Trail Armoring

[gofast-err]

We are looking at possibly rock armoring a small section of our local trail. I've seen this done a few different ways where material ranging from flag stone to large brick blocks have been sunk into the ground.

Part of the problem is drainage. The center of the trail is always wet, and as people ride through, mud and debris builds up along where we've built sumps. This blocks the watter from escaping. Another problem is that the center of the trail is a low spot. So one idea is to build up the center by sinking flag stone into the ground. Hopefully this will allow the sumps to do their job, and that small section of the trail will dry out.

Does anyone know where I can obtain some guidlines or any doccummentation on the correct way to do this?

[riderx]

Sounds like you have the right idea for your situation. Another possibility is rerouting the trail to higher ground.

Here's some great information (http://www.imba.com/resources/trail_building/rock_armoring.html) on armoring.

Also, I highly recommend investing in the new IMBA Trail Solutions Book (http://www.imba.com/resources/trail_building/trail_solutions.html).

[hophead]

Another idea that we have done at MORE is to build boardwalks that would bridge muddy areas. We make them 2 feet wide out of pressure treated 2x4's and deck boards. They can be built on site or built elsewhere and carried in.

[Mauriceman]

Tough to prognosticate without seeing it, but it sounds like something we worked on today.

Before armouring, see if you can get proper drainage by some other means. If the area is not totally flat, then you should be able to dig drainage.

Or perhaps a re-route to better sloped ground.

Armoring would be my third choice, it's really hard work to do right.

See that IMBA bible for more info, the best info...

[gofast-err]

Thanks for the info. The section of trail is multi use double wide, so armoring may not be a good solution. The trail should prolly be rerouted. Sometimes that's easier said then done.

[EBasil]

From what you described, it sounds like raising the tread with large rock for durability, then back-filling with gravel, may work great. In the area where we do most of our work, this is what we have to do for our water issues, and we're not allowed to use non=native materials. If we were, I'd hide a piece of 4" perf pipe (with the sock/filter around it) among the armoring, so that water percolating down could quickly exit to the low side of the trail.