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28 F. <br /> ♦ Vary vegetative cover—utilize natural openings in forest stands <br /> ♦ Change grade <br /> ♦ Consider all the senses —avoid annoying smells and sounds <br /> ♦ Avoid straight lines (are monotonous) <br /> Maintaining User Safety <br /> Trail Standards <br /> Hikers <br /> ♦ Tread width of 2 feet minimum <br /> ♦ Clearing width of 4 feet minimum <br /> ♦ Height of clearing above trail —7 feet minimum <br /> ♦ Sustained gradients should not exceed 10% <br /> Mountain Bikes <br /> ♦ 10-30% maximum gradient (depending on user experience) <br /> ♦ Maximum sustained pitch of 10-15% <br /> ♦ When long grades greater than 4% occur, provide frequent, wide areas where cyclists <br /> can rest <br /> ♦ Turning radius of 6 feet (2 feet acceptable for experienced riders) <br /> ♦ Tread width <br /> • Two-way traffic— 8 feet desirable, 5 feet minimum <br /> • One-way traffic—should be at least 18 inches wide <br /> ♦ Clear all obstructions under 8 feet, 10 feet desirable <br /> ♦ Clear obstructions beyond the trail edge for a minimum of 2 feet <br /> ♦ Avoid sharp angles and short radius curves <br /> ♦ Leave in place rocks, roots, and other natural obstacles in the trail to act as natural <br /> speed barriers <br /> ♦ Maintain visibility <br /> ♦ Discourage or prohibit bike use on trails crowded with hikers and equestrians <br /> Equestrian <br /> ♦ Slope should not exceed 15% <br /> ♦ Wide enough for two horses <br /> ♦ Cleared to a height of 15 feet <br /> Multi-Use Trails <br /> ♦ 8 to 12 foot width <br /> ■ Some argue, though, that multi-use trails do not have to be wider. Narrower trails <br /> reduce speed. <br /> ♦ 8 to 10 foot clearance <br /> ♦ 150 foot line of sight <br /> G-y <br />