Post #1837656

Like kersploosh said, erosion can be an issue, so it's best to use a standard design if you can. The best option depends on climate (and soil type) which is probably part of why certain options are more common in certain areas. For example, a trail that travels straight perpendicular to the contour lines will become a stream in heavy rains, while a trail that travels parallel to contour lines will cause water to pool up. Somewhere typically dry and sandy (like the picture of Zion) that experiences monsoon rains does well with switchbacks because water will drain off the path after rains without pooling for too long. Somewhere wet, clayey, and boggy on the east coast, however, you want the trail to facilitate draining.