HEY, there is a new rating system, and I like it, so think about this for trails: International Trail Rating System
More here: traileaffectpodcast – ITRS
I have a small suspicion that it will go poorly in the US because, well, it’s the US, we often thumb our noses at anything International, and are stupid or stubborn enough to still not use the metric system. Time will tell, but it is a big ask. Most trails in the US don’t pay any mind to any rating systems, so the blank slate leaves some hope. Also, there are way more blue, green, and black trails than red or double diamond, so conversion is not out of the question. However, from what I have seen I suspect many trails have the wrong rating as they now stand, and most them of them fall into the green, blue, or black realm, so the ask is no small task. In addition, trails get old like people, a blue could become a black or ITRS red with time. This is likely to vary with average grades, soil types, and weather conditions. On this front, “Climate Resiliency” for the trail world is going to be an interesting journey. Bathing is healthy, but showering under a fire hose in a wind storm is not something that would be good on the regular. Trail maintenance is like exercise or flossing teeth, they should be done, but “it’s convenience we all cherish,” so many people are “out of shape” if not misshapen (to be c/rude), and we pull and fill teeth…throw stuff away or demolish things to build anew so the old can be further neglected and crusty, if not grumpy, or left for dead. Regardless, an ITRS would be nice…and so would the metric system. Bling. I want this to happen, but I’m concerned with a proper “rating” to begin with because there are a lot of people slapping the wrong colors on trails. I mean, we manage to label movies, and slap “explicit lyrics” on things, but they are labelled better than food and certainly drugs sometimes. Anyway, I hope the ITRS gets traction. But you know what we really need right now before the ITRS takes over the world, this label wherever trails have no ITRS vetting:
The statements made regarding these trail and troad product ratings have not been evaluated by the Trail and Troad Administration. The efficacy and rating of these products has not been confirmed by TTA-approved research nor the ITRS. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any trail or troad disease nor improper rating. All ratings information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from ITRS or USFS practitioners. Please consult your trailcare, ITRS, or USFS professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product.
Three things that come to mind with ITRS:
- How do we rate optional TTFs or b-lines, which are often a step or two above the trail trail rating in color? Do we add a TTF symbol in additional color/s?
- How do we rate a jump, drop, or roll?
- The USFS Trail Classification system and TRACS is pretty good. Both the ITRS colors/symbols and the Classes and Design Parameters are not out of the question. Is ITRS reinventing the wheel, or part of it? I can’t say I know enough about ITRS yet, but the USFS system appeals to me.
Trail Classes
Classification Breakdown
| Trail Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Class 1 | Primitive trails with minimal development, often rugged and natural. |
| Class 2 | Trails that are more developed than Class 1, but still have limited amenities. |
| Class 3 | Moderately developed trails with some amenities, suitable for a wider range of users. |
| Class 4 | Well-developed trails with significant amenities, often including signage and basic facilities. |
| Class 5 | Fully developed and accessible trails, featuring enhancements like boardwalks or paved surfaces. |
Key Features of Each Class
- Class 1: Natural surfaces, minimal maintenance, and no constructed features.
- Class 2: Some improvements, such as basic trail markers or clearing.
- Class 3: Enhanced user experience with better maintenance and some facilities.
- Class 4: More amenities, including rest areas and improved trail surfaces.
- Class 5: Designed for accessibility, with features that accommodate all users.
Purpose of the Classification System
The classification system serves multiple purposes:
- Management Intent: Helps in planning and managing trails according to their intended use.
- User Experience: Ensures that trails meet the expectations and abilities of different user groups.
- Design Parameters: Provides guidelines for trail construction and maintenance based on the class designation.
This structured approach allows for effective trail management and enhances the recreational experience for all users.
The heart of the matter comes down to these imo:
Design Parameters (FSH 2309.18, Section 14.5)
Design Parameters are technical guidelines for the survey, design, construction, maintenance, and assessment of a trail, based on its Designed Use and Trail Class.
- Design Parameters reflect the design objectives for NFS trails and determine the dominant physical criteria
that most define their geometric shape. These criteria include:
a. Design Tread Width—Design Tread Width is expressed in terms of single lane, double lane, and the minimum tread width on trail structures.
b. Design Surface—Design Surface is expressed in terms of surface type, protrusions, and obstacles.
c. Design Grade—Design Grade is expressed in terms of Target Grade, Short Pitch Maximum Grade, and Maximum Pitch Density.
d. Design Cross Slope—Design Cross Slope is expressed in terms of Target Cross Slope and Maximum Cross Slope.
e. Design Clearing—Design Clearing is expressed in terms of width, height, and shoulder clearance.
f. Design Turns—Design Turns are expressed in terms of the turning radius. - Local deviations from any Design Parameter may be established based on trail-specific conditions, topography, and other factors (for example, mitigation of site-specific safety concerns and adjustments to accommodate other Managed Uses), provided that the deviations are consistent with the general intent of the applicable Trail Class.
- Identify the Design Parameters for a NFS trail or trail segment based on its Trail Class and Designed Use. For a Design Parameter such as Design Tread Width, Design Clearing Width, and Design Turns that is expressed as a range of values, identify a specific value for each trail or trail segment.
The complete set of Design Parameters (FSH 2309.18, Section 23.11, Exhibit 01, through Section 23.33)