Caribou Recreation Development, LLC
Caribou Trail Design
Research & Envisioning
Trail Design & Layout
Planning
Let us help you design your trail...
Construction Plans
Management Plans
Trail development is more or less a fluid process. We have separated it into five distinct categories to both help define the process and clarify how we can assist in a trail project. Click on an item for more information.
P.O. Box 355 Bethel, Maine 04217 / 207.357.7587 / trails_cariboutraildesign.com
Caribou Recreation Development, LLC specializes in designing trail networks and planning services for public and private conservation lands.
Caribou Trail Design provides knowledge of recreation planning and trail development gained from years of experience on complex projects. We can bring skill and knowledge, usually available only within larger organizations, to smaller entities.
We respect and understand the interface between great ideas, the land, and its users. We want people to develop an endearing connection with the land and we plan and build designs that are both sustainable and enjoyable.
We employ an aesthetic approach to trail design that aims for trails to lay lightly on the land. Additionally, trails that curve and float across the terrain, or flow past multiple minor features, even as simple as a small glacial erratic, a specimen tree, or a pretty pool, builds a sense of discovery and mystery. We want people to enjoy the landscape and appreciate the process of reaching their destination.
Representative Projects:
• Grafton Loop Trail Coalition • Design, lay out, and supervise the construction of a 40-mile backcountry hiking trail in Newry, Maine
• Appalachian Mountain Club • Design, lay out, and develop plans for a 120-mile multi-use trail system in Bowdoin College Grant, Maine, on a 37,000- acre parcel
• Western Foothills Land Trust • Design, lay out, develop plans, and supervise construction for a 12-kilometer multi-use trail system just outside downtown Norway, Maine
• Mahoosuc Land Trust • Review existing trails, provide alternative routes, and develop management plans for the Rumford Whitecap property
• Maine Audubon Society • Review reconstruction concerns on existing trails and explore additional trail development for Borestone Mountain in Monson, Maine
• The Bethel Inn Resort • Develop, operate, and manage a 30-kilometer cross-country ski center
• Gould Academy • Review relocation and reconstruction of trails, and maintain a competition ski trail system on their Bethel, Maine property
• Hurricane Island Outward Bound School • Review existing trails and trail development plans for the Newry- based Mountain Center
Photo Gallery
Research and Envisioning
This primary stage in the process of developing a trail is where basic ideas and concerns are discussed and investigated. The aim is to envision a completed trail and identify the steps and information needed to get there. We have found that successful trails meet the needs of the communities they serve. We begin the envisoning and research stage by asking simple questions that help define why the trail should be constructed, and who will use it. This stage often involves:
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Construction plans are developed for trail crews, contractors, and volunteers to use as guidelines for trail construction. These documents express the intent of the planning process and help to keep the final trail consistent with the original goals. Construction plans also give contractors a clear picture of the project for providing bids. Plans are essential for maximizing production time, reducing decision-making in the field, and assuring quality. Caribou Trail Design has years of experience overseeing trail construction and providing the documents needed to ensure high quality trails.
Develop trail specifications and contract documentsDevelop drainage and erosion control plansDevelop construction budgets and manage costsFurnish cost estimates that include labor, materials, and suppliesProvide construction oversite or supervisionConstruction schedulesProvide diagrams and drawings for trail structures Finalize signage and kiosk needs
Recreation management plans are essential for most properties and certainly for every new and existing trail system. Management plans are straightforward documents that explain how the trails will be used and maintained. Often several more comprehensive appendices will give credence to various assessments, signs, research data, maintenance plans, and resource protection concerns. Caribou Trail Design is familiar with a wide variety of trail standards and use patterns. We can assess trail networks, make suggestions, and even provide intial drafts of complete plans for your trail project.
Develop trail maintenance plansProvide trail assessments that include trail reconstruction suggestions Recognize traditional and conflicting uses; offer a matrix of possible resolutionsSuggest rules, regulations, and guidelines for appropriate use of trailsProvide suggestion for educational material and signageDevelop programs and guidlines for trail volunteers; train trail adopter volunteersPlan for protection of natural and culturally significant areas
Trail Design and Layout
Every trail design project is unique; we believe that a trail should mesh with and complement its surroundings as well as reflect the intentions the landowner or organization brings to the project. Trail design and layout is a culmination of planning processes; it is where concepts developed during the planning and research phases are integrated into the landscape allowing the route to flow, progress logically, and assure a stable and sustainable surface. The design and layout phase produces centerline and corridor widths that are defined on the ground in preparation for construction. Key elements taken into account are:
Develop trails that curve and follow the natural landscape to lay lightly on the landConfirm topography including soil compositions, slope angles, slope aspects, trail gradients, etc.Weigh scenic values of objectives against cost of access to the localesHone trail lines to meet regional, regulatory, and expected use standardsBalance cost of trail structures with alternative alignments for a sustainable designFlag trail's center line and clearing width; note planned trail structures locations such as waterbars, culverts, and stairs, in a trail log
Trail Planning is the preliminary stage for establishing a solid trail system. The planning phase includes the reasons for building a trail, feasibility studies, and planning documents. Cataloging essential information is necessary, as are clear perspectives of who will use the trail, potential number of users and their skill level. We often take clients initial ideas for a trail system and transform them to a professional design plan. We recommend that trail construction not move ahead until an overall trail plan is in place. Our experience tells us successful trails suit the users, enhancing their experience while protecting ecosystems through appropriate and sustainable trail alignments.
Trail Planning is the preliminary stage for establishing a solid trail system. The planning phase includes the reasons for building a trail, feasibility studies, and planning documents. Cataloging essential information is necessary, as are clear perspectives of who will use the trail, potential number of users and their skill level.
We often take clients initial ideas for a trail system and transform them to a professional design plan. We recommend that trail construction not move ahead until an overall trail plan is in place. Our experience tells us successful trails suit the users, enhancing their experience while protecting ecosystems through appropriate and sustainable trail alignments.
Define ideal trail lengths, difficulty level, corridor width, number of trails, expected useNote difficult or sensitive terrain: soft soils, rocky or steep slopes, and protection zonesExplore possible social issues: trail use conflicts, to assure quality of users experienceDevelop and review broad-brush ideas and trail linesPlan to protect historical and cultural resourcesDevelop lists for on-site investigations: Confirm topography, soil compositions, slope angles, slope aspecct Identify specimen trees, unique plant communities, and interesting minor objectives Inventory scenic features including view shed angles and coordinatesDetermine signage and kiosk needs
Confirm topography, soil compositions, slope angles, slope aspecct
Identify specimen trees, unique plant communities, and interesting minor objectives
Inventory scenic features including view shed angles and coordinates
Kirk Siegel is an attorney and former land trust chair with an extensive background in land conservation and real estate law. He has worked with numerous individual, family, and corporate landowners, as well as land conservation organizations and the State of Maine, on simple to highly complex conservation projects. He served as coordinator of the trail committee of the Mahoosuc Land Trust for four years, orchestrating community partners in cooperative multi-use trail development projects and writing successful grant applications. Kirk has been a coach for the Gould Academy cross-country ski team and the U.S. Biathlon Junior Team, and a Dartmouth Ski Team captain. Kirk provides any legal services separately through his law firm, Hanley & Associates.
Mike Cooper, principal trail designer for Caribou, has a long history in outdoor recreation. He worked with Hurricane Island Outward Bound school as an educator and an administrator. Mike, along with the Bureau of Public Lands, built the Wright Trail in the Mahoosuc Range. He took a primary role in the completion of the Grafton Loop Trail as a designer, overseer of construction budgets, and construction supervisor. Mike is the active manager of one of Maine's oldest Nordic Ski Areas at The Bethel Inn Resort. He has contributed to several publications including AMC's Maine Mountain Guide, 7th and 9th ed. and Complete Guide to Trail Building and Construction 4th ed., as well as the Leave No Trace Outdoor Skills and Ethics, North East Mountains. In addition to his experience in trail design and building, Mike also has education in Architecture and Fine Arts. Mike is an active member of the Mahoosuc Mountain Rescue Team and an avid Nordic skier.
Sarah Weafer, a trail designer for Caribou, has worked numerous trail projects over the years. Having owned and operated her business for over ten years, Sarah brings her skills and experience to trail planning, design, and business operations for Caribou. She has worked for the AMC, both as a trail crew member as well as a trail designer. She has many years' experience in Nordic skiing as an athlete, coach, and instructor, and is currently a ski director at the Bethel Nordic Ski Center in Bethel, Maine. Sarah is an avid outdoors person and can be found running trails, hiking, and Nordic skiing.
Contact us at any stage of your recreation project, even if you'd just like to bounce ideas around or use us as a resource:
P.O. Box 355
Bethel, Maine 04217
