Enhancing Visitor Engagement Along the Jackrabbit Ski Trail
Green Goat Maps collaborated with Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA) to design and produce a series of trailhead information signs for key roadside entry points along the Jackrabbit Ski Trail. The goal was to enhance trail usability, provide important safety and stewardship information, and educate visitors about the Jackrabbit Ski Trail’s unique features and BETA’s mission. The signs integrate modern graphics, detailed maps, and interpretive content tailored to diverse audiences, ensuring usability across all seasons.
To meet BETA's needs, Green Goat Maps was contracted to:
Develop a custom map of the Jackrabbit Ski Trail area, integrating trail details, land-use boundaries, and essential landmarks. The map highlights important features, such as trailheads, private land recognition, and Leave No Trace guidelines.
Collaborate with BETA to outline key educational and safety concepts, creating custom illustrations and accompanying text to communicate trail stewardship, recreation ethics, and dos and don’ts.
Combine detailed maps, illustrations, and textual information into an engaging and easy-to-read layout tailored to specific trailhead locations.
Customize designs for five different trailhead locations to reflect their unique features and relevance to the Jackrabbit Ski Trail.
Ensure high-quality materials, including modern graphics and durable, weather-resistant signage, for long-term outdoor use.
The project resulted in a comprehensive set of trailhead signs that included a new base map of the Jackrabbit Ski Trail area, detailed with trail features, shaded relief, and essential boundaries. Custom illustrations were created to depict scenic views, safety tips, and trail guidelines, paired with educational and interpretive text that emphasized Leave No Trace principles and private land recognition. Location-specific sign designs were tailored to the five major entry points along the trail, each incorporating unique features and custom pop-out maps. The durable trailhead signs, printed on weather-resistant materials, ensure usability across all seasons and align with BETA’s mission of promoting outdoor recreation and stewardship.
Challenges of This Project
Balancing detailed trail information with engaging and accessible content for diverse users was a key challenge. The signs needed to integrate custom maps, illustrations, and educational text while ensuring clarity and ease of use. Additionally, tailoring the designs to five distinct trailhead locations required careful customization to reflect unique site features and land-use boundaries while maintaining consistency across the signage system.
Value for Our Client
The trailhead signs enhance visitor navigation and trail stewardship by providing clear wayfinding, safety tips, and Leave No Trace principles. Designed for year-round usability, these durable, weather-resistant signs support BETA’s mission of promoting outdoor recreation and conservation. By reinforcing responsible trail use, they contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Jackrabbit Ski Trail and improve the overall visitor experience.
The BETA Trailhead Signage project significantly improved the accessibility, safety, and educational value of the Jackrabbit Ski Trail. Visitors now benefit from clear and engaging wayfinding information, while BETA’s mission of promoting trail stewardship and recreation ethics is reinforced through interpretive content. By creating signage that aligns with BETA’s vision, Green Goat Maps helped enhance the overall trail experience for all users, supporting outdoor recreation and community engagement.
The project delivered durable, visually engaging trailhead signs that enhance visitor navigation and reinforce conservation principles. These signs improve wayfinding, ensure year-round usability, and align with BETA’s long-term goals for sustainable trail stewardship.
Project Details:
Client: Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA) Medium: Vinyl wrapped DiBond mounted on trail kiosk Size: Varied (48"x24", 24"x36", 24"x18") Attribution: Nicole Keating was the cartographer and graphic designer, Carrie Griffo performed research, and Ezra Schwartzberg was the production coordinator.
Looking for a Similar Solution?
If your organization needs trailhead signage, custom maps, or interpretive panels, Green Goat Maps can provide tailored, high-quality solutions. Contact us today to discuss your project!
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