National Trail Surfaces Study

Summary of Results

The qualitative and quantitative data show that the trail segments constructed of ¾ inch minus limestone aggregate, Klingstone 400 soil stabilizer, and StaLok stabilizer maintained a more consistently firm and stable surface than the other trail segment surface materials. The implications of these preliminary data are that a trail composed of an all-aggregate material, when constructed to the above-mentioned parameters, could be maintained with little to no maintenance as a firm and stable surface. The intent of the study was to discover a natural surface trail material that utilized a soil stabilizer or aggregate material. However, recommendations for future study call for a cost comparison of aggregate versus soil stabilizer trail surface materials, therefore depending on the results of future research, the best alternative to a concrete, asphalt or boardwalk surface, could be an aggregate surface trail because of the lower cost of aggregate.