Forest Trail Handbook

SECTION III.—CLASSIFICATION

14.—TRAIL CLASSIFICATION

Forest Service trails will be classified in three groups: (a) Ways; (b) Secondary; (c) Primary.

(a) Ways are defined as plainly marked routes built primarily for foot travel, but constructed to specifications which will permit safe travel by heavily loaded pack animals.

(b) Secondary trails are defined as trails which will receive less use than that specified for primary trails, but which are built primarily for horse travel.

(c) Primary trails are defined as trails over which an average of more than one saddle or pack animal will pass each day during the field season.

Classify every proposed trail before its construction, and all existing trails in advance of reconstruction and maintenance. Specifications of work to be done will be based upon such classification.

In classifying trails, keep constantly in mind that past experience proves a tendency to overestimate probable use. Closest guarding of enthusiasm and judgment, also checking by higher officers, is necessary to hold future errors in classification to the minimum. The lowest standard fulfilling reasonably early need will be used. Officers having responsibility for trail planning and construction should expect to be called upon to justify the construction of higher type trails when the probable volume of travel and character of use calls for trails of lower types. In many sections the need for usable ways through the woods still overshadows either primary or secondary necessities.