More on Accessible Trails:

Access Board releases Accessibility Guidelines for trails and recreation on Federal lands
Read Draft Final Outdoor Areas Accessibility Guidelines
Read comments posted on the Guidelines at Regulations.gov
US Forest Service comments on proposed Accessibility Guidelines
Summary of concerns with Accessibility Guideline

Resources and Library:

Cool Trail Solutions

Accessible trails: surfacing considerations and examples

"Firm and stable" are the two words for accessible trail surfaces. The "Draft Final Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas" addresses trails and other outdoor recreation routes under the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA). These proposed guidelines for what constitutes an accessible trail for ABA purposes requires the surface of accessible trails to be "firm and stable." 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 or limestone screenings) 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.