Mountain tracks development methodology for adventure recreation activities in Gurghiu Mountains, Romania

Abstract

The focus of this study is mountain recreation trails evaluation for an effective implementation as organized leisure activity in Gurghiu Mountains. Here we show that our tracks classification model can be applied for any Romanian forest. Our research was developed using GIS and geospatial environmental datasets from GoogleEarth combined with field work on every proposed trail in order to assess the morphological features and the ecologically sensitive areas for future preservation. We found that gravel roads and forest exploitation tracks network constitutes the best premises for mountain bikes access in a forested area. We structured them in categories based on difficulty level, surface characteristics and climatic conditions. Furthermore we found that minimum investments are needed to mark and manage these tracks in a cost-effective manner, for the natural forest benefits and protection. Our results show how mountain biking recreation popularity can sustainably contribute to the local communities’ development.