Sign and Poster Guidelines for the Forest Service
Chapter 5 Trail Signing Continued
5.3.2 Guide Sign Layout
Limit guide signs to four lines of text for best user comprehension, sign readability, and stability. If more lines are needed, use two sign panels. Do not use more than five lines of text on a sign.
5.3.2a Arrows
Arrow placement on signs is extremely critical to the functionality of the sign. As a general rule, directional arrows should be horizontal or vertical, but at irregular intersections, an oblique arrow may convey a clearer indication of the direction to be followed. In some cases, especially trail junctions, combinations of arrows may be needed.
5.3.2b Arrow and Mileage Sequence
Arrow placement controls the message sequence first, then mileages.
Standard arrow sequence with mileages is as follows:
- Straight ahead (vertical) arrows, lowest mileage first.
- Left arrows, lowest mileage first.
- Right arrows, lowest mileage first.
Arrows pointing straight ahead and to the left shall be to the extreme left of the line of text, while arrows pointing to the right shall be to the extreme right of the text. These principles and guidelines are illustrated in Figure 5-3.
Figure 5-3—Standard arrow placement.
5.3.2c Message Sequence
- If at a destination to be named, centered name or destination or geographic
feature
- First trail (based on proper arrow sequence) identity and its direction(s)
- Destinations and mileages for features on or accessed by first trail
- Second trail (based on proper arrow sequence) identity and its direction(s)
(if applicable)
- Destinations and mileages for features on or accessed by second trail
- Additional trails and destinations as needed
Text lines and arrows for route identities and destinations are to be left-justified first and then right-justified if possible. (See Figure 5-4.)
Figure 5-4-Typical sign layout.
5.3.2d Special Cases
Trail signs require that the trail route identification and its direction(s) be signed first; the destinations associated with that trail are then listed under the trail identification. L junctions require combinations of arrows that are an exception to the standard arrow placement rules.
The sign shown in Figure 5-5 is for a trail that has a right L junction. In order to represent the trail and the destinations on that trail properly, the destination to the right must be signed before signing the next trail leg and any destination to the left.
Figure 5-5-Trail sign with a right L junction.
The sign shown in Figure 5-6 is for a trail that has a left L junction. In order to represent the trail and the destinations on that trail properly, the vertical arrow must be placed on the right and, if signing a straight ahead destination, the up arrow will be next under the left arrow in its proper position on the left of the sign.
Figure 5-6—Trail sign with a left L junction.
5.3.2e Mileage Layout
Mileage is not to be aligned in the same column as the trail numbers. There are three options for displaying mileage on signs (Figure 5-7):
Figure 5-7—Three options for mileage display.
5.4 Sign Specifications
Select the sign material, color, size, and shape that best suit the trail purpose and the ROS class (see Table 5-1) or management prescription for the area. Signs shall conform to the specifications in Chapter 14.
Table 5-4 gives specific trail guide sign information for the different types of trails. Text requirements are consistent with series established by the American Standards Association (ASA).
5.5 Junction Identity Signs
In a trail system where junctions are designated with numbers or letters, a junction identity sign may be used. Signs should use "JCT" followed by the number or letter of the junction.
With junction-numbered or junction-lettered systems, it is especially important to ensure that trail maps or locator map signs are available either at the trailhead or along the trail.
Use junction signs in conjunction with trail guide signs at the trail junction. Mount above or below the guide sign on the same post (see Figure 5-8). Table 5-5 gives specific trail junction identity sign information for the different types of trails.
5.6 Locator Map Signs
Use of self-locator map signs is often appropriate at a trail junction to provide an extra measure of orientation and security. At a minimum, the map should clearly display the trail system and the user's location, when at that particular map, with a "You Are Here" arrow.
Depending on the type of trail system, other information may be needed, such as groomed or ungroomed conditions. See Figure 5-8.
Click on image for
larger view
Figure 5-8-Typical trail guide sign installation.
5.7 Trail and Road Crossings
When trails cross each other or roads, there is a potential for accidents.
When roads and trails cross, MUTCD and Forest Service standards shall be followed. Determine the need for intersection control on the trail and/or the need for crossing signs on the road by engineering judgment or in an engineering study.
When trails cross each other, determine appropriate signing by a recreation study or review. Consider the road or trail characteristics, sight distance, stopping distance, traffic types, volumes, speeds, and applicable state traffic laws. Refer to Chapter 3A.
Crossing signs shall be located at the best possible sight and stopping distance for both the road user and the trail user. Signs should be placed 10 to 15 feet from the road shoulder or far enough back to be outside of snow berms when roads or trails are plowed.
Road crossings and their related signing shall be coordinated with the governing road agency.
5.7.1 Regulatory and Warning Signs
Advance crossing or crossing warning signs (MUTCD Vehicular Traffic and Nonvehicular Signs Series W11) may be used to warn the users driving on roads of trail traffic crossing the road.
Regulatory and warning signs may also be needed on the trail to regulate or control the trail users before they cross the road.
While STOP and YIELD signs are generally not needed where trails cross each other, evaluate each crossing on a site-by-site basis.
Refer to Figure 5A-1 for typical placement of regulatory and warning signs on the road and on the trail.
5.7.2 Guide Signs
Retroreflective road guide signs may be used to identify trail access points where trails cross a road or terminate on a road and where trailhead parking facilities have not been developed. Use Federal recreation symbols as appropriate to mark crossings. Refer to Figure 5A-2 for typical placement of road guide signs.
Install road guide signs only where traffic safety will not be compromised by slowing or stopping vehicles and where there are appropriate turnouts within sight distance for safe parking. Guide signs shall not be installed where there are no safe approaches and turnouts.
Refer to Chapter 3C for sizing, placement, and mounting. As a general rule, road signs should be placed before the intersection at a sufficient distance as determined by engineering judgment or study that considers speed, sight distance, traffic volume and type, season of use, and the location of other possible conflicting intersections.
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