Tuesday Trail Tips

Single track trails are narrow, winding paths that follow natural contours of the coulees. They are designed primarily for mountain biking and hiking and offer a more immersive outdoor experience. Often only wide enough for one rider or hiker at a time, they weave through coulees, forests and other natural settings. 

• Characteristics: These trails require heightened skill levels due to tight turns, rocky descents and natural obstacles. They are typically unmaintained.
• Features: More technical. Expect rock gardens, roots and jumps, making them exciting and challenging.
• Safety: These natural trails will often take you to more remote areas of the city where you may not have cell phone service. You also have a higher likelihood of running into wildlife.
• Examples: River Valley Trail Network, Six Mile Coulee, Bull Trail Park.

These paths are made from materials like shale or crushed limestone, blending into the natural surroundings. They offer a durable surface with a natural look and feel.

·       Characteristics: Designed for sustainability and longevity.

·       Features: Withstands variable weather events and minimizes environmental impact.

·       Examples: Indian Battle Park, Nicholas Sheran Park, Legacy Park, Cottonwood Park, Alexander Wilderness Park.

When you're on the trail, always remember to stay to the right side of the pathway. This ensures that other trail users have enough space to pass safely and without interruption. This simple rule helps maintain a smooth flow while reducing frustrations and chances for collisions. 

Uphill travelers, like cyclists and runners, often find inclines more challenging. As a courtesy, give them the right-of-way and step aside when possible on narrow trails. Uphill travelers are often physically working at a high level that can be disturbed by loss of momentum. By yielding to uphill traffic, you help avoid dangerous situations and show respect for others on the trail.

It’s important for dog owners to keep their pets on a leash, unless they are in designated off-leash areas. This ensures the safety of both the dog and others on the trail. Not everyone is comfortable with off-leash dogs. They can also be a hazard, especially around cyclists or wildlife. Keeping your dog leashed helps prevent them from running into danger or disturbing wildlife. 

One of the most important aspects of trail etiquette is practicing the principle of "Leave No Trace". This means packing out everything you bring in. From water bottles to snack wrappers, leave the environment as you found it! Help keep the trail beautiful, accessible and safe by picking up litter, staying on marked paths and respecting wildlife.  Respect for nature is key to preserving the trails for future generations.

Next week, Tuesday Trail Tips looks at trail and pathway types.