More Trailbuilding Resources

Resources and Library:

Cool Trail Solutions

Ramps for accessible trails and shared-use pathways

Photos and commentary by Stuart Macdonald

Ramps, typically used for building access, are often provided on trails. Ramps have a specific definition for building access in the "ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities" (ADAAG). The maximum slope of a ramp is 1:12, the maximum rise for any run is 30 inches, and the minimum clear width of a ramp is 36 inches. Level landings are also required at top and bottom of each ramp run. There can be good reasons to use these designs on urban trails, but ramps are not required in the proposed Accessibility Guidelines for trails. The Final Report on "Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas" noted that "Because the terrain in outdoor environments is often steep, the committee realized that applying current ADAAG slope and ramp requirements was not feasible." Likewise, handrails are not required on trails but are required on architectural ramps that rise more than 6 inches or are longer than 72 inches. See examples below used in specific trail situations.

See the Cool Trail Solutions gallery of Boardwalks and accessible boardwalk trails at Happy Creek Nature Trail and Boardwalks for Woodinville, WA.

See Docks and Boardwalks in the American Trails Business Directory

Click on any photo to see it full size:

Engineered ramp along vertical wall brings pedestrians and bikers from sidewalk along Speer Blvd down to Cherry Creek Trail, Denver; photo by Stuart Macdonald, Nov. 2, 2009

Ramp in downtown Reno to trail along Truckee River; note level landing above pedestrian; photo by Stuart Macdonald, March 9, 2008

Ramp leads visitors from parking lot down the slope to rail trail, on Withlacoochie State Trail, FL; photo by Stuart Macdonald, July 12, 2009

Looking from top of ramp down the slope to Withlacoochie State Trail, Citrus Springs trailhead; photo by Stuart Macdonald, July 12, 2009

Accessible parking place with ramp in background, Withlacoochie State Trail, Citrus Springs trailhead; photo by Stuart Macdonald, July 12, 2009

Walkway provides accessible route from main trail to river overlook, Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, Florida; photo by Florida Park Service, May 2005

Ramp to trail bridge at Fletchers Cove on C & O Canal Trail, Washington, DC; photo by Stuart Macdonald, July 16, 2007

Ramp used in a park with handrails following building standard rather than more appropriate Accessible Recreation Route guidelines which would omit railings, Aurora, CO; photo by Stuart Macdonald, July 25, 2007

Trail to overlook at Molas Pass on the Colorado Trail; note handrail only along slope above parking lot; photo by Stuart Macdonald, August 2009

Ramp from city street leads to trail system along Downtown Lakewalk, Duluth MN; photo by Stuart Macdonald, Sept. 8, 2007

Elevated trail behind buildings at Downtown Lakewalk, Duluth MN; photo by Stuart Macdonald, Sept. 8, 2007

Ramps provide access from downtown businesses down to Duluth Lakewalk along Lake Superior; photo by Stuart Macdonald, Sept. 8, 2007

Circular ramp leads runners, strollers, and cyclists from Pfluger Bridge down to trail on north side of Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake), Austin, Texas; photo by Stuart Macdonald, May 6, 2007

Beach access ramp provides pathway accross dunes, San Diego River mouth, Calif.; photo by Stuart Macdonald, Dec. 17, 2006