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Fairfax County, Virginia
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Park Authority

  1. Home
  2. Park Authority
  3. FCPA Digital Publications
  4. Guide to Trail Management

Alert:

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
703-324-8700 TTY 711
parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov
12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
fairfaxparks
Jai Cole
Executive Director

Department Resources

  • Department Homepage
  • Hours
    • Operational Hours
    • Holiday Hours & Class Schedules
    • Rec Center Schedules
  • Parks
    • Find It
    • Waterfront Parks
    • Nature and History
    • Water Parks and Spray Grounds
    • Sports and Fitness
    • Specialty Attractions
  • Rec Centers
    • Rec Centers Home
    • Memberships
    • Rec Center Schedules
    • Audrey Moore
    • Cub Run
    • Franconia
    • George Washington
    • Mount Vernon
    • Oakmont
    • Providence
    • South Run
    • Spring Hill
  • Golf Courses
    • Golf Home
    • Operating Status
    • Burke Lake Golf Center
    • Greendale Golf Course
    • Jefferson Golf Course
    • Laurel Hill Golf Club
    • Oakmont Golf Center
    • Pinecrest Golf Course
    • Twin Lakes Golf Course
  • Events Calendar
  • Park Reservations
    • Picnic Areas (Picnic shelters, canopy’s, gazebos)
    • Camping Reservations
    • Golf Tee Times
    • Water Mine
    • Our Special Harbor
  • Programs and Activities
    • PARKTAKES ONLINE
    • Summer Entertainment Series
    • Classes
    • Camps
    • Popular Activities
    • Farmers Markets
    • Healthy Strides
    • Preschool
    • Group Activities
    • Gift Cards
    • Wonder Wagon
    • Dogs of Fairfax County
    • Older Adults
  • Park Maintenance Requests
    • Request Tree and Debris Removal
    • Athletic Field Maintenance
  • Board and Committee Meetings
  • Park Budget and Fees
  • Natural and Cultural Resources
    • Archaeology and Collections
    • Heritage Conservation
    • Nature and Natural Resources
  • Trails
    • Trails Home
    • Trail Buddy
    • Discovery Trail Map
    • Accessible Trails
    • Cross County Trail
    • Bike Trails
    • Equestrian Trails
    • Trail Mix QR Code Fitness Trails
    • First Hike
  • Special Topics
  • Jobs at the Park Authority
    • #joinFCPA
    • Jobs
  • Rentals and Permits
    • Park Use Permits
    • Facility Rentals
    • Easements and Permits
  • Long Range Planning
  • Planning and Improvements
    • Planning Projects
    • Development Projects
    • Park Bond
    • Quarterly Project Updates
  • Park News
  • Connect
    • Contact Us
    • Stay Informed and Engaged
    • Park News
    • Subscribe to E-News and E-Newsletters
    • Support Your Parks
    • Friends Group
    • Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program
    • Volunteer
    • Park Volunteer Teams
  • About Us
    • Park Authority Board
    • Rules
    • Awards
  • Weather-Related Closures
  • Recreation Services for Customers with Disabilities ♿
  • Parks Website Comments

Related Resources

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Guide to Trail Management

Guide to Trail ManagementThe Guide to Trail Management is designed to provide insight to the community and guidance to the Park staff on how trails are planned, developed, managed and maintained on Fairfax County parkland. There are four sections in the plan, with associated appendices to provide more specific information.

Section I-Trail Planning provides a brief overview of the crucial elements taken into consideration when planning trails on parkland. Numerous existing Countywide plans and Park Authority Policies are summarized, the vital role public input plays in the development of those plans is outlined, and the synergy between the plans is discussed.

Section II-Trail Development focuses on those issues taken into consideration when developing trails. Project priorities, funding, siting and maintenance considerations; trail accessibility and amenities are outlined.

Section III-Trail Management outlines the Park Authority's management methods for trail use and public support and involvement in that use. User information, signage, markings, trail etiquette, Park Authority programs and other management strategies are summarized.

Section IV-Trail Maintenance describes the types of trails offered by the Park Authority, reviews routine maintenance tasks performed on trails, maintenance standards, trail renovation programs, and those tools the Park Authority uses to maintain over 200 miles of trails within the Park system.

Appendices

  • Appendix A-Trail Maintenance Standards
  • Appendix B-Routine Trail Tasks
  • Appendix C-Glossary
  • Appendix D-Additional Reference Material

Download the complete Guide to Trail Management

 

 

Trails

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