GB/T 44090-2024Configuration requirement for mountain trail system (English PDF)

1 Scope

The document establishes the classification and general rules for mountain trail systems and specifies their requirements for site selection, design, construction, technical parameters, ancillary facilities, guide sign system, smart system, environmental protection system, safety and rescue system, and acceptance.

It applies to the classification, design, construction and acceptance of mountain trail systems of all kinds.

2 Normative references

GB/T 10001.1 Public information graphical symbols - Part 1: General symbols; GB/T 10001.2 Public information graphical symbols - Part 2: Symbols for tourism and leisure; GB/T 10001.4 Public information graphical symbols - Part 4: Symbols for sport and fitness.

Dated references apply in the edition cited; undated references apply in their latest edition, including any amendments.

3 Terms and definitions

3.1 mountain trail system: a walking route built on mountainous land, using climbing as the basic activity and fitness as its purpose.

3.2 wildland: a wild natural environment dominated by natural processes, a natural landscape least disturbed by human activity.

3.3 wildland trail: a mountain trail route lying within wildland.

3.4 environment capacity: the maximum load of pollutants that a given environment can take, and the upper limit of the number of organisms it can carry, without harming human survival or the natural ecosystem.

3.5 flow control: the limit placed, on ecological grounds, on the total number of people passing along a mountain trail in unit time.

3.6 buffer zone: the strip of land on either side of a mountain trail that safeguards the safety of users and reduces the effect of the trail on the ecological environment around it.

3.7 shoulder: the strip of a certain width from the outer edge of the mountain trail to the edge of the subgrade, which keeps the trail working, protects the stability of its main structure, offers visitors a place to stop for a moment and acts as the lateral support of the trail surface. The note states that the term covers both hard shoulders and protective shoulders.

3.8 shoulder cleanliness: the state in which the surface of the shoulder is free of encroaching shrubs and trees.

4 Classification

Mountain trails are divided into three classes, A, B and C, according to the degree of development. Table 1 gives the classification principles.

Setting of the trail: class A usually runs from town to suburb; class B usually from suburb to natural wildland; class C usually lies in natural wildland.

Degree of construction: class A is largely new build, with newly built area accounting for 70 percent or more of the total; class B is partly new build, with newly built area accounting for between 30 percent and 70 percent of the total; class C has local, minor new build that does not alter the form of the ground, with newly built area accounting for less than 30 percent of the total.

Surface hardening: class A is mainly hardened; class B is mainly unhardened, hardened where necessary; class C is mainly unhardened.

Public infrastructure provision: class A has water supply, electricity, communications, road access and levelled ground; class B has water supply, electricity, communications and road access; class C has water supply, communications and road access.

Trail system facilities: class A is fully made up, class B partly made up, class C has minor works. All three classes have a trail service centre and staging posts. Class A has both fixed campsites and staging campsites; class B has fixed or staging (temporary) campsites; class C has staging (temporary) campsites. Class A has fully formed rest points; class B has rest points; class C has the rest points needed. Class A has several car parks at the entrances and exits, at key nodes and along the trail; class B has car parks at the entrances, exits and other key nodes; class C has a car park at the entrance and exit. Class A has an activity preparation area; classes B and C have an activity preparation area and a cleaning area at the entrance and exit. Classes A and B have roadside convenience facilities.

5 General rules

5.1 The trail is to let users reach their fitness goal and enjoy climbing.

5.2 It is to comply with the safety principles of mountain outdoor sport.

5.3 It is to maintain the original character of the natural environment, ecology, history, culture and landscape of the area it passes through.

5.4 The planning of a mountain trail is to be consistent with the higher level plans of the place where it lies, including the overall territorial spatial plan, natural ecological protection areas, cultural and heritage protection areas, scenic areas, national parks and the land use plan.

5.5 The classification of a mountain trail is to be configured to suit local conditions, taking account of the local geographical environment and actual needs.

5.6 Construction may start only after the design scheme of the mountain trail has passed review.

6 Site selection requirements

6.1 The trail is to be sited in mountains below 3500 m above sea level.

6.2 On the Qinghai-Tibet plateau it is to be sited in mountains below 5000 m above sea level.

6.3 It is to avoid dangerous areas that are geologically unstable or prone to natural geological disasters, such as landslides, flash floods, debris flows and wind and snow disasters.

6.4 It is to avoid areas where the ecological environment is fragile, where resources are easily damaged, and areas for the protection of wildlife.

6.5 It is to be accessible and convenient for people taking exercise.

7 Design requirements

7.1 Existing routes are to be used and adapted, such as original mountain paths, old roads, farm tracks and firebreaks. The note states that this is not to damage the natural environment and is to let the natural landscape show its value.

7.2 Each trail in the network is to be designed differently according to the area, the terrain, the landform, the intended use and the resources available, and is to connect with other paths and with points of interest so as to form a loop.

7.3 The alignment of a mountain trail is to be set so that rescue and first aid can be carried out easily and users can be evacuated conveniently.

7.4 An activity preparation area is to be provided at the start of the trail.

7.5 The design of the trail and its ancillary facilities is to comply with the environment capacity and flow control requirements of the area.

8 Construction requirements

8.1 Materials are to be obtained on site and construction is to use the terrain and the materials of the site itself, keeping construction waste to a minimum.

8.2 The trail surface is made up of the main trail and the buffer zones on either side. The main surface is chiefly a path of the original earth and stone, supplemented by other auxiliary types such as boardwalks, gravel paths, stepping stone paths, steps and bridges. The minimum width of the buffer zone is 0.3 m and it is to be covered by vegetation.

8.3 The use of stone steps and hard surfaces is to be kept to a minimum, the surface being chiefly of soft and somewhat springy materials such as earth, grass and humus.

8.4 The trail is to have a certain gradient. Where the gradient exceeds 35 percent and cannot be reduced by lengthening the alignment, steps are to be provided, made of stone, of timber or of earth and timber combined.

8.5 A complete drainage system is to be built.

8.6 Construction of the trail surface, buffer zones, boardwalks, bridges, steps, drainage system and ancillary facilities is to use suitable construction methods, suited to local conditions and based on the environment capacity and flow control.

8.7 Where the construction involves water, electricity, sewage or similar works, it is to comply with the relevant national standards, codes and rules.

9 Technical requirements

The three classes of mountain trail use different technical parameters, given in Table 2. The values below are given in the order class A, class B, class C.

Surface, under the heading of surface and traffic flow following the flow control: wide, firm and stable, the whole trail usually of uniform specification; wide and relatively even, with few irregular places; continuous and distinct.

Traffic flow low to medium: a single lane in all three classes. Traffic flow medium to high: a double lane for class A; a double lane on the sections where the local traffic flow is high for class B; not applicable for class C.

Surface width, for non-wildland routes unless stated otherwise: class A has no wildland route; the wildland single lane is 0.6 m to 0.8 m wide for class B and 0.5 m to 0.6 m for class C. The single lane is 1 m to 2 m for class A, 0.8 m to 1.5 m for class B and 0.6 m to 1 m for class C. The double lane is 1.5 m to 3 m, 1.2 m to 2 m and 1 m to 1.5 m respectively. The minimum width of built works is 1 m, 0.5 m to 1 m and 0.5 m respectively.

Longitudinal gradient: the ideal gradient is 3 percent to 10 percent for class A, 5 percent to 18 percent for class B and 7 percent to 22 percent for class C; the maximum gradient is 20 percent, 30 percent and 50 percent respectively. Footnote a states that the longitudinal gradient of the trail surface is calculated as a percentage, that is the difference in elevation between the two end points of the longitudinal slope over the horizontal distance between them.

Cross gradient: the ideal gradient is 3 percent to 5 percent for class A, 5 percent to 12 percent for class B and 8 percent to 18 percent for class C; the maximum gradient is 8 percent, 18 percent and 28 percent respectively. Footnote b states that the cross gradient is calculated as a percentage, that is the difference in elevation between the centre point of the trail surface and a point on one edge over the horizontal distance between them.

Shoulder cleanliness: 0.45 m to 0.6 m for class A and 0.3 m to 0.5 m for classes B and C.

Surface condition: no protrusions for class A; protrusions uncommon and not continuous for class B; protrusions possibly common but not continuous for class C. No obstacles for class A; obstacles uncommon and few, each less than 0.2 m across, for class B; obstacles possibly common but not numerous and not placed to add challenge, each less than 0.25 m across, for class C. The total length of steps is not to exceed 12 percent of the total length of the trail for class A, 10 percent for class B and 8 percent for class C.

Turning radius: 1.8 m to 2.4 m for class A, 1.2 m to 2.4 m for class B and 0.9 m to 1.8 m for class C.

Surface hardening: the total hardened area is more than 30 percent for class A and less than 15 percent for class B; class C is unhardened.

Trail system facilities: built works are widespread or continuous for class A, widespread or numerous for class B and common for class C. Water is crossed either artificially or naturally for classes A and B, and chiefly naturally for class C, with artificial crossing where necessary. Class A may include bridges, boardwalks, shoulders, handrails, roadside convenience facilities and similar works; class B may have bridges where these protect resources or serve the user; class C may have bridges where these protect resources or link paths. Class B has roadside convenience facilities; the corresponding entries for classes A and C are shown as not applicable.

Guide signs: first level guide signs are placed at every entrance and exit for class A and at the main entrance and exit for classes B and C. Second level guide signs are placed at every key node, functional area and junction for classes A and B, and at key nodes and important functional areas for class C. Third level guide signs are placed at 500 m intervals in all three classes, more closely where there is a junction.

Warning signs are placed where necessary in all three classes. Advisory signs are placed where needed for classes A and B and where necessary for class C.

10 Ancillary facility requirements

10.1 Rest points. 10.1.1 Materials are to be obtained on site. 10.1.2 The form and colour of the buildings at a rest point are to be in keeping with the surroundings. 10.1.3 Fixed seating is to be provided, with rain shelters, fixed tables, toilets and other facilities according to the environment and the needs of use. 10.1.4 The spacing between rest points is not to exceed 2 km.

10.2 Campsites. 10.2.1 Where the one-way length exceeds 20 km, a campsite is to be provided. 10.2.2 It is to be built in a safe area where the geological structure of the mountain is stable, with no threat from above, no flood risk, dry and level ground and a water source nearby. 10.2.3 A tent area, a fire area and a sanitary area are to be provided, with a water collection area, a dining area, a recreation area, a rest area and similar areas according to the environment and the needs of use. 10.2.4 Toilets are to be provided, sited more than 60 m away from the water source.

10.3 Trail service centre. 10.3.1 A trail service centre is to be provided, and several may be provided according to the environment and the needs of use. 10.3.2 Depending on conditions it offers information on the trail, accommodation, supplies, waste disposal, safety and rescue, medical care and similar services.

10.4 Car parks. A car park is to be provided at the main entrance and exit, and several may be provided according to the environment and the needs of use.

10.5 Activity preparation area. An activity preparation area is to be provided at the entrance and exit.

10.6 Cleaning area. A cleaning area fitted with airflow dust removal equipment is to be provided at the entrance and exit of class B and class C mountain trails. Clothing drying equipment is to be provided according to the environment and the needs of use.

11 Guide sign system requirements

11.1 The guide sign system is made up of guide signs, warning signs, advisory signs and the route book.

11.2 Guide signs present the route, direction, length, distance, classification and similar information about the mountain trail, and fall into three levels. a) First level guide signs: the overall introduction to the trail, instructions for use and the route map. b) Second level guide signs: the full route map of the trail together with a statement of the current position and an introduction to important local information. c) Third level guide signs: signs that fix position and provide guidance.

11.3 Warning signs present warning information on safety, emergency rescue and the protection of the environment and of animals and plants.

11.4 Advisory signs present advisory information on sound exercise, outdoor sport education, environmental protection and popular science education.

11.5 The route book is the guide to the use of the trail and is to include at least: the route map, the service centre, the entrances and exits, the start and end points, the length, the height difference, the equipment guide, the scenery along the route, the service and supply points, the guide to the use of the sign system, the ancillary facilities, the guide to sound climbing and exercise, the environmental guide, the safety and emergency rescue guide, an outline of the area the trail lies in, and a leisure and tourism guide covering history, culture, natural scenery, scenic spots, transport, food and accommodation.

11.6 The material of the signs is to be chiefly natural material obtained on site.

11.7 According to the classification of the trail, the number of guide signs of each kind decreases from class A to class C.

11.8 The signs are to comply with GB/T 10001.1, GB/T 10001.2 and GB/T 10001.4.

12 Smart system requirements

12.1 The smart system of a mountain trail is built on a wireless network together with a digital smart terminal support system.

12.2 The area in which the trail lies is to have full mobile signal coverage.

12.3 The system is to offer an introduction to the trail, download of the electronic map, download of the route book, electronic guide signs, real time positioning of the user along the whole route, submission of the user's own experience rating, and exchange and interaction between groups of users.

13 Environmental protection system requirements

13.1 The planning, design and construction of the trail follow the environment capacity and flow control.

13.2 Construction, land use or development within the trail area is not permitted to have a major effect on wildlife or vegetation.

13.3 The environment and natural resources are to be effectively protected during construction of the trail.

13.4 Signs prohibiting the dumping of waste are to be placed along the trail, and waste produced during use of the trail is to be carried to a designated point for sorted treatment.

14 Safety and rescue system requirements

14.1.1 The warning function of the trail is delivered jointly by the first, second and third level guide signs of the sign system.

14.1.2 Clear warning signs are to be placed and users are to be required to walk along the trail.

14.1.3 Where a dangerous area is hard to avoid, clear warning signs and safe and effective protective facilities are to be provided.

14.1.4 In extreme weather a warning is to be issued in good time and the trail is not to be opened.

14.2.1 The rescue system of the trail is to include a safety management body, a rescue team and rescue equipment.

14.2.2 An emergency response plan for safety incidents is to be drawn up and emergency exercises are to be held regularly.

14.2.3 Rescue equipment is to comply with the relevant standards and is to be maintained and renewed regularly so that it stays in good working order.

15 Acceptance requirements

The content of the acceptance of a mountain trail is given in Annex A.

Annex A Annex A (informative) Mountain trail acceptance form

Table A.1 is the acceptance form. Its header records the project name and location, the accepting body and the date of acceptance, and the construction unit, the contractor, the technical service unit and the administering body.

The form is divided into two parts. The first, headed basic conditions of the mountain trail, has columns for the item inspected, the design and construction requirement, the acceptance finding and remarks. Its items are: site selection, checked against siting in mountains below 3500 m above sea level, or below 5000 m on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, and against the technical requirements for site selection; the form of the trail, recorded as linear, loop or network; the total length of the trail body, to be filled in as the actual length in kilometres; flow, recorded as double lane or single lane; the surface, recorded as wildland route or non-wildland route and checked against the classification parameters for the surface; gradient; shoulder cleanliness; turning radius; whether the surface is hardened; whether built works and facilities use materials obtained on site or brought in; whether water is crossed naturally or by built works such as bridges and stepping stones; the presence of roadside convenience facilities; the shoulder; and the drainage system.

Still within the first part, the ancillary facilities block records: the presence of a trail service centre, with the number to be filled in if there is more than one, and compliance with the relevant technical requirements; compliance of the rest points, campsites and cleaning area with their technical requirements; the presence of car parks, with the number to be filled in if there is more than one; the presence of an activity preparation area; compliance of the signs and of the route book with the sign system requirements; compliance of the environmental protection system, of the warning and rescue parts of the safety and rescue system, and of the smart system, along with whether the mobile signal covers the whole trail.

The second part, headed improvement content of the mountain trail, covers management and operation: whether there are management rules, including a management manual, an inspection system and requirements on the use of the trail; whether a person is assigned to trail management matters; whether there is a management budget; whether there are maintenance rules, including periodic inspection and maintenance of the surface, the condition of the shoulders, disturbance to vegetation, important ancillary facilities and disaster prevention and rescue equipment, so as to keep the trail in good order; whether there is a maintenance budget; whether a professional team is responsible for operating the trail, whether the owner of the trail operates it itself, or whether there is no operating plan; and whether there is a long term plan for events, activities and promotion based on the trail.

The instructions printed under the form state: 1. for brevity the mountain trail is called the trail in the form; 2. items are examined and accepted one by one, a tick being entered after an item that conforms and a cross after one that does not; 3. where the form calls for a value, it is entered in the remarks column; 4. the improvement content of the mountain trail is not a mandatory part, and is included to guide the sound and complete application, management and operation of the trail. The form closes with space for the acceptance opinion, the unit, the leader of the panel of acceptance experts and the date.