A Rock Creek trails expert answers our questions about the Soapstone project

The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club is a volunteer organization and National Park Service that manages around 1,000 miles of hiking trails in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, including those in and around Rock Creek Park.

So when we had questions about DC Water’s plans to use wood chips as a trail surface in the Soapstone Valley, we turned to a trail maintenance expert: Alex Sanders, a longtime PATC district manager (and onetime chair of ANC 3F’s Parks and Trails Committee). He agreed to answer our questions.

Forest Hills Connection: How long have you been maintaining trails in Rock Creek Park?

Alex Sanders: I have been maintaining trails for about 20 years and acting as District Manager in Rock Creek Park since 2006.

FHC: Could you tell us what lessons you have learned about the best materials to use in maintaining trails?

AS: Natural, unpaved trails are most sustainable when the surface is mineral soil consisting of sand, clay and small rocks or gravel. Organic material – that includes decomposing leaf litter, worms, and micro-organisms – erodes easily and holds water. It gets muddy if walked on repeatedly. Users tend to avoid muddiness and trail surfaces where they cannot see or feel a hard surface.

Ecologically sensitive areas such as wetlands or sites with species of concern are another matter. We try to avoid such areas if possible; if that’s not possible, we bridge such areas with boardwalks and make greater use of organic material since that is more forgiving on adjacent soils.

Wood chips spread along a portion of the rebuilt Soapstone Valley trail.

FHC: Have you used or come across the use of chipped wood? What has been your experience with the effectiveness and longevity of this material?

AS: Chipped wood is ineffective as a trail surface. It is lost very quickly as users and water push it aside. The first strong storm is likely to wash away many of the wood chips. I’d expect that most of the chips will end up in Soapstone Run and Rock Creek in less than a year. It is best used sparingly as mulch for saplings.

FHC: What have you found to be the best materials for using on our trails, particularly in muddy areas and steep grades?

AS: We try to avoid steep grades if possible; if we cannot, switchbacks are an option as it is easier for users to travel on and we can shape the trail to shed water. There are a few options for muddiness depending on the situation. We have used boardwalks, trenching, and turnpikes that raise the trail above the muddy area and provide drainage.

FHC: How could DC Water put the trees felled for the Soapstone sewer project toward a better use?

AS: We have reached out to DC Water about their plan and offered an alternative for the use of the trees. We would much prefer the DC Water and its contractors collaborate with us on deploying cut trees around the widened trails to help narrow them back down to four feet or so, and to catch soil and seedlings behind them to help the forest floor re-vegetate. We have yet to hear back.