Trail Erosion

Why is soil erosion such a problem?
Why does trail destruction occur?
Hat can hikers do to reduce and discourage trail destruction?

Trails allow hikers to enjoy some of the most beautiful wilderness and many wind their way through unique biological and geological environments. However, after many years and several visiting hikers, some trails may face irrecoverable destruction and soil erosion.

Soil erosion is perhaps the biggest problem with trail destruction, as there are several smaller problems related to soil erosion. When soil is either eroded or compacted, valuable vegetation can be lost. Such problems are simple to avoid but very difficult to rectify. This loss of vegetation can then lead to trail muddiness. To limit erosion, trails are typically designed with switchbacks so that steep grades are avoided, but many hikers are tempted at times to shorten their distance by shortcutting these switchbacks. Hiking down a vegetated slope can kill plants by uprooting them, and soon the topsoil begins to wash away. Without topsoil, other plants can't grow in the site, and sloped shortcut eventually becomes a barren trench. Runoff and erosion accelerate until the shortcut becomes impassable and useless.

Trail destruction and erosion can occur for several reasons. Though hiking has increased in popularity, the number of trail miles have decreased. In the 1930s, over 132,000 miles of trails ran through the country's forests. Today there are fewer than 100,000 miles of trail. The increased hiker concentration on trails have prompted more than half of all wilderness managers to list human-caused soil erosion and injury to vegetation as major problems on trails. Because of the increased hiking traffic, some hikers choose to walk off of established trails, possibly unnecessarily widening established trails and causing destruction to once pristine areas.

Fortunately, there are a few simple rules hikers can remember that will help maintain the integrity of trails. As mentioned, shortcutting at switchbacks may seem convenient at the time but eventually causes soil erosion, disfigures the trail, and makes it difficult for other hikers. If a trail should become muddy, try to stay on the trail nonetheless. When not on an established trail, be aware of vegetation and try to minimize damage. When walking in a small group, walk single file and stay within the borders of the path, as to not widen the trail. When hiking in the winter, do not skirt snow banks and create additional trails. Also, if you're familiar with the area and know where the trail is under the snow, tramp a path to lead the way for others. If you should come across shortcuts, throw brush or logs across them to block hiker access. If an established switchback is impassable because of erosion or mud, walk on hard surfaces (such as rock, sand, or snow) as much as possible, and notify the managers responsible for that area.

Following these simple guidelines can help minimize the damage inflicted to trails:
http://phoenix.gov/PARKS/hikesafe.html, http://www.nps.gov/blri/hike.htm, http://www.bioone.org/bioone/?request=get-document&issn=0276-4741&volume=021&issue=01&page=0077