Understanding users’ perceptions of trail resource impacts and how they affect experiences: An integrated approach

This exploratory study employed an integrated methodological approach to examine the relationships among trail resource impacts, users’ perceptions of such impacts, and how those perceptions affected users’ recreation experiences. The study was conducted using a convenience sample of 75 undergraduate students on a 1-km hiking trail that contained a variety of recreation-related resource impacts. The extent of impacts was objectively measured before study participants walked the trail. Participants then completed a questionnaire focusing on what impacts they noticed and the effects those impacts might have had on their experiences. The top 3 measured impacts, in terms of lineal extent of the study trail segment impacted, were exposed roots, parallel trails, and soil erosion. Users’ reports of which trail impacts they perceived varied according to the form of the questions in the questionnaire. Initial open-ended responses indicated that trail erosion, litter, and mud were noticed most often, while mud, exposed roots, and standing water were most apparent based on subsequent closed-ended responses which prompted respondents about particular impacts. All but 1 impact type had an overall negative effect on user experience, with mud, standing water, and litter having the most detrimental effects on hikers’ experiences. The results suggest the value of an integrated research design in understanding impact perceptions and effects. These findings have potential implications for trail design and maintenance priorities as well as for designing and guiding future studies. Other implications for research and management are discussed.

► We integrated 2 methods to study trail impact perceptions and experiential effects.
► The common measured impacts partially matched the ones most perceived by users.
► Mud, standing water and litter had the most detrimental effects on user experience.
► Perceptions are linked to the functional and aesthetic aspects of hiking experience.