Erosion control structures
Overview
Erosion control structures are built features along trails designed to reduce soil loss, manage water flow, and maintain stable tread. They are part of sustainable trail design and maintenance.
Key points
- Include water bars, drainage dips, check steps, retaining walls, and similar features.
- Help direct water off the trail to minimize rutting and widening.
- Support long-term trail durability and reduce maintenance needs.
- Often constructed from local rock, timber, or engineered materials.
- Hikers contribute by walking on the intended tread and not altering structures.
Details
Erosion control structures are central to maintaining trails in the face of rainfall, snowmelt, and regular foot traffic. Without such measures, water can channel down the trail, cutting ruts, exposing roots, and encouraging users to walk around damaged sections, which further widens the disturbed area.
Common structures include water bars and drainage dips that guide water off the trail at controlled points, check steps that stabilize steep segments, and retaining walls that support tread on slopes. The specific techniques used depend on local soils, climate, grade, and management objectives.
These features are typically planned and built by trail crews, land managers, or trained volunteers, following guidelines for sustainable trail construction. Over time, they may require maintenance to clear debris, repair damage, or adapt to changing conditions.
Hikers help erosion control efforts by staying on the main tread, avoiding shortcuts that bypass switchbacks or drainage structures, and refraining from altering rocks, logs, or other installed features. This collective behavior helps preserve the trail corridor for future users.
Related topics
- leave-no-trace-and-impact-overview
- trail-environments-and-terrain-types-overview
- trail-maintenance-and-volunteerism-overview
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