Hiking Trails: Design and Construction, Management and Marketing

Developing and managing a hiking trail is a serious responsibility. The owner of the trail works in harmony with nature and implements various conservation measures, whilst the safety of the hikers on his trail can not be compromised. Hiking, backpacking or walking is probably the second most popular form of recreation and exercise of man, after running and jogging. If the hike is combined with hobbies or pastimes such as birdwatching, butterfly spotting, tree spotting and photography, it may very well be elevated to the most popular of man's pastimes in nature, and a good opportunity for an entrepreneur to realise income from it. A fairly new development is to combine hiking with tourism, and thousands of hikers nowadays comb the globe to hike internationally acclaimed trails such as the Camino Portugués or The Seven Hanging Valleys Trails in Portugal, the Kruger National Park Trails in South Africa, The Inca Trail in Peru, and Rocky Mountain trails in North America. Dedicated trails include trails based on Archaeology (early man), Palaeontology (early life forms and fossils), cultures, religion and history such as specific wars. It has been proven that hikes in natural areas provide mental and physical benefits for the hikers that enhances self-awareness and a sense of connectedness with other people and the world around them. As population numbers around the globe increase annually, the need for quality hiking trails will expand exponentially. This book focuses on guidance for establishing dedicated viable hiking trails for hikers in nature and natural areas. It excludes trails for cyclists, horsemen and quad bike riders. A well-developed and well-managed hiking trail can provide in people's needs as visitors, tourists and nature lovers, whilst it may also expand their knowledge. At the same time, it can be a viable economic opportunity for the people owning or in control of the land. The purpose of this book is to contribute meaningfully to the establishment of quality and viable hiking trails and a win-win situation for both the trail owner, the hiker and nature. The trail developer is introduced to the philosophy and purpose of hiking trails, and the generally accepted trail standards that he must implement. He is guided through the entire process from design, approval, construction of the trail, trail infrastructure, trail furniture and maintenance. Aspects such as public liability, marketing and medical aid and injuries are also dealt with. This concise book is a complete directory for constructing a hiking trail, right from its conception up the the final moment when it is opened for the public.