Get the skinny on trail types, features, and learn to understand your fellow trail enthusiasts using Timberline TrailCraft’s guide to trail terminology.
- BERM
A ridge or embankment. Often used at corners to aid mountain bikers taking turns at speed. - BLOW DOWN (WIND FALL)
Trees or other vegetation that have been blown down by the wind. - CAUSEWAY
A raised pathway constructed over low or wet ground. Typically edged to provide clear demarcation. - CHOKE POINT (GATEWAY)
A narrow point in the trail, which promotes the slowdown of users. - CLINO (CLINOMETER)
Device used to measure slope or grade. - CONTROL POINTS
Points of interest intended to attract or repel users. - CROWNING
Raised tread at the center of a trail creating a convex shape which allows water to drain from the center of the trail. - DIRECTIONAL USE TRAIL
A trail intended for one-way use. - DISHED OUT (OR CUPPED TREAD)
When a trail becomes concave in shape. The is caused by trail use loosening the soil, which is then carried away by water or wind. The will often cause further drainage issues. - DOWNSLOPE
The pitch or inclination of a slope. - ENDO
A mountain bike crash that sends you over the handlebars. - FALL LINE
The route providing the quickest path down a slope. - FORD
A shallow crossing in a river or stream. Sometimes called a “rock hop”. - FRENCH DRAIN
A trench, often containing gravel, which aids in the redirection of water. - GAME ROUTE
A trail route naturally used by native animals. - GRADE
The rise in elevation divided by the run, then multiplied by 100. Typically expressed in percent change. - GRADE REVERSAL
Used to encourage the sheet flow of water across a trail, rather than down. Sometimes called grade dips, terrain dips, or swales. - GRINDER
A gnarly uphill climb. - HARDENED SURFACE TRAIL
Constructed via the usage of crushed rock or other agents. - KNICK
An effective out sloped drain. - LINE
A strategic path through a difficult section of trail.
- LOGGING OUT
Cutting away and removing trees that have fallen over a trail. - MULTI USE TRAIL
Trails constructed for more than one type of transport or user.
- NATURAL SURFACE TRAIL
A trail constructed via the use of existing natural soils and materials. - OBLITERATION
The decommissioning or closing of a trail. - OUT OF RHYTHM SECTION
A portion of trail that takes an abrupt turn or is out of alignment with other sections due to poor planning. - PUD
A pointless up and down in trail design. - RENEGADE TRAIL
A trail formed by users who have ventured off the intended trail path. - ROCK GARDEN
A portion of a trail that contains large rocks. - RUGOSITY
The rugged nature of the trail, typically made of natural features like rocks and roots. - SHEET FLOW
The flow of water over land in a thin continuous layer. Does not form into channels. Often caused by snow melt. - SINGLETRACK
A narrow trail, requiring to be ridden in single file. - SINGLE USE TRAIL
Trails built for one intended mode of transport or user type. - SLOUGH
Solid, rock, or other debris which has moved to the inside of the trail tread. - SOCIAL TRAIL
Trails created as users deviate from the intended or official trail. - SWALE
A low point formed between ridges by the movement of water. - SWITCHBACK
A reverse in direction, turn, or zig-zag cut into a steep trail. - TRAIL CORRIDOR
Includes the trail tread and areas above and to the sides.
- TRAIL TRIAGE
A system used to determine a course of action for trail maintenance or repair. - TREAD
The intended portion of a trail for users to travel. AKA, where the rubber meets the road. - UX
User Experience. - WATERBAR
Typically constructed using timber or rock. Used to direct water off the lower edge of a trail. - WATERSHED
Channels rainfall or snow melt to bodies of water.
