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Accessible trails: surfacing considerations and examples

"Firm and stable" are the two words for accessible trail surfaces. "Outdoor Developed Areas: Final Report" addresses trails and other outdoor recreation routes under the Americans With Disabilities Act. These proposed guidelines for what constitutes an accessible trail for ADA purposes "requires the surface of accessible trails to be firm and stable." This is different from "slip resistance," which "cannot be guaranteed in the outdoor environment." While concrete and asphalt are the usual choices for accessible trails in urban and highly developed areas, they may not be suitable or affordable for trails in open space, parks, and the backcountry. Other materials can meet the "firm and stable" requirement: crusher fines (crushed rock) is one commonly used material which compacts well and provides good drainage. See photos for discussion of good and not so good examples of trail surfacing alternatives.

See Surfacing for Trails and Greenways in the American Trails Business Directory

Click on any photo to see it full size:

(photos by Stuart Macdonald, 2007-08)

Smooth crusher fines trail at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Washington; photo by Stuart Macdonald.

Crusher fines trail at Easter Seals Handicamp, Empire, Colorado; photo by Stuart Macdonald.

Well-drained natural surface trail along Cottonwood Creek, Buena Vista, CO; photo by Stuart Macdonald.

Smooth crusher fines trail at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Washington; photo by Stuart Macdonald.

"Well-done crusher fines trail provides firm surface under thin layer of small, loose pieces; Arboretum Waterfront Trail, Seattle; photo by Stuart Macdonald.

Plastic geoweb material showing through crusher fines trail at Easter Seals Handicamp, Empire, Colorado; photo by Stuart Macdonald.

Wood chips do not make an acceptable surface for wheelchairs, strollers, or walkers; Arboretum Waterfront Trail, Seattle; photo by Stuart Macdonald

Plastic geoweb material showing through crusher fines trail after a few years of use; Easter Seals Handicamp, Empire, Colorado; photo by Stuart Macdonald.

Natural soil with grass can be stable enough where soil particles are fairly fine; photo by Stuart Macdonald.

Crushed concrete trail surface is too loose and chunky for accessibility; Easter Seals Handicamp, Empire, Colorado; photo by Stuart Macdonald.

Drainage grate installed across crusher fines trail on Arboretum Waterfront Trail, Seattle; photo by Stuart Macdonald.

Crushed concrete trail surface is too loose and pieces are too rounded to compact; Easter Seals Handicamp, Empire, Colorado; photo by Stuart Macdonald.

Gravel makes a poor surface for accessibility; parking lot in Finley National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon.

Crushed rock with particles that are too large and too round do not make a good accessible trail surface.

Plastic geoweb material showing through crusher fines trail after a few years of use; Easter Seals Handicamp, Empire, Colorado; photo by Stuart Macdonald.

Plastic geoweb material coming through trail; unacceptable from an accessibility standpoint; Easter Seals Handicamp, Empire, Colorado; photo by Stuart Macdonald.

Well-drained natural surface trail along Cottonwood Creek, Buena Vista, CO; photo by Stuart Macdonald.

BLM accessible route to Colorado River uses plastic material over sand; near Moab, Utah; photo by Stuart Macdonald.

Smooth and stable natural surface trail, Finley National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon; photo by Stuart Macdonald, August 2008.

Smooth and stable natural surface trail, Finley National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon; photo by Stuart Macdonald.