Trails in Wet Areas (continued)

The simplest way to get water across a trail is to cut a trench across it. These open–top cross drains (Figure 27) can be reinforced with rocks or treated timbers to help keep them from caving in. These structures are not usually a good alternative because people and stock stumble on them. One way to reduce this risk is to make the ditch wide enough, at least 600 mm (2 ft), so stock will step in it rather than over it (Figure 28).

Figure 27—Open–top cross drains or culverts
are not often chosen because they are a hazard to
livestock, hikers, and bikers.

Figure 28—Wide cross drain and causeway.

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