Potential Assessment of Hiking Trails in National Parks, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

The two objectives of this study were: 1) to explore physical characteristics, conditions and patterns of uses; and 2) to assess the potential of physical recreation resources of hiking trails in a study consisting of 10 hiking trails in five national parks in Chiang Mai Province.

The results showed that all hiking trails were between 3 and 12 kilometers in length. Seven trails were for day use and a guide was needed for many trails. Most of the trail highlights found in this study consisted of natural scenery, diversity of rare plant species or endemic species, forest types, birds and butterflies, as well as distinctive landforms such as waterfalls and caves. The best time for visitations was during November and December. Existing facilities found on the trails were only for safety. Hiking group size ranged from 10 to 15 people per group. Most of the trails had been constructed with moderate slope (10–20%). The steepest slope was found on the Doi Wiang Pha Peak Trail (20.64% average). The rapid assessment of current conditions revealed that root exposure and soil erosion were the of the most concern. 

Hiking trail potential assessment was evaluated using 19 indicators. Weighted score equations were applied to analyze the data. There were four hiking trails with high potential:  Hot Spring-Kiew Lom Trail, Yod Doi Fah Hom Pok Trail, Ban Lek Nai Pa Yai Royal Project Trail and Yod Doi Wiang Pha Trail. These trails were located in Doi Fah Hom Pok National Park and Doi Wiang Pha National Park. These trails had recreational resources value and various recreation activities.

Keywords: potential assessment, recreation resource, hiking trails, National Park in Chiang Mai