas by placing mineral soil over fabric between parallel side logs or rocks (along edge of tread). The tread must be "crowned" and ditches dug alongside the logs or rocks to provide drainage.
A philosophy that attempts to meet the needs of the widest possible range of potential users without individualized or additional modifications. A design philosophy that promotes equitable opportunities for people of all abilities.
A log or a series of rocks partially buried across the trail designed to divert groundwater to the downhill side of the tread. Requires significant maintenance to maintain proper function and minimize environmental impact.
A lowland area, such as a marsh, bog, fen or swamp, which is saturated with water, creating a unique, naturally occurring habitat for plants and wildlife.
Schmid, J. (n.d.) Trails, Greenway, and Outdoor Recreation Terms . Retrieved 1 February 2006 from: http://americantrails.org/glossary.html.
Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion. (2005) Active 2010: Ontario Trails Strategy . Toronto: Author.
March, J. :Trent University Trails Study Unit (2005). Trail Definitions . [On-line] Retrieved 31 July 2006 from http://www.trentu.ca/academic/trailstudies/TrailDefinitions.html.