11/06/2025
Making connections, here, there and everywhere.
Thanks for hosting us at . Asia Trails Network
The ATN Secretariat is glad to host Tony Boone, Hui Min Lim, alongside Chia-chih Li, co-chair of the World Trails Network Design & Stewardship Task Team (DSTT), for the bi-monthly Trail Maintenance Task Team meeting last week.
Trails are not just about where we go—they’re about how we experience the journey. In the U.S., over 90% of trails are shared-use, welcoming hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and more. Designing sustainably means not only protecting the environment but also considering different types of users.
Conflicts can arise from differences in speed and trail use, but thoughtful design—such as clear sightlines and gentle grades to slow mountain bikers—can enhance safety. Likewise, stacked-loop trail systems offer various lengths and experiences, reducing off-trail shortcuts and encouraging responsible use.
As trail use shifts from destination-based to experience-based, it’s essential to recognize the needs of diverse users. Hikers are drawn to aesthetic diversity—the beauty of scenery, flora, and atmosphere—while mountain bikers seek kinesthetic diversity—the thrill of flow, movement, and physical engagement with terrain. By designing with tse differences in mind, we create richer, more inclusive trail experiences for all.
At ATN, our focus is on hiking trails, but we recognize the value of inclusivity and shared stewardship. As Tony Boone reminds us: “People don’t need trails—the land does.” Let’s continue building trails that honor both nature and all who walk, ride, or wander through it.
