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Plans for Trail and Trail Bridge Structures


The USDA Forest Service Standard Trail Plans and Specifications are the design, construction, and maintenance of National Forest System trails and trail bridges. These plans and specifications are available to all, including other federal, state, and local agencies, communities, trail partners, and volunteers.

The Standard Trail Plans and Specifications reflect current Forest Service trail management efforts and the agency’s definitions of constructed features and tasks. The Forest Service’s National Technology and Development Program developed them in conjunction with the agency’s National Trails Program, with funding and support from the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program. These Standard Trail Plans and Specifications supersede the 1996 USDA Forest Service, Standard Drawings and Specifications for Construction and Maintenance of Trails.

3D Models

3D models of a few common trail structures are available on the American Trails webpage.

A graphic showing a climbing turn in a trail.
(USDA Forest Service graphic)

A graphic showing the different parts of a crib wall.
(USDA Forest Service graphic)

An illustration showing the parts of an elevated boardwalk construction.
(USDA Forest Service graphic)

An illustration showing the parts of a rock steps construction with drain.
(USDA Forest Service graphic)

An illustration showing the different parts of a timber steps construction.
(USDA Forest Service graphic)

Graphic showing the parts to a puncheon construction.
(USDA Forest Service graphic)

Graphic showing the parts of a rectangular switchback construction.
(USDA Forest Service graphic)

Rectangular Switchback (ZIP, 19 MB)

Graphic showing the parts of a rolling contour construction.
(USDA Forest Service graphic)

Graphic showing the parts of a rolling dip construction.
(USDA Forest Service graphic)

 


How to Use Plans and Specifications

The Standard Trail Plans and Specifications were developed to assist with trail design, construction, maintenance, inventory, condition assessment, and the assembly of trail construction plan packages. The Standard Trail Plans and Specifications include specifications, pay items, and plans.

  • Step By Step Guide (PDF and PPT)

  • Sample Trail Package (PDF)

Specifications and Pay Items

  • Specifications (PDF and Word)
    Specifications are written requirements for performing work.

  • Pay Items (PDF and Word)
    Pay Items are specific items of work for which a unit and price are provided in a contract.

Plans

The Standard Trail Plans are comprised of Standard Trail Drawings that show the location, type, dimensions, and details of trail work.

  • The Standard Trail Plans are provided in United States customary units and are available below as PDFs (portable document files) and AutoCAD files. In AutoCAD, when using a postscript printer, this STD.ctb file should be used so line weights print as displayed (STD.zip).

  • The Standard Trail Drawings are to be used as-is, with trail and site-specific dimensional needs additionally recorded on each sheet. If the Standard Trail Drawings are modified, the title block must be changed to “Special Project Specifications ” to reflect the change.

The Forest Service Standard Trail Plans are available as compiled sets of PDFs or as individual drawings.

Compiled PDFs

Individual Drawings

The Standard Trail Plans and Specifications were developed to assist with trail design, construction, maintenance, inventory, condition assessment, and the assembly of trail construction plan packages. The Standard Trail Plans and Specifications include specifications, pay items, and plans.

  • Step By Step Guide (PDF and PPT)

  • Sample Trail Package (PDF)

This section contains standard drawings that are normally included in every trail or trail bridge plan package, such as the title sheet, vicinity map, work list, etc.

Preview
(PDF)
Drawing
(AutoCAD)
Drawing NameDate
PreviewSTD_900-01Title Sheet11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_900-02Vicinity Map11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_900-03General Notes11/17/2014
PreviewSTD_900-04Work List11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_900-05Line Diagram11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_900-06Line Diagram11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_900-07Plan and Profile 1011/05/2014
PreviewSTD_900-08Plan and Profile 2011/05/2014
PreviewSTD_906-01Summary Quantity11/05/2014

This section includes standard plans for work items involving earthwork, such as excavation and embankment, clearing and grubbing, surfacing, fords, etc.

Preview
(PDF)
Drawing
(AutoCAD)
Drawing NameDate
PreviewSTD_910-01Standard Trail Terms11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_911-01Typical Cross Section and Slope Finish11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_911-02Typical Obstruction Clearance Section11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_911-03Retainers11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_911-30-01Existing Trail Restoration11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_911-60-01Obliteration of Trails11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_912-01Clearing Limits Trees Logs11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_912-02Clearing Limits Brushing11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_913-01Typical Surfacing Sections11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_913-02Typical Surfacing Section with Retainers11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_913-03Typical Hardened Surfacing Sections11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_913-04Typical Hardened Surfacing Sections with Retainers11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_913-40-01Grid Unit Surfacing11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_913-50-01Riprap Surfacing11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_914-01Climbing Turn11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_915-01Talus Section11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_916-01Turnout and Passing Section11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_917-10-01Natural Ford11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_917-20-01Constructed Ford Rock Structure11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_917-20-02Constructed Ford Rock Structure11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_917-30-01Constructed Ford Log Structure11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_917-30-02Constructed Ford Log Structure11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_918-10-01Rock Foundations11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_918-20-01Gabion Basket Foundations11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_918-30-01Crib Foundations11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_918-40-01Geosynthetic Foundations11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_918-50-01Corduroy Foundations11/05/2014

This section includes standard drawings for work items involved with diverting water from the trail, such as water bars, culverts, ditches, etc.

Preview
(PDF)
Drawing
(AutoCAD)
Drawing NameDate
PreviewSTD_921-10-01Standard Culvert11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_921-20-01Standard Culvert with Headwalls11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_921-30-01Rock Culvert11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_921-40-01Treated Timber Box Culvert11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_921-50-01Open Top Box Culvert11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_921-60-1Bottomless Arch Culvert with Rock Headwall11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_921-70-01Log Culverts11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_922-10-01Rock Waterbar11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_922-20-01Log or Timber Waterbar11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_922-30-01Belted Waterbar11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_923-10-01Rock Spillway11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_924-10-01Rock Underdrain11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_924-20-01Sheet Underdrain11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_924-20-02Sheet Underdrain with Outlet Pipe11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_925-01Typical Ditch Sections11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_926-01Berms11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_927-01Drain Dip11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_927-02Drain Dip Details11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_928-10-1Check Dam11/05/2014

This section includes standard drawings for a wide variety of constructed trail structures, including switchbacks, turnpike, side barriers, puncheon, retaining walls, etc.

Preview
(PDF)
Drawing
(AutoCAD)
Drawing NameDate
PreviewSTD_931-10-01Type 1 Radius Switchback11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_931-20-01Type 2 Circular Landing Switchback11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_931-30-01Type 3 Rectangular Landing Switchback11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_932-10-01Standard Turnpike11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_932-20-01Type 2 Standard Turnpike with Foundation11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_933-10-01Stacked Rock Barrier11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_933-20-01Masonry Rock Barrier11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_933-20-02Concrete Masonry Unit Barrier11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_933-30-01Barrier Rail Grade11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_933-40-01Barrier Rail Post11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_933-40-02Timber Barrier On Post11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_933-50-01Curbs11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_933-60-01Guardrail11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_934-10-01Standard Puncheon11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_934-10-02Standard Puncheon11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_934-20-01Puncheon without Decking11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_935-10-01Log Crib11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_935-20-01Stacked Rock Retaining Wall11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_935-30-01Gabion Basket Retaining Wall11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_935-40-01Masonry Rock Retaining Wall11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_935-40-02Concrete Masonry Unit Retaining Wall11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_935-50-02Cast-In-Place Retaining Wall11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_936-10-01Individual Timber Pin Step11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_936-10-02Individual Rock Step11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_936-20-01Individual Overlap Rock Step11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_936-20-02Individual Overlap Timber Step11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_936-30-01Crib Ladder11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_936-40-01Staircase11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_937-10-01Railing System11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_938-10-01Standard boardwalk11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_938-10-02Standard boardwalk11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_938-10-03Standard boardwalk11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_938-20-01Elevated boardwalk11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_938-20-02Elevated boardwalk11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_938-20-03Elevated boardwalk11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_938-20-04Elevated boardwalk11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_938-30-01Step And Run11/05/2014

This section includes standard drawings for work items intended to control and manage trail access, including fences, gates, bollards, etc.

Preview
(PDF)
Drawing
(AutoCAD)
Drawing NameDate
PreviewSTD_941-10-01Post Wire Fence11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_941-20-01Post Rail Fence11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_941-30-01Woven Wire Fence11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_941-40-01Jackleg Fence11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_941-50-01Stacked Rail Worm Fence11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_942-10-01Wire Gate11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_942-10-02Woven Wire Gate11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_942-20-01Metal Swing Gate11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_942-20-02Wood Swing Gate11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_942-20-03Wood Swing Gate11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_942-30-01Loose Rail Gate11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_942-40-01Accessible Kissing Gate11/17/2014
PreviewSTD_942-40-02Accessible Kissing Gate11/17/2014
PreviewSTD_942-50-01Accessible Gates Chicanes11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_944-10-01Stiles11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_945-10-01Bollards11/05/2014

This section includes standard drawings for signs, route markers, reassurance markers, mileage markers, and cairns.

Preview
(PDF)
Drawing
(AutoCAD)
Drawing NameDate
PreviewSTD_950-01Sign Layout11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_951-01Sign Posts Installation11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_951-02Sign Posts Installation11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_952-01Route Markers11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_953-01Reassurance Markers11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_955-01Rock Cairn11/05/2014

This section includes standard trail bridge plans for timber and prefabricated steel bridges.

Standard trail bridge plans for timber and prefabricated steel bridges have been approved by Forest Service Washington Office Director of Engineering and Washington Office Director of Recreation for use on National Forest System lands. The standard trail bridge plans are for typical superstructure designs and abutment details commonly used. The plans are not meant to be used as individual drawings. The designer should download all associated plans for the bridge type to ensure they have a complete trail bridge package.

A qualified engineer with trail bridge design experience must approve the use of these Standard Trail Bridge plans for each trail bridge project. Proper bridge siting and design includes many other aspects such as siting, hydrology, hydraulics, foundation, etc. Forest Service Trail Bridge design requirements are found in Forest Service Directives Forest Service Manual (FSM) 7723 and Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 7709.56b, Chapter 80 and in Technology and Development Center’s publication “Locating Your Trail Bridge for Longevity”.

On Forest Service projects, these plans may not be modified without Regional Engineer approval (except for populating the Structure Table on page 1 for each bridge type).

Non-Forest Service entities are welcome to use these trail bridge plans, but must take full responsibility for their use. We further recommend they seek review and approval from their qualified engineer of record for the project.

Trail Bridge Plans are provided below in a combination of editable AutoCAD .dwg and non-editable .dwf formats. Regional Bridge Engineers retain editable .dwg versions of the AutoCAD .dwf plans provided here.

Preview
(PDF)
Drawing
(AutoCAD)
Drawing NameDate
(PDF, 1.01 MB)Not ApplicableSingle Log Stringer Trail Bridge
(Compiled Drawings: STD_961-10-01 to STD_961-10-04)
11/05/2014
(PDF, 420 KB)STD_961-10-01Structure Table11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_961-10-02Typical Section Details11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_961-10-03aGeneral Notes / Design Table (Douglas Fir)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_961-10-03bGeneral Notes / Design Table (Southern Pine)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_961-10-04Abutment Details11/05/2014
PreviewNot ApplicableMultiple Log Stringer Trail Bridge
(Compiled Drawings: STD_961-20-01 to STD_961-20-06)
11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_961-20-01Structure Table11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_961-20-02aGeneral Notes (Douglas Fir)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_961-20-02bGeneral Notes (Southern Pine)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_961-20-03aTypical Superstructure / Design Table (Douglas Fir)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_961-20-03bTypical Superstructure / Design Table (Southern Pine)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_961-20-04Cross-Section Details11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_961-20-05Cross-Section Details / Abutment Details11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_961-20-06Abutment Details11/05/2014
PreviewNot ApplicableSawn Timber Stringer Trail Bridge
(Compiled Drawings: STD_962-10-01 to STD_962-10-04)
11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_962-10-01Structure Table11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_962-10-02aTypical Superstructure / Design Table (Douglas Fir)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_962-10-02bTypical Superstructure / Design Table (Southern Pine)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_962-10-03aCross-Section Details / General Notes (Douglas Fir)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_962-10-03bCross-Section Details / General Notes (Southern Pine)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_962-10-04Abutment Details11/05/2014
PreviewNot ApplicableLongitudinal Nail-Laminated Timber Trail Bridge
(Compiled Drawings: STD_962-20-01 to STD_962-20-05)
11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_962-20-01Structure Table11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_962-20-02aCross-Section Details / General Notes (Douglas Fir)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_962-20-02bCross-Section Details / General Notes (Southern Pine)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_962-20-03aTypical Layout - 12 Feet Long11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_962-20-03bTypical Layout - 16 Feet Long11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_962-20-03cTypical Layout - 20 Feet Long11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_962-20-04aTypical Superstructure / Design Table (Douglas Fir)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_962-20-04bTypical Superstructure / Design Table (Southern Pine)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_962-20-05Abutment Details11/05/2014
PreviewNot ApplicableGlulam Stringer Trail Bridge
(Compiled Drawings: STD_963-10-01 to STD_963-10-04)
11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_963-10-01Structure Table11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_963-10-02aTypical Sections / Design Table - 2 Beam (Douglas Fir)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_963-10-02bTypical Sections / Design Table - 2 Beam (Southern Pine)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_963-10-02cTypical Sections / Design Table - 3 Beam (Douglas Fir)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_963-10-02dTypical Sections / Design Table - 3 Beam (Southern Pine)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_963-10-03aGeneral Notes - 2 Beam (Douglass Fir)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_963-10-03bGeneral Notes - 2 Beam (Southern Pine)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_963-10-03cGeneral Notes - 3 Beam (Douglass Fir)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_963-10-03dGeneral Notes - 3 Beam (Southern Pine)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_963-10-04Abutment Details11/05/2014
PreviewNot ApplicableLongitudinal Glulam Deck Panel Trail Bridge
(Compiled Drawings: STD_963-20-01 to STD_963-20-04)
11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_963-20-01Structure Table11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_963-20-02aTypical Sections / Design Table (Douglas Fir)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_963-20-02bTypical Sections / Design Table (Southern Pine)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_963-20-03aCross-Section Details / General Notes (Douglas Fir)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_963-20-03bCross-Section Details / General Notes (Southern Pine)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_963-20-04Abutment Details11/05/2014
PreviewNot ApplicablePrefabricated Steel Trail Bridge
(Compiled Drawings: STD_964-10-01 to STD_964-10-03)
11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_964-10-01Structure Table11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_964-10-02aGeneral Notes (Douglas Fir)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_964-10-02bGeneral Notes (Southern Pine)11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_964-10-03Abutment Details11/05/2014
PreviewNot ApplicableSubstructure
(Compiled Drawings: STD_965-10-01 to STD_965-40-01)
11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_965-10-01Timber Sill On Geocell Pad11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_965-20-01Timber Sill On Gabion Basket11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_965-30-01Timber Sill On Timber Cribbing11/05/2014
PreviewSTD_965-40-01Concrete Leveling Pad On Bedrock11/05/2014

This section does not include any standard drawings, but is reserved and used for the identification of specialty structures in project packages, such as tunnels, snow sheds, etc. Refer to Specifications Section 970 - Specialty Structures.

This section includes standard drawings for work items that are considered incidental to major work items, such as seeding, fertilizing and mulching, removal of structures, etc.

Preview
(PDF)
Drawing
(AutoCAD)
Drawing NameDate
PreviewSTD_981-01Seeding and Mulching11/05/2014

 

This section does not include any standard drawings, but includes material specifications used for work items included in project package. Examples include aggregate, rock, geosynthetics, material for timber structures, etc. Refer to Specifications Section 990 - Materials.

Related Reference Materials

For More Information

Please contact USDA Forest Service Trail Management if you have questions or comments.

Acknowledgments

These Standard Trail Plans and Specifications were revised and developed with extensive involvement and expertise from Jonathan Kempff, P.E. (Professional Engineer), Forest Service National Trail Technical Team; and James Scott Groenier, P.E., and Deb Mucci, Draftsperson, both with Forest Service Technology and Development Program. This project was sponsored and funded in large part by the Federal Highway Administration, Recreational Trails Program.

Forest Service Disclaimer

The Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has developed this information for the guidance of its employees, its contractors, and its cooperating Federal and State agencies. The Forest Service assumes no responsibility for the interpretation or use of this information by anyone except its own employees. The use of trade, firm, or corporation names is for the information and convenience of the reader. Such use does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of any product or service to the exclusion of others that may be suitable.

Federal Highway Administration Notice

These materials were produced in cooperation with the Recreational Trails Program of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration in the interest of information exchange. The U.S. Government assumes no liability for the use of information contained in this document. The U.S. Government does not endorse products or manufacturers. Trademarks or manufacturers’ names appear in this report only because they are considered essential to the objective of this document. These materials reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official policy of the U.S. Department of Transportation.