NSTBD back cover

Natural Surface Trails by Design:
Physical and Human Essentials of Sustainable, Enjoyable Trails
Troy Scott Parker

Full book description | Workshops based on this book

Back cover text:
You can use one system of thought to generate any sustainable, naturalistic, and enjoyable trail on Earth

This book, the first in the Trails by Design Series, introduces the Foundation Level in a three-level system of thought. The eleven core concepts of the Foundation Level underlie each and every soil- and crushed stone-surface trail regardless of trail type, use, or location. The Foundation Level:

enables anyone to think like an experienced trail designer—to see and use the underlying human and physical factors that advanced trail designers use to make decisions

crystalizes the basic forces and relationships—both physical and human—of natural surface trails in a manageable, logical system of causes and consequences

creates a flexible system of thought that helps generate appropriate solutions for any context; that works with new situations, materials, and techniques; and that tells you if something won’t work

focuses on the “whys” of situations instead of just “how” or “what”

relates dozens of trail aspects that previously seemed separate—or weren’t even apparent to you

predicts future changes and accounts for trails changing shape over time, especially changes caused by trail use and erosion

weaves trails into their sites; uses natural features to improve sustainability and visitor enjoyment; and helps engender respect, appreciation, and stewardship for trails and natural resources

creates language to concisely communicate complex concepts, facilitate learning and teaching, and fluidly express further ideas

provides a quick, effective way to evaluate trails at the ground level

is easy for novices and experienced trail designers to learn and use

In short, the Foundation Level comprehensively explains what actually happens on any natural surface trail—how we relate to the site; how trail use, natural forces, water, and erosion affect the trail; how the trail affects us; and more. Learn to read trails like a book, then use that language to make your own sustainable, enjoyable trails. You’ll never look at trails the same way again.

A Three-Level Structure for Trail Design, Construction, Maintenance, and Management
The Trails by Design Series establishes a three-level structure for the full picture of natural surface trails.
The Foundation Level, described at left and in this book, explains how basic human and physical forces and relationships act and interact where the trail touches the ground.

At the Middle Level, trail design, construction, and maintenance techniques are based on the Foundation Level. Described in the second book of this series, this level improves trail design, construction, and maintenance techniques; helps us find (or develop) the most appropriate solution for each actual underlying problem; can reduce costs and/or improve efficiency; improves the visitor’s trail experience; and helps serve management goals.

The Upper Layer of trail purpose and management is supported by the two lower levels. Ecological and site considerations, overall trail planning, visitor management, and more at this level are discussed in the third book of this series.

Back cover text: You can use one system of thought to generate any sustainable, naturalistic, and enjoyable trail on Earth This book, the first in the Trails by Design Series, introduces the Foundation Level in a three-level system of thought. The eleven core concepts of the Foundation Level underlie each and every soil- and crushed stone-surface trail regardless of trail type, use, or location. The Foundation Level:
	enables anyone to think like an experienced trail designer—to see and use the underlying human and physical factors that advanced trail designers use to make decisions
	crystalizes the basic forces and relationships—both physical and human—of natural surface trails in a manageable, logical system of causes and consequences
	creates a flexible system of thought that helps generate appropriate solutions for any context; that works with new situations, materials, and techniques; and that tells you if something won’t work
	focuses on the “whys” of situations instead of just “how” or “what”
	relates dozens of trail aspects that previously seemed separate—or weren’t even apparent to you
	predicts future changes and accounts for trails changing shape over time, especially changes caused by trail use and erosion
	weaves trails into their sites; uses natural features to improve sustainability and visitor enjoyment; and helps engender respect, appreciation, and stewardship for trails and natural resources
	creates language to concisely communicate complex concepts, facilitate learning and teaching, and fluidly express further ideas
	provides a quick, effective way to evaluate trails at the ground level
	is easy for novices and experienced trail designers to learn and use
In short, the Foundation Level comprehensively explains what actually happens on any natural surface trail—how we relate to the site; how trail use, natural forces, water, and erosion affect the trail; how the trail affects us; and more. Learn to read trails like a book, then use that language to make your own sustainable, enjoyable trails. You’ll never look at trails the same way again. A Three-Level Structure for Trail Design, Construction, Maintenance, and Management The Trails by Design Series establishes a three-level structure for the full picture of natural surface trails. The Foundation Level, described at left and in this book, explains how basic human and physical forces and relationships act and interact where the trail touches the ground. At the Middle Level, trail design, construction, and maintenance techniques are based on the Foundation Level. Described in the second book of this series, this level improves trail design, construction, and maintenance techniques; helps us find (or develop) the most appropriate solution for each actual underlying problem; can reduce costs and/or improve efficiency; improves the visitor’s trail experience; and helps serve management goals. The Upper Layer of trail purpose and management is supported by the two lower levels. Ecological and site considerations, overall trail planning, visitor management, and more at this level are discussed in the third book of this series.