Trail Use Policy

Trails should afford an appropriate and satisfying outdoor experience to the widest possible segment of the population. The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference (NYNJTC) recognizes that trails on public land should be available to all responsible non-motorized users. Fair and reasonable access to trails on public land should be based on the following four principles:

Esthetics: People seek an outdoor experience as a respite from the trappings and tensions of life. Trail users should be able to enjoy the natural peace and beauty of the lands through which the trails pass. For many trail users, encounters with wheeled vehicles or horses, however friendly, negate that goal and may lead to preemption of that trail by these other users. Hiking-only trails should be available within all trail systems open to the public. The NYNJTC opposes the use of mountain bikes or horses in areas designated (or being considered for designation) as wilderness or natural areas.

Resource Protection: Trail use should entail minimal damage to the treadway and minimal disruption of plant and animal life. When planning new trails, the purpose of the trail, the terrain through which it travels and the trail density should be considered. Alterations to the terrain should only be made to prevent resource damage. When trails deteriorate, they should be repaired when possible rather than moved.

Safety: Pedestrian safety should not be jeopardized by interaction with other user groups. Steep and/or narrow trails should be single-use. Multiple-use trails must be wide enough to allow safe passing and two-way use, and should have sufficient sight lines to avoid collision. Even though collisions are rare, it is important to convey a perception of safety. On multiple-use trails, the NYNJTC recognizes the International Mountain Biking Association's rules of responsible trail riding. Safety information and educational material, including signs indicating permitted uses, help ensure the safety of all trail users.

Management: While the establishment of trails is ultimately the responsibility of the land managers or owners, volunteer user organizations should actively assist land managers in planning trails and trail systems. NYNJTC advocates that organizations be responsible for building, monitoring and maintaining the trails they use to appropriate standards to protect the resource from likely damage by their users as well as nature, and provide users with a safe experience. Long term commitment to trail management is necessary to sustain public trails as a recreational opportunity.

Communication and cooperation among the user groups, landowners and land managers enhances the opportunities for outdoor recreation. NYNJTC is willing to work with non-motorized trail user groups that share its concern of the region's trail systems and its appreciation for the special character of the lands through which the trails pass.

APPROVED: Board of Directors, New York-New Jersey Trail Conference 12/17/96 amended 5/20/97.