Virginia's State Trails

THE USER EXPERIENCEThe State Trail network today embodies a wide rangeof resource types, management interests, and users.The need to establish and maintain physical, graphic,and interpretive continuity between and amongsegments is essential for trail corridors with bothstate and national significance.These guidelines are intended to further establish andimprove the following experiences for trail users: The local experience - Users can confidently andsafely navigate between trail segments managedby different partners. The long-distance experience - Users canconfidently and safely navigate significantportions of—or the entire length of—trailcorridors throughout Virginia. A sense of something larger - At key trailheadsand destinations, users understand their currentlocation in relation to the Trail network as awhole from both navigational and interpretiveperspectives. This experience ties site-specificlocations to local and regional histories. Services and amenities - There are opportunitiesfor businesses to promote the connection totowns and other services that support the trailuser. Appalachian National Scenic Trail. This federalhiking trail follows the Blue Ridge Mountains fromMaine to Georgia. This trail is managed through apartnership between the National Park Service, theAppalachian Trail Conservancy and a network ofmaintaining clubs. Beaches to Bluegrass Trail. This proposed statewideshared-use path and multi-use trail will connectcommunities between the Virginia Beach oceanfrontand Cumberland Gap. An on-road route connectsexisting off-road segments. This trail is championedby regional trail groups desiring statewideconnectivity. East Coast Greenway. This shared-use path connectsurban areas from Maine to Florida, and ischampioned by the East Coast Greenway Allianceand local partners. An interim on-road route connectsexisting off-road segments. Great Eastern Trail. This hiking trail follows theAllegheny Mountains from New York to Alabama.Most of this trail through Virginia is on multipurposetrails through U.S. Forest Service lands. This trail ischampioned by the Great Eastern Trail Associationand local partners. GUIDANCE DOCUMENTSThese guidelines build off other planning efforts foreach of the six State Trails. As best practices evolve,the guidelines will be revised. Future updates will bemade periodically to document changes and links toother authoritative documents. Each trail in thenetwork is listed on this page to links of availableguidance that should serve as primary source material. James River Heritage Trail Corridor. This land andwater trail system follows the James River and somekey tributaries from the Chesapeake Bay to thefoothills of the Allegheny Mountains. This braidedtrail corridor is championed by local communitiesand organizations in the watershed.Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. This federalland and water trail system links the Potomac andupper Ohio river basins and follows the pathsexplored by George Washington. This trail ismanaged through a partnership between the NationalPark Service and local/regional land managers.Several statewide trails like the James River HeritageTrail and the Potomac Heritage Trail are braided trailnetworks, incorporating water trails and land trailsalong the corridor to offer a variety of experiences.These resources provide more information on watertrail signs: National Water Trail System Best Management Practices Toolkit Iowa Water Trails Toolkit American Rivers Blue Trails Guide American Canoe Association Water Trail Resources3

LEGISLATION ANDADMINISTRATIONSTATEWIDE TRAIL TYPESThese six trails are components of the Statewide System ofTrails, authorized by the General Assembly in 1971§10.1-204.C. The statewide system of trails shall be composedof:VDCR is authorized to enter into such agreements and toacquire interests as may be necessary to establish,maintain, protect, and regulate a statewide system of trailsin order to provide for the ever-increasing outdoorrecreational needs of an expanding population, and in orderto promote public access to, travel within, and enjoymentand appreciation of the outdoor, natural, and remote areasof the Commonwealth.DCR provides the following services to support thestatewide trail system:Virginia has two national scenic trails as authorized by the NationalTrails System Act (P.L. 90-543, as amended through P.L. 111-11), theAppalachian Trail and the Potomac Heritage Trail.For more information on the National Trails Act, visit: tml. Provide and disseminate statewide standards andpolicies for trail development (i.e. Greenways andTrails Toolbox) Provide educational experiences to encourage trail andgreenway development (i.e. targeted regionalworkshops) Provide technical assistance to localities and NGOs(by request) Provide information for trail users (i.e. E-newsletter andwebsite) Plan for and promote a connected statewide trailssystem (i.e. Virginia Outdoors Plan)Excerpt from §10.1-2041. Scenic trails so located as to provide maximumpotential for the appreciation of natural areas and forthe conservation and enjoyment of the significantscenic, historic, natural, ecological, geological, orcultural qualities of the areas through which suchtrails may pass;2. Recreation trails to provide a variety of outdoorrecreation uses in or reasonably accessible to urbanareas; and3. Connecting trails or side trails to provideadditional points of public access to recreation trailsor scenic trails, or to provide connections betweensuch trails, or to provide access from urban areas tomajor outdoor recreation sites.D. Each trail shall be limited to foot, horse, ornonmotorized bicycle use, or a combination thereof,as deemed appropriate by the Department. The useof motorized vehicles by the public shall beprohibited along any of the scenic, recreation, orconnecting or side trails.Recreation, scenic and connecting trails may be single or multi use, or considered a shared-use path.A shared-use path falls under a special category with more regulation because shared-use paths provide atransportation function. All newly constructed shared-use paths should be built to provide access for peoplewith disabilities. In addition, existing shared-use paths should be improved to enhance access wheneverpossible. If improvements to existing facilities cannot be made immediately, it is recommended thatinformation, including signage, be provided at all path entrances. This information should clearly conveyobjective information to trail users, including data about grade, cross slope, surface, and width. Shared usepaths are physically separated from motor vehicle traffic by an open space or barrier, and are either within thehighway right-of-way or within an independent right-of-way. (U.S. Access Board). Like sidewalks andaccessible routes, shared-use paths are subject to additional state and federal regulations but are also eligible forfunding through transportation sources.4

BRANDINGTYPES OF SIGNSBusinessDictionary defines a brand as theunique design, sign, symbol, words, or acombination of these, employed in creating animage that identifies a product anddifferentiates it from its competitors. Overtime, this image becomes associated with alevel of credibility, quality, and satisfactionin the consumer's mind. This documentaddresses only the trail logo asone component of the trail brand.The following sign types are used to provideinformation along the trail. They are discussed inmore detail by chapter as indicated.THE TRAIL LOGOUse of the Trail logo helps enrich theexperience of travel by reinforcing the trailbrand. Use of the trail logo provides visualcontinuity and recognizes formal relationshipsbetween trail segments and the Trail networkand the trail management partners.National park service trail logos are anofficial “Federal mark” published in theFederal Register. 1 With permission, the logomay be used on signs and in printed andelectronic media such as brochures, guides,maps, and websites. The logo should not beused in place of a blaze or other means ofmarking a route in cases where directionalguidance is necessary and/or desirable.Contact each sponsoring agency to ordercopies of the logo signs when your trailsection is designated. For the James RiverHeritage Trail and the Beaches to BluegrassTrail, 12 x 18-inch signs can be ordered fromthe State Parks Logistics Center for a fee.DCR can also provide the artwork for localsign fabrication. DCR has the artwork for 3inch decals, 3.5-inch plaques, and 9-inchplastic decals.Chapter 2 Orienting the Visitor Wayside exhibits Trailhead kiosks Orientation signs Gateway signs Trail experience signs Difficulty level markersChapter 3 Wayfinding Directional and destination signs Arrival and welcome signs Mileage markers Blazes Shared identity signs Boundary signsChapter 4 Other Applications Etiquette signs Resource protection signs Volunteer or funder recognition signsChapter 5 Signs for Roads and Shared-Use Paths Bike route signs Regulatory signs Warning signs Signs at crossings and connections Destination list signs Pavement markers1. The design of the Trail insignia is part of a family of insignia fornational historic and national scenic trails within the National TrailsSystem. Authorities for development and use of the Trail insignia (orlogo) can be found in the National Trails System Act of 1968 (asamended), 16 U.S.C. 124(a) and 1246(c) and in Protection of OfficialBadges, Insignia, etc. in 18 U.S.C. 701.35

Sample notes from a sign survey, New Zealand Cycle RouteCREATING A SIGNAGE PLANA signage plan enables the trail or route stakeholdersto evaluate the needs and adequacy of the plan beforeordering or installing signs. It also provides the basisfor a sound budget for soliciting funds to design,fabricate and install the signs needed. To minimizecosts and clutter, use existing sign posts if possible.A sign plan requires four steps:1) With your GPS device and camera in tow, conducta sign survey by traveling in both directions to assessthe signage needs of trail/route users2) Create a reference table that records theinformation from your sign survey that includes thefollowing fields: Sign number GPS waypoint Photo link Description of the physical location Distance from starting point Direction of travel Specific sign required Direction arrow required Proposed text (if any) Type of sign post (if any) Other relevant details3) Create a map that identifies each sign point withblow-ups as needed for critical sections. A minimumscale of 1:250,000 is needed to show the level ofdetail required.4) For complex intersections, provide zoomed-inaerial maps that detail the location and content ofexisting signs, show the proposed signs and wherethey will be co-located on existing signposts, anddetail other information relevant to the intersection.6Roadway and Trail sign continuity plan from the Columbia State Trail Highway

CHAPTER 2ORIENTING VISITORSOrientation signs are usually installed at trailheads whereparking or transit is available. They may also be needed attrail intersections. They should provide generalinformation about the trail, specific information aboutaccessing the trail at this entry point, regulatory and safetyinformation, and related maps and graphics.WAYSIDE EXHIBITSThe National Park Service has prepared a comprehensive Wayside ExhibitResource. Link: dition.pdf7

TRAILHEAD KIOSKSTrailhead kiosks provide the first and lastimpression of the trail. They indicate arrival,welcome visitors, and provide them withinformation that may be essential to their safetyand enjoyment on the trail. They also offer theopportunity to educate and communicateinformation that helps solve managementproblems associated with visitor use.LocationAt vandal-prone trailheads, choose a kiosklocation out of view of the casual parking lot useror cruiser. It is okay to situate the kiosk a fewhundred yards down the trail.Consider partnering with a local school or youthgroup for kiosk maintenance if vandalism is arecurrent problem.Kiosk ContentContent Tips Trail logo or routed wooden trail nameThe Appalachian Trail Conservancy providesthis guidance on kiosk content to memberclubs: Thumbnail map of entire trail (option: also include a description ofthe entire route Approximate mileage to the trail's beginning and endpoints along withmajor attractions and points of interest Area map of trail with "you are here" indicator Area services (for gateway kiosks) Make it easy to read by using Arial font at alarge point size, since most people stand aboutfour feet from a sign Use an active voice Simplify the message so it's easy to understand Trail rating and assessed conditions if available, descriptions of tripalternatives if appropriate Make sure it's relevant Emergency phone contacts (911, animal control, etc.) Avoid acronyms, adverbs, contractions, cliches,and colloquialisms. 911 address (or equivalent location identifier) Contact information for trail management entity and partner logos,contacts and roles if appropriate Specific prohibitions or restrictions (regulatory signs) Safety and etiquette information to manage user conflicts Trail protection information (leave no trace, tread lightly) Interpretive information QR codes to appropriate websites (partners, local chambers ofcommerce, etc.) Appreciation to donors, volunteers and others who help make the trailand upkeep possible Save space for dynamic or changing content, like alerts, trail closuresor relocations, temporary hazards, prescribed burns, volunteeropportunities, special events, hunting season information, etc.8 Keep it brief Use graphics, if possible, to enhance yourmessage. Emphasize appropriate use by welcomingspecific user groups, for example "HikersWelcome."

THUMBNAIL MAPSAppalachianNational Scenic TrailThese “thumbnail” maps can be used on materialswhere space is limited—such as a brochure or anapplication for a smart phone. The maps show thelocation and geographic expanse of the trail network.A simplified version of the thumbnail map, withouttopographic detail and colors depicting land cover, canbe used when space is limited and map details may notbe clearly readable.Great Eastern TrailEast Coast Greenway9

Potomac Heritage National Scenic TrailREGIONAL ORIENTATIONOrientation panels place users in the landscape, illustratelocation in the context of the entire Trail network, andprovide important information. These panels should alsostimulate further interest in the Trail network.The PHT regional panel shown here has been designed for use attrailheads and other key destinations in the network. The panelfocuses on the bigger picture(regional geographic scale) and is designed to give users a senseof something larger. The map is not intended to be used fornavigation.piedmont regionGeorge Washington walked, rode horseback, and boated through this regionpursuing his dream of westward expansion—connecting the Atlantic Seaboardto the frontier West. His efforts to reengineer, dam, channelize, and straightenthe Potomac River influenced industrialization in the 1800s and beyond. But theriver resisted. Today wild intermingles with urban. Huge oaks, sycamores, andtulip poplars guard the river and welcome all seeking solace there.The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail network is a portal into the region’shistory, culture, and ecology. Here a network of hiking and water trails affordsyou an intimate connection with the river and the distinctive Piedmontlandscape. The trails beckon exploration and offer adventure.Potomac HeritageNational Scenic TrailTrail segments here in Fairfax and Loudouncounties are part of the larger Trail networkthat traverses the District of Columbia,Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.The Trail network passes through fivedistinct landscapes, each the result ofclimatic effects on past and present geologicenvironments and each influencing thehistory of people living there.Various PotomacHeritage Trail SegmentsGreat Allegheny PassageLaurel Highlands Hiking TrailChesapeake and Ohio Canal TowpathPotomac Heritage Trail(George Washington Memorial Parkway)Fort Circle Parks TrailAlexandria Heritage TrailMount Vernon TrailExperiences found along this section of trailSouthern Maryland Potomac Heritage TrailOn-Road Bicycling RouteNorthern Neck Heritage TrailBicycling RouteWater TrailMiles of water trail on the Potomac Riverand Goose Creek allow paddlers to hug thesafety and calm near the shoreline. Paddlersmay surprise great blue herons, kingfishers,wood ducks, and even river otters. Historicfeatures like Goose Creek Canal and GeorgeWashington’s Patowmack Canal awaityour discovery.Hiking TrailSegments of the Potomac HeritageNational Scenic Trail wind through a50-mile-long corridor of private andpublic lands in northern Fairfax andeastern Loudoun counties. The corridorshowcases the rolling hills of the Piedmontat the river’s edge. The rich floodplainforest here offers many discoveries fromspring wildflowers to grist mill ruins.THE BLAZEThus, the blaze should be used mainly at decision pointsalong a route, such as trail intersections, road crossings,or major changes in direction. In areas where the trailtread is well defined—such as a paved trail—the blazeneed only be used where the user has a choice to make.10

ANCHOR SITESAnchor sites may be key historical locations, smalltowns, tourist destinations, or places where annualevents are held that draw large numbers of people.Regional panels should be located at these junctions.These trailheads are developed areas that provide, at aminimum, direct access to a state trail and includeparking, multiple informational and interpretivepanels, toilets, and a visitor contact person--either at avisitor center, library or supporting business. The signsat these trailheads should include a thumbnail map, aregional panel and a local experience panel.11

Example: AT Community SignRecommended:APPALACHIANTRAIL Header instyle presented,with approximatedistances toSpringer andKatahdin because ittells the story of thewhole Trail andserves as aninspiration.*AreaA.T.MapOverview Map of entireA.T. may be a NPS stripmap reproduced no shorterthan 36’’ or a simplifiedand smaller versionavailable from ATC.QRCodeRecommended: Who Manages the Trailtells the story of the cooperativemanagement system and provides contactinformation for the partners – Trail club(s),ATC, and land-manager agency logos.12

LOCAL EXPERIENCENavigational and related user information should beshown on a “local experience” map or panel that willoften be accompanied by a regional orientation panel.The exact design and content of the local experiencemap or panel is flexible. The local experience panelshould clearly indicate both the local trail and thestatewide trail. Below are example of local experiencepanels in Pulaski and Galax, at both ends of the NewRiver Trail State park. The map at left shows the localtrail and the AT in Harpers Ferry. At bottom, cyclistsplan their next trip referencing the regional inset.13

GATEWAYSWhen trail users approach urbanized areas, theyshould be welcomed by a gateway that directs themto services they need, creates a sense of place,promotes trail-oriented events, and recognizesbusinesses that give back to the trail.Unless your sign is generating ad revenue, do not use specific business names. Opt for generalcategories like "lodging" and "food services" so your sign does not become dated when abusiness closes.Gateways will typically provide long-range parkingfor trail users and have a choice of restaurants andlodging, with supporting businesses that willsupport shuttles, mail drops, vending machines andother services for trail users.Gateway signs along the Great Allegheny Passageprovide the following information:1) Town identity and function of sign2) Logo for Trail Town Program (this would bereplaced with the state trail logo in Virginia)3) A town map with numbered services that relateback to the directory in the left panel4) Directory5) Sponsor identification6) Photos that highlight appealing views, notspecific businesses7) Photo captions2Note: Gateway signs erected within VDOT right-ofway must meet VDOT's requirements forCommunity Gateway signing.14

VISITOR SERVICESParkingWildlife ViewingUse of the following universal symbolsfor visitor services will help overcomelanguage barriers.Artwork for these symbols and otherscan be downloaded at this link:www.aiga.org/symbol-sign

Beaches to Bluegrass Trail. This proposed statewide . championed by the Great Eastern Trail Association and local partners. James River Heritage Trail Corridor. This land and water trail system follows the James River and some key tributaries from the Chesapeake Bay to the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. This braided