Stanislaus National Forest

Recreational Activities

 

Report Trail Conditions

Report trail conditions to Ranger District Offices, the Forest Supervisor's Office, or to Forest Service people you meet in the field. Leave a note on your way home or drop it in the mail. Include the trail name and number (if available,) the trail condition, it's approximate location, and the date observed. Use any piece of paper, report in-person, call on the phone, or use our Comment Form. Photos are good, too. While hiking trails for pleasure you can remove debris from the trail and scatter it on the lower side. You can remove rocks over six inches in diameter, but be sure not to endanger anyone below. Where Cairns are used to mark the trail, you can help keep them intact. Picking up people caused litter is in order at any time.

Trails

Trails are a key part of many outdoor recreation experiences, but are often taken for granted. National Forest trails are built and maintained by the Forest Service, but dollars and people to do the work are in short supply. You can help keep the trails open and safe by reporting trail conditions, especially early in the summer when little is known about winter's damage. Reports late in the fall, or anytime, are useful in planning next year's work.

Adopt-a-Trail

One way to help with trails is to become involved in the Adopt-a-Trail program, in which interested clubs or organized groups take on volunteer maintenance responsibility for a portion of the trail. If you interested in the program, contact the District Ranger.

Terms to Know

Cairn: A constructed mound of rock located adjacent to a trail to mark it in open, alpine areas.
Ford: A natural stream crossing that has been improved sufficiently for use by saddle or pack animals and hikers.
Switchback: A sharp, short-radius curve in the trail, used on hillsides to reverse the direction of travel and to gain or lose elevation.
Abandoned or Relocated: Debris placed deliberately across a trail means the trail is not meant to be used.
Trail Tread: The surface portion of the trail upon which the traffic moves as distinct from back slope, ditch, and shoulder.
Waterbar: A device for turning water off the trail, usually made with logs, stones, or soil cement installed at about 30 degrees angle across the trail.
Cross-Drain: A dip constructed by contouring the material of the trail itself, it serves the same purpose as a waterbar.
Washouts: Where a trail tread has been obliterated by heavy water flow from whatever source.