Trail Overview

 The WLU Campus Woods Trails are a network of trails located on the wooded areas of West Liberty University’s campus in West Virginia. They offer a serene, natural setting for hiking, walking, running, and outdoor learning, and serve as a powerful tool for student wellness, environmental education, and campus identity. 

Trail Purpose

The WLU Campus Woods Trails exist to enhance the well-being of the West Liberty University community. They fosters a deeper connection between individuals and nature, creating a resource where students, faculty, staff, and the local community can escape the stress of daily life and embrace the benefits of outdoor activity.

The goal is to promote physical health, mental wellness, and environmental appreciation. Offering a well-designed, clearly branded, and engaging trail system, creates an inclusive environment that encourages exploration, recreation, and relaxation, all within walking distance of campus.

Ultimately, the trails exist to enhance student life, support wellness, and celebrate nature, providing a space that fosters both personal growth and a sense of community.

Design Goal

This project is a comprehensive branding initiative designed to enhance the visibility, usability, and identity of the trail system located on the West Liberty University campus. The project encompasses the creation of a visual identity, logo, branding, signage system, and supporting design materials to promote outdoor engagement, environmental appreciation, and university pride. The design goal for this project is to create a clearly branded, accessible trail system, that enhances wayfinding, increases visibility, and invites users to engage more deeply with the trail system. Through clear signage, bright and playful colors that stand out in nature, and inviting brand visuals, the design aims to support accessibility, promote wellness and outdoor exploration, and establish the trails as a meaningful and memorable part of the West Liberty University campus experience.

Key Aspects of Design

Concept and Identity: The brand is built around themes of exploration, accessibility, and connection to place, transforming the trail system into a recognizable and engaging extension of the West Liberty University campus.

Wayfinding and Usability: Clear, intuitive signage and trail markers are central to the design, ensuring users can easily navigate the trails while feeling safe, confident, and informed throughout their experience.

Colour Palette: A foundation of earthy, nature-inspired tones is combined with West Liberty University’s black and gold, using bright accents to increase visibility and create contrast within the natural environment.

Experience and Engagement: The design encourages exploration and interaction, creating a trail experience that supports wellness, learning, and a stronger connection to campus.