Wilderness NPS Trail Surface Material

[Charles Heath]

Eric,

About a week ago, Bev and I noticed the new trail surface at the new Vermont Monument, and while this isn't preservation related, this subforum appeared to be a good place to ask about it. It appears to be a polymer binder of some sort with a tri-color shredded wood filler. Not only is it attractive and subdued, but it also provides a dandy ADA compliant surface far better than gravel or compacted mulch. This is really nice.

First time either of us had seen this surfacing material. What the heck is it, and I'm afraid to ask how much it costs per linear foot. Can you provide a little background on this stuff?

[GrumpyDave]

Re: Wilderness NPS Trail Surface Material

It's ground up folks the Widder Higgerston froze with her fine looks.

[dusty27]

Re: Wilderness NPS Trail Surface Material

Charles,

I'm sure Eric will let us know the background on it, but it is also around the house along the stone wall at Fredericksburg. If I remember correctly, it is almost a "rubber mulch"

[Dignann]

Re: Wilderness NPS Trail Surface Material

Charles,

Glad you liked it. We affectionately refer to it as "rubberized vomit." It is essentially recycled car and truck tires colored to resemble organic mulch. When combined with a binding agent, it can easily be dumped and rolled into shape. I'm a strong proponent of the stuff because it's resilient, helps control erosion, blends nicely on a wooded landscape, requires little to no excavation and even less maintenance, and as you said it's ADA compliant given the correct topography.

We've used it in a couple other places, such as the Gordon Flank Attack trail head in Saunders' Field. Its one drawback, to purists, is that it has a spongy feel when walked on, but in my opinion that is a small price to pay for the protection it affords the landscape. My only concern is its longevity. Since it's a relatively new treatment, we don't know its lifespan and when the binding agent begins to break down, we may end up with shredded rubber strewn through the sites where we use it.

You can find this stuff at landscaping stores and it's becoming widely popular on playgrounds. It is very expensive, but the Vermont Monument trail and surface was also a gift of Senator Jeffords, of course paid for with your tax dollars.

Eric

[Charles Heath]

Re: Wilderness NPS Trail Surface Material

Eric,

Thanks for the info, and if time permits you can bet we'll be checking out the pathway over at Saunders Field during the next site visit. I'm even more impressed that the mulch is actually recycled tires instead of wood. Like you, we wondered about the lifecycle of the materials, and the potential for vandalism. Only time will tell.

A least two vistors actually liked the springy feel of the path. :wink_smil

[Wounded_Zouave]

Re: Wilderness NPS Trail Surface Material

A least two vistors actually liked the springy feel of the path.

Make that three. My aching feet love it! :wink_smil

By the way, big kudos to the F&SNMP for a great trail. I'm glad to see that part of the battlefield getting some much needed attention. Just wish traffic could somehow be routed around the Orange Plank and Brock Road intersection to reduce the noise pollution as well as to see a restoration of the intersection to a more 19th century look. Ah..... dream on.