In addition to required information, it may improve the user’s experience to provide some of the following:
Warning signs
Common sense is not always customary practice. Over and above standard regulatory and caution signs such as “Stop,” “Yield” and “One way” signs, additional warning signs may need to be placed at access points to communicate information about specific issues. Topics can include:
Parking regulations – do not leave valuables in car, lock car, park in designated areas, do not park
- Wildlife – do not feed, beware of specific animals, do not leave food in vehicles, bring a bear bell, insect warnings, avoid perfume
- Flora – beware of poison ivy/oak, endangered species
- Water – bring drinking water, do not drink from water features along trail, do not swim, do not fish
- Trespassing – do not trespass, private lands, noise violations
- Pack in Pack out – how to, disposal sites, washroom locations
- Weather warnings – Avalanche, rapid current, change in current, flood zones, heat exhaustion, thin ice, hypothermia, use of sunscreen/insect repellent
- Detours – due to fallen trees, washouts, landslides, floodwaters, ice, snow, construction
Points of interest
Local loops provide the opportunity to experience unique aspects of the local area that might be missed when travelling straight through. Identifying these points will help users reach interesting destinations that might otherwise be missed. Consider creating trail loops to viewpoints, natural ecological features and local trails.
Local amenities
After a long stretch on the Trans Canada Trail, it can be a relief to find a public washroom, fountain or park. Identifying these locations around a local loop could make someone’s day.
