The criteria are divided into 5 categories:
- A: Trail Management
- B: Trail Design and Features
- C: Information and Safety
- D: Environmental Responsibility
- E: Heritage and Community Impact
Each category contains Essential, Important, and Additional criteria that trail managers or assessors must score on a 0-100 scale, normalized to an average per group.
Types of trail visitor experience:
- Regular — experienced trail users
- Occasional — moderate experience
- Demanding — includes less experienced or more vulnerable trail users
| Level | Definition |
| Essential | Must be met along the entire trail |
| Important | Should be met along at least 70% of the trail |
| Additional | Optional and may improve the overall trail experience |
Scores per group must achieve a minimum of 70 for certification. There are no red-flag criteria; however, all five categories must achieve the threshold.
2 Certification criteria per trail elements
2.1 Trail Management
Essential criteria
- The trail is clearly managed by a recognized local authority or body.
- Annual management plan and risk assessments exist.
Important criteria
- Active trail user monitoring, trail maintenance, signage checks.
- Engagement with local community/stakeholders.
Additional criteria
- Continuous trail improvement program in place.
2.2 Trail Design & Features
2.2.1 Continuity
Essential criteria
- The trail must not have interruptions that make it unsafe or impossible to complete.
2.2.2 Surface and width
Essential criteria
- Surfaces must suit the intended trail use and target visitors (e.g. solid underfoot for most of the trail).
Important criteria - Width allows 2-way trail use without crowding or safety hazards.
2.3 Information and Safety
Essential criteria
- Trailhead signage present at start and end.
- Waymarking at junctions.
Important criteria - Safety information is present for all sections.
- Distances and trail difficulties clearly indicated.
2.4 Environmental Responsibility
Essential criteria
- Trail design prevents erosion and sensitive habitat damage.
Important criteria - Waste management along trail present at key points.
2.5 Heritage & Community Impact
Essential criteria
- Highlights local culture or nature appropriately.
Important criteria - Trail use is socially sustainable and has support of local stakeholders.
3 Survey methodology for data collection and evaluation
3.1 Steps of the survey
- Pre-survey preparation — Trail manager supplies trail maps, promotional material, existing self-assessments.
- Data collection — Field survey conducted by trained assessors or trail managers.
- Analysis & scoring — Scoring according to GFT criteria.
- Reporting — Detailed report including scores per group.
- Submission & certification — Submission of report to WTN; official certification issued if requirements met.
3.2 Trail accessibility and public transport
Public transport is considered under Information & Safety:
- Distance to public transport stops.
- Frequency and capacity of public transport.
- Accessibility for those with reduced mobility.
4 Certification process and communication of the results
4.1 Roles & process
- Certification can only be initiated by the trail manager or trail owner.
- Survey must be conducted or verified by a trained GFT assessor.
- Application and fees must be paid before certificate is granted.
- GFT issues certification if the trail meets all criteria.
- Re-assessment every two years required.
4.2 Communication
Certifications may be publicized as follows:
“The [Trail Name] is a Green Flag Trail, certified for its responsible management and quality experience.”
Each certification can specify trail segments or entire trail lengths.
