trail guidelines
federal standards and best practice
trail guidelines
federal standards
and best practice
trail standards
In July of 1993, the U.S. Access Board established the Recreation Access Advisory Committee in order to recommend accessibility guidelines for recreation facilities. From 1993 to 1994, Peter Axelson served a voluntary role on the Recreation Access Advisory Committee, through which, Axelson helped draft Chapter 10 of the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Standards, which established new accessibility standards related to outdoor developed areas including trails. Peter also served as a member of the Regulatory Negotiation Committee on Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas from 1997 to 1999.
At the same time, Peter, through Beneficial Designs, applied for a Small Business Innovation Research Program funded by the National Institute of Health to develop the Universal Trail Assessment Process (UTAP). UTAP is a systematic process for assessing trails for access features such as grade, cross-slope, tread width, tread obstacles, surface firmness, and stability. The data that was being generated using the UTAP revealed that the conditions on existing trails related to the existing guidelines for ramp slopes in the built environment. This then enabled the establishment of design standards for the construction of new trails and the reconstruction of existing trails.
While there are exceptions for making trails accessible when it is not practicable or appropriate to do so, the guidelines require newly constructed trails to provide access. The ABA Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Recreation requires that new trail information signage must disclose the following information:
- Length of the trail or trail segment
- Type of trail surface
- Typical and minimum trail tread width
- Typical and maximum trail grade
- Typical and maximum trail cross slope
Then, in order to streamline the trail assessment process, BD went on to apply to the USDA for a Small Business Innovation and Research Project to develop the High-Efficiency Trail Assessment Process (HETAP). Development of HETAP resulted in the design of a rugged trail cart that can be rolled down a trail to systematically measure all the attributes of the trail and convert that data into Trail Access Information (TAI).
These innovative projects have produced trail assessment equipment that is available for parks of all sizes. Beneficial Designs continues to make itself available to help train or conduct the UTAP/HETAP assessment processes for trails all across North America.
ensuring access
Both the United States Access Board and the United States Forest Service have established guidelines for trail accessibility. These objective specifications provide clear guidance on what constitutes an accessible trail, including technical requirements for trail slopes, clear tread width, surface, signage, and more. Given the varying nature of trails and trail environments, conditions for exceptions may exempt certain trails from the technical requirements, though compliance with these guidelines is required to the extent practicable.
The following standards and guidelines represent both minimum requirements established by the U.S. Access Board and best practice established by the U.S. Forest Service.
the Law
U.S. Access Board minimum requirements
federal standards
Although federal standards for trail accessibility currently apply only to federal outdoor developed areas, the United States Access Board intends to establish additional standards for all non-federal outdoor developed areas under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The 2015 Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Standards provides the federal guidelines for the construction and alteration of these areas, which will soon become law for all state and local governments as well as private entities covered by the ADA. In keeping with best practices and compliance with future standards, these accessibility guidelines should be incorporated into the design and alteration of all trails to the extent practicable (or reasonably doable under the circumstances), whether or not those trails currently fall under the ABA or not.
The following information regarding ABA Accessibility Standards compliance can be found in more detail at the US Access Board website.
ABA trail definition
The ABA Accessibility Standards defines a trail as “a pedestrian route developed primarily for outdoor recreational purposes. Pedestrian routes that are developed primarily to connect accessible elements, spaces, and buildings within a site are not a trail” [F106.5]. The Appendixes of The Outdoor Developed Areas: A Summary of Accessibility Standards for Federal Outdoor Developed Areas May 2014 states:
A trail typically is not parallel to a roadway and is designed primarily for recreational purposes. Trails are not necessarily part of an infrastructure connecting elements or facilities, but typically are designed to provide a recreational experience. Trails may also be used by multiple types of users, but most are not designed for bicycles, nor do they have a transportation purpose.
which trails must comply with ABA Standards?
Two questions determine which trails must comply with the technical requirements of the ABA Accessibility Standards.
- Is the trail designed for hiker or pedestrian use?
- Is the trail connected to a trailhead or an existing trail that substantially meets the technical requirements for trails?
If the answer to those two questions is yes, then the trail must comply to the extent practicable.
However, the technical requirements for trails under the ABA applies only when trails are altered or newly constructed.
The Summary, commenting on F247.2, states:
When the original design, function, or purpose of an existing trail is changed, regardless of the reason, and the altered portion of the trail directly connects to a trailhead or another trail that substantially meets the technical requirements for trails, the altered portion of the existing trail must comply with the technical requirements for trails.
This does not apply to all types of maintenance. Advisory F247.2 states: “Routine or periodic maintenance activities that are performed to return an existing trail to the condition to which the trail was originally designed are not required to comply…”
Of course, in any outdoor environment, limitations may prevent compliance with the standards. When a condition for exception does exist, the trail is only required to comply to the extent practicable, or reasonably doable under the circumstances.
The four conditions for exception may be found at the US Access Board website.
ABA technical requirements for trails
1017.2 Surface. The surface of trails, passing spaces, and resting intervals shall be firm and stable.
Advisory 1017.2 Surface. A firm trail surface resists deformation by indentations. A stable trail surface is not permanently affected by expected weather conditions and can sustain normal wear and tear from the expected uses between planned maintenance.
1017.3 Clear Tread Width. The clear tread width of trails shall be 36 inches (915 mm) minimum.
1017.4 Passing Spaces. Trails with a clear tread width less than 60 inches (1525 mm) shall provide passing spaces complying with 1017.4 at intervals of 1000 feet (300 m) maximum. Where the full length of a trail does not fully comply with 1017, a passing space shall be located at the end of the trail segment that fully complies with 1017. Passing spaces and resting intervals shall be permitted to overlap.
Advisory 1017.4 Passing Spaces. Entities should consider providing either a 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum clear tread width or passing spaces at shorter intervals if the clear tread width is less than 60 inches (1525 mm), where a trail is:
- Heavily used; or
- A boardwalk or otherwise not at the same level as the ground surface adjoining the trail.
Where the full length of the trail does not fully comply with 1017, locating a passing space at the end of the trail segment that fully complies with 1017 enables a person who uses a mobility device to turn and exit the trail.
1017.4.1 Size. The passing space shall be either:
- A space 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum by 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum; or
- The intersection of two trails providing a T-shaped space complying with 304.3.2 where the base and the arms of the T-shaped space extend 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum beyond the intersection. Vertical alignment at the intersection of the trails that form the T-shaped space shall be nominally planar.
Advisory 1017.4.1 Size. Where the passing space is the intersection of two trails, the intersection must be as flat as possible so that all of the wheels of a mobility device touch the ground when turning into and out of the passing space
1017.5 Tread Obstacles. Tread obstacles on trails, passing spaces, and resting intervals shall not exceed 1/2 inch (13 mm) in height measured vertically to the highest point.
EXCEPTION: Where the surface is other than asphalt, concrete, or boards, tread obstacles shall be permitted to not exceed 2 inches (50 mm) in height measured vertically to the highest point.
Advisory 1017.5 Tread Obstacles. The vertical alignment of joints in concrete, asphalt, or board surfaces can be tread obstacles. Natural features such as tree roots and rocks within the trail tread can also be tread obstacles. Where possible, tread obstacles that cross the full width of the trail tread should be separated by a distance of 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum.
1017.6 Openings. Openings in the surface of trails, passing spaces, and resting intervals shall not allow the passage of a sphere more than 1/2 inch (13 mm) in diameter.
Advisory 1017.6 Openings. Elongated openings should be placed so that the long dimension is perpendicular, or as close to perpendicular as possible, to the dominant direction of travel.
1017.7 Slopes. The slopes of trails shall comply with 1017.7.
1017.7.1 Maximum Running Slope and Segment Length. Not more than 30 percent of the total length of a trail shall have a running slope steeper than 1:12 (8.33%). The running slope of any segment of a trail shall not be steeper than 1:8 (12%). Where the running slope of a segment of a trail is steeper than 1:20 (5%), the maximum length of the segment shall be in accordance with Table 1017.7.1, and a resting interval complying with 1017.8 shall be provided at the top and bottom of each segment.
Table 1017.7.1 Maximum Running Slope and Segment Length
| Running Slope of Trail Segment | Maximum Length of Segment | |
| Steeper than | But not Steeper than | |
| 1:20 (5%) | 1:12 (8.33%) | 200 feet (61 m) |
| 1:12 (8.33%) | 1:10 (10%) | 30 feet (9 m) |
| 1:10 (10%) | 1:8 (12%) | 10 feet (3050 mm) |
Advisory 1017.7.1 Maximum Running Slope and Segment Length. Gradual running slopes on trails are more useable by individuals with disabilities. Where the terrain results in steeper running slopes, resting intervals are required more frequently. Where running slopes are less severe, resting intervals are permitted to be further apart.
1017.7.2 Cross Slope. The cross slope shall be not be steeper than 1:48.
EXCEPTION: Where the surface is other than concrete, asphalt, or boards, cross slopes not steeper than 1:20 shall be permitted when necessary for drainage.
1017.8 Resting Intervals. Resting intervals shall comply with 1017.8.
1017.8.1 Length. The resting interval length shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) long minimum.
1017.8.2 Width. Where resting intervals are provided within the trail tread, resting intervals shall be at least as wide as the widest segment of the trail tread leading to the resting interval. Where resting intervals are provided adjacent to the trail tread, the resting interval clear width shall be 36 inches (915 mm) minimum.
1017.8.3 Slope. Resting intervals shall have slopes not steeper than 1:48 in any direction.
EXCEPTION: Where the surface is other than concrete, asphalt, or boards, cross slopes not steeper than 1:20 shall be permitted when necessary for drainage.
1017.8.4 Turning Space. Where resting intervals are provided adjacent to the trail tread, a turning space complying with 304.3.2 shall be provided. Vertical alignment between the trail tread, turning space, and resting interval shall be nominally planar.
1017.9 Protruding Objects. Constructed elements on trails, passing spaces, and resting intervals shall comply with 307.
Advisory 1017.9 Protruding Objects. Protruding objects on trails, passing spaces, and resting intervals can be hazardous for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Signs and other post mounted objects are examples of constructed elements that can be protruding objects.
1017.10 Trailhead Signs. Trail information signs at trailheads shall include the following:
- Length of the trail or trail segment;
- Surface type;
- Typical and minimum tread width;
- Typical and maximum running slope; and
- Typical and maximum cross slope.
ABA trail standards
To see the ABA trail standards as well as a guide to the standards, please click on the buttons below.
best practice
U.S. Forest Service Accessibility Guidelines
U.S. Forest Service guidelines
The Access Board’s federal accessibility guidelines represent the minimum accessibility standards. While compliance with federal standards is mandatory to the extent practicable, exceeding accessibility standards for the purpose of higher levels of accessibility and usability is encouraged.
The U.S. Forest Service has published accessibility guidelines which, according to page 3 of the Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines, provide “guidance for maximizing accessibility of trails in the National Forest System, while protecting the unique characteristics of their natural setting.” While these standards are not legally enforceable outside the scope of the National Forest System, the following guidelines represent best practice for universal trail design.
The U.S. Forest Service outdoor recreation area accessibility guidelines are divided into two documents: the Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines (FSTAG) and the Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG). The information below will focus on trail guidelines found in the FSTAG.
USFS trail definition
Both the FSTAG and FSORAG define a trail by stating the following:
For purposes of the FSTAG and FSORAG, a trail is a pedestrian route developed primarily for outdoor recreational hiking purposes. A pedestrian route provided primarily to connect elements, spaces, or facilities within a site is not a trail; it is an outdoor recreation access route (ORAR).
It is important to note that a trail which meets the accessibility guidelines should not be labelled an “accessible trail.”
The USFS states:
“Accessible Trail” is a term to avoid. The technical provisions in section 7.4 of the FSTAG allow for grades up to 12 percent. While such grades are understandable in challenging terrain as hiking paths selected by choice, the general public’s expectation of an “accessible” pathway is that it have a gentle grade and other uniform factors. In addition, most trails constructed under the FSTAG use exceptions to some extent in order to maintain the nature of the setting.
Therefore, a trail that has been constructed in accordance with the FSTAG should be advertised as a “trail that complies with the trail accessibility guidelines”, rather than as an “accessible trail”. Information concerning grades, etc. is to be posted along with other trail information on websites, trailhead signs, and so forth. Each visitor can then select the trail that best meets their recreation experience and expectations.
which trails must comply with FSTAG?
According to the FSTAG, National Forest System trails must comply with the FSTAG if the following criteria are met:
- The trail is new or altered (an alteration is “a change in the original purpose, intent, or function of a trail”).
- The trail has a Federal Trail Data Standard (FTDS) designation Designed Use of Hiker/Pedestrian.
- The trail connects directly to a trailhead or to a trail that currently substantially complies with the FSTAG.
The FSTAG goes on to state:
These guidelines do not apply to maintenance work (routine or periodic repair of existing trails, recreation sites, or facilities). Where existing individual site features are altered but the floor or ground surface under or around them is not altered, the clear floor or ground space shall not be required to comply with surface and slope requirements.
Of course, in any outdoor environment, limitations may prevent compliance. More information regarding the exceptions to the guidelines may be found in the Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines, section 7.1 and 7.2.
USFS technical requirements for trails
7.4.1 Surface.
The trail tread surface, including resting intervals and passing spaces, shall be both firm and stable.
7.4.2 Clear Tread Width.
The clear tread width of the trail shall be at least 36 inches (915 mm).
EXCEPTION: Where a condition for an exception prevents achieving the required width, the clear tread width may be reduced to 32 inches (815 mm) minimum. If the condition for an exception prevents achieving the reduced width of 32 inches, comply to the extent practicable.
7.4.3 Slope.
Trail running slopes (grades) and cross slopes shall comply with sections 7.4.3.1 and 7.4.3.2.
7.4.3.1 Running Slope (Grade). The running slope (grade) of trail segments shall comply with this section and shall be consistent over the distances cited.
- Trail running slope (grade) of up to 1:20 (5 percent) is permitted for any distance.
- The running slope of any segment of a trail shall not be steeper than 1:8 (12 percent).
- No more than 30 percent of the total trail length may exceed a running slope (grade) of 1:12 (8.33 percent).
- Where the running slope (grade) of a segment of a trail is steeper than 1:20 (5 percent), the maximum length of the segment shall be in accordance with Table 7.4.3.1, and a resting interval complying with 7.4.4 shall be provided at each end of the segment.
Table 7.4.3.1 Running Slope (Grade) and Resting Intervals
| Running Slope of Trail Segment | Maximum Length of Segment | |
| Steeper than | But not Steeper than | Between Resting Intervals |
| 1:20 (5%) | 1:12 (8.33%) | 200 feet (61 m) |
| 1:12 (8.33%) | 1:10 (10%) | 30 feet (9 m) |
| 1:10 (10%) | 1:8 (12%) | 10 feet (3050 mm) |
7.4.3.2 Cross Slope. The cross slope shall not exceed 1:20 (5 percent). Where the surface is paved or is elevated above the natural ground, the cross slope shall not be steeper than 1:48 (2 percent).
7.4.4 Resting Intervals.
Resting intervals shall comply with 7.4.4. Where the trail grade exceeds 1:20 (5 percent), resting intervals shall be provided as specified in Table 7.4.3.1.
7.4.4.1 Length. The resting interval length shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) long minimum.
7.4.4.2 Width. Where resting intervals are provided within the trail tread, resting intervals shall be at least as wide as the widest segment of the trail tread leading to the resting interval. Where resting intervals are provided adjacent to the trail tread, the resting interval clear width shall be 36 inches (915 mm) minimum.
7.4.4.3 Slope. The slope of a resting interval shall not exceed 1:20 (5 percent) in any direction. Where the surface is paved or is elevated above the natural ground, the slope shall not be steeper than 1:48 (2 percent) in any direction.
7.4.4.4 Turning Space. Where resting intervals are provided adjacent to the trail tread, a turning space complying with ABAAS section 304.3.2 shall be provided. Vertical alignment between the trail tread, turning space, and resting interval shall be nominally level. The trail tread, turning space, and resting interval may overlap.
7.4.5 Passing Spaces.
Trails with a clear tread width less than 60 inches (1525 mm) shall provide passing spaces complying with 7.4.5 at intervals of 1000 feet (300 m) maximum. A passing space must also be provided at the end of any segment of trail that meets the requirements of 7.4, if the full length of the trail does not meet the requirements. Passing spaces and resting intervals may coincide or overlap.
7.4.5.1 Size. The passing space shall be either:
- A space 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum by 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum; or
- The intersection of two trails providing a T-shaped space complying with ABAAS section 304.3.2 where the base and the arms of the T-shaped space extend 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum beyond the intersection. Vertical alignment at the intersection of the trails that form the T shaped space shall be nominally level.
7.4.5.2 Slope. The cross slope of a passing space shall not exceed 1:20 (5 percent) in any direction.
7.4.5.3 Non-complying Segment Ends. Where a segment of the trail does not comply with 7.4, a passing space shall be located at the end of each adjacent trail segment that does comply with 7.4.
7.4.6 Tread Obstacles.
Tread obstacles on trails shall not exceed 2 inches (50 mm) in height measured vertically to the highest point. Where the trail surface is paved or is elevated above the natural ground, tread obstacles shall not exceed ½ inch (13 mm) in height measured vertically to the highest point.
7.4.7 Openings.
Openings in trail tread surfaces, trail resting spaces, and trail passing spaces shall be small enough to prevent passage of a 1/2 inch- (13 mm-) diameter sphere. Where possible, elongated openings should be placed perpendicular, or as close to perpendicular as possible, to the dominant direction of travel.
Exception. Where openings that do not permit the passage of a ½ inch (6.4 mm) sphere cannot be provided due to a condition for an exception, openings that do not permit passage of a ¾ inch (19 mm) sphere shall be permitted.
7.4.8 Protruding Objects.
Constructed features, including signs, shall not extend into the trail tread more than 4 inches (100 mm) between 27 inches (685 mm) and 80 inches (2030 mm) above the surface of the trail.
7.4.9 Trail Facilities.
Where provided on trails, facilities shall comply with the applicable provisions of the FSORAG. ORARs are not required at or between facilities on trails.
Exception. When the surface of the required clear ground space for trail facilities is not paved or is not elevated above the natural ground, slopes not steeper than 1:20 (5 percent) shall be permitted where necessary for drainage.
7.4.10 Trailheads.
Trailheads shall comply with 7.4.10.
7.4.10.1 Outdoor Constructed Features. Where provided within trailheads each outdoor constructed features such as parking spaces, toilets, or camp sites shall comply with the applicable portions of the FSORAG and ABAAS.
7.4.10.2 Outdoor Recreation Access Routes (ORARs). At least one outdoor recreation access route complying with FSORAG section 2.0 shall connect the following places at trailheads:
- Accessible parking spaces or other arrival point;
- Starting point of the trail; and
- Accessible outdoor constructed features, elements, spaces, and facilities within the trailhead.
Exception 1. In alterations to existing trailheads, where a condition for exception prohibits compliance with a technical provision, the ORAR shall comply with FSORAG 2.0 to maximum extent practicable.
Exception 2. Where elements, spaces, or outdoor constructed features are altered at trailheads but the circulation path is not altered, an outdoor recreation access route shall not be required.
7.4.11 Trailhead Signs.
Where new trailhead information signs are provided at trailheads on newly constructed or altered trails, they shall comply with 7.4.11.
7.4.11.1 Clear Space. Trailhead signs shall be located centered at the back of a 30- by 48-inch (760- by 1,220-millimeter) minimum clear floor or ground space. The clear space shall not overlap the trail width but may overlap a resting space or passing space. The slope of the clear space shall not exceed 1:20 (5 percent) in any direction.
7.4.11.2 Sign Contents. Where new trail information signs are provided at trailheads on newly constructed or altered trails, regardless of whether the trail is accessible, the signs shall include at minimum the following information:
- Length of the trail or trail segment
- Surface type
- Typical and minimum tread width
- Typical and maximum running slope
- Typical and maximum cross slope
- A statement that the posted information reflects the condition of the trail when it was constructed or assessed, including the date of the construction or assessment
Where more extensive trail information is provided (e.g., an aerial map of the trail and related facilities), the location of specific trail features and obstacles that do not comply with the technical provisions in 7.4 should be identified and a profile of the trail grade should be included.
7.4.11.3 Reach Ranges. If materials need to be obtained from or manipulated on a sign or kiosk, the sign or kiosk shall be designed to meet the reach ranges in section 308 of the ABAAS.
7.4.12 Gates and Barriers.
Where gates or barriers are constructed to control access to trails, gates and barriers shall comply with 7.4.12.
7.4.12.1 Clear Width. Gate openings and openings in barriers for hiker passage shall provide a clear width of 36 inches (915 mm), complying with ODAAG, section 1017.3 Clear Tread Width.
7.4.12.2 Gate Hardware. Gate hardware shall comply with operable controls requirements in ABAAS section 309.4 and 404.2.7.
USFS trail guidelines
To see the U.S. Forest Service trail guidelines along with other accessibility resources, please click on the button below.