Pacific Crest Trail Association

Basic Trail Design

Summary

PCTA Trail Skills College Curriculum

Overview

STUDENT SKILL OUTCOMES:

• Appreciation of well planned trails versus trails
  that “just happen.”
• A basic understanding of hillside hydrology and
  how trails should work.
• Some knowledge of basic trail design and
  layout principles.
• Developing “trail eyes” for control points,
  causes of erosion, and factors influencing
  sustainable trail grades.

Trail Types Covered

General. All trail types are relevant.