Multiple-Use Trails

What is a multiple-use trail? What problems occur with a multiple-use trail? What can people do to ameliorate the problem? What is the Recreational Trails Program?

A "multiple-use" trail implies just that - a trail that is used for a variety of outdoor activities like biking, hiking, jogging, horseback riding, four-wheel driving, etc. Often, it is hard to make a trail suitable and pleasing for all those enjoying these activities. For example, while hikers might appreciate the widening of a trail, bikers might be less likely to appreciate the new rocky, hazardous "roadway." A walker's enjoyment might be subdued by seeing all-terrain vehicle tracks near a wilderness boundary. Just the same, an equestrian might be upset to see many cars and bike at the trailhead before beginning a "natural" ride.

Unfortunately, every use and group cannot be accommodated on every trail. Also, a separate trail cannot always be provided for every use and user group, nor should one. There is not enough land to spare for only single-use trail systems. "Crowding" and "conflict" are two words, unfortunately, often associated with multiple-use trails. Negative encounters between visitors trying to enjoy different activities occur, and it is sometimes difficult for recreationists to share and compromise.

Those who oversee the maintenance of a multiple-use trail face many challenges. They must determine the best way to keep users safe, minimize negative impacts to natural resources, and of course provide for a high quality experience for visitors. Multiple-use trails can be a lot of fun, but people partaking in different activities must maintain a tolerance for each other, as well as a respect for other users' values, and a demonstration of support for uses other than that of their own interest.

The U.S. Congress first authorized the Recreational Trails Program in 1991. It was reauthorized in 1998 under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century.

The Recreational Trails Program provides funds to states to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both nonmotorized and motorized recreational trail uses. Trail uses, in this case, include hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcyling, all-terrain vehicle riding, four-wheel driving, or using other off-road motorized vehicles.

To read more about multiple-use trails, please visit the following sites:
http://www.americantrails.org/resources/ManageMaintain/MgmtEqJMiller.html
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/conflicts/conf2.htm