How to describe a trail well for others in a systematic way?
I occasionally design or lead hikes in areas with multiple trail junctions. I attempt to be thorough in the planning by having several different ways for hikers to follow the trail. (Maps and GPS are the two main methods)
I am seeking a better way to verbally describe the planned hike route by describing the trails and turns in a systematic way. I'd rather not devise my own nomenclature, as I have read very good trail descriptions in the past. I am sure there is some well proven way of writing useful description using somewhat standardised language.
Can anyone point me to a good reference for this?
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1 answer
At a minimum a trail description should include,
- Start
- End
- Distance/Elevation Change
- Estimated Time
For describing the actual trail you would want to include,
- The general direction.
- What the elevation trend is, uphill vs downhill or mixed.
- The type of terrain, rolling, forested, flat, lots of switch backs.
- Where water is along the trail and if applicable how long between water sources.
- Good places to camp along the trail (if backpacking.)
- Any places where a person could easily get lost or confused.
- Landmarks along the way.
- Directions for which junctions or turns to take.
Beyond that, there is a list of trail terms that can be found here, and another here.
Do be aware that trail terms depend on the culture and so can vary wildly.
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