Find YOUR path
Outdoors for All
By considering the full range of potential trails and users, more people can begin to enjoy more natural trails regardless of their mobility challenge
Beyond traditional ideas about accessible trails
Thanks to Blue Hill Heritage Trust (BHHT) in Maine for sharing examples of trail improvements
Accessibility is a spectrum, not a dichotomy.
This way, you can include many more trails benefitting many more users. Read more.
Some natural surface trails already meet UA standards (A Trails)
and so can meet the needs of all users at less cost while offering a better experience. Read more.
Focus on Universal Access (UA) Trails instead of shared use paths.
These accommodate all walkers at much less cost and offer a much better experience. Read more.
Other natural trails that fall short of specific standards (B & C Trails)
can still meet the needs of some users or to be improved to meet the needs of all users. Read more.
Instead of just identifying people as having or not having a disability, think of a spectrum of ability. Consider how Margot (then 12 years old) and her grandmother (then 86 years old) enjoyed the spectacular High Line trail in New York on Christmas in 2012. This particular section is most easily reached using stairs
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Margot's disabilities include some Cerebral Palsy but she does not use a wheelchair and so she can manage stairs with help.
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Her grandmother does not have a disability per se but at her age would be uncomfortable on a rocky natural trail. And she especially appreciates a UA path with Margot leaning on her arm for support
So this section of the High Line meets their needs individually, and especially when walking together.
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One size does not fit all: Think of accessibility as a spectrum
Categorizing trails as either meeting or not meeting UA standards does not help those with mobility challenges who want to plan outings to build their capacity for a greater range of trails. Instead, we advocate for thinking of trails on a spectrum of accessibility or usability:​
Those that meet all UA standards as a Universal Access Trail along their entire length get a trail grade of A.
Those that approach UA standards - i.e., meeting criteria except for short sections that fall just short - get a trail grade of B.
Remaining trails do not meet UA standards and vary widely in the level of effort and stress involved. These get a trail grade from C to E.
For example, instead of simply labelling the Penndell Trail in White Clay Creek Preserve (pictured here) as entirely inaccessible, we identify the isolated sections with specific features (like the rocks and roots seen here) that barely exceed UA standards. These might be stressful for people with certain types of disability without barring them completely from enjoying the trail.​
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Focus on Universal Access (UA) Trails for walkers and hikers instead of Shared Use Paths
Because Shared Use Paths are wider and more likely to be paved, they are MUCH more expensive and have a MUCH greater impact on the environment. Shared Use Paths must also keep at least 2' clear on either side of the path but many clear more, like the Chester Valley Trail pictured here, and so many feel like a highway. When planning for cyclists, we like adapting low-volume, low-stress roadways whenever possible , like the Yield Roadway design described elsewhere.
Unless you plan on accommodating cyclists, a Universal Access Trail is a MUCH cheaper and MUCH more environmentally responsible option for accommodating pedestrians. These also help to immerse you in nature, like the Woodlands Loop in the Rushton Woods Preserve pictured here. So we advocate for Universal Access Trails unless there is a clear opportunity for active transportation that includes cyclists.
Restrict other types of users on UA trails with natural surfaces
Properly designed natural surface trails are the most cost effective way top accommodate users with mobility challenges, but only if the surface remains smooth.
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Mountain bikers will eventually create ruts that render even a well-maintained mowed trail unusable, and a dirt trail even more so.
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Horses can churn up a mowed trail after only one storm
The solution?
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Plan on separate trails for other users whenever possible
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Make sure your trails are clearly signed.
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Recognize that some natural trails merit an A Rating because they already meet UA standards
A trail does not have to be wide and paved to meet UA standards and earn an A rating! Consider UA Standards (A) related to Trail Width, Obstacles, Surface, and Cross-Grades.
Effort
Stress
Tread Surface
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It only needs to have a tread surface that is:
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Clear. You can see where the surface is within an inch or two
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Firm. You do not leave a clearly outlined footprint
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Stable. Firmness remains consistent regardless of the weather
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Dirt or grass trails can work as long as they are well-drained. This includes that many mowed meadow trails (like this one in Chandler Mill Nature Preserve)
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And some trails designed to meet UA standards are built with a grass surface (click here to read more)
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Width
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A trail does not have to be 10' or even 5' wide to meet UA standards. It just requires a clear tread surface as little as 3' wide (as long as there is a 5'x 5' passing space every 1000 feet).
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Trails can narrow to as little as 32" around specific obstacles, like on the Whitely Farms Trail (seen here), a UA Trail in White Clay Creek Preserve State Park in Delaware where it weaves between trees.
Obstacles
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Might include obstacles up to 2" high as long as these are separated by at least 48"
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In this example from the Penndell Trail in White Clay Creek Preserve, 1-2" high obstacles on the left are not separated by 48" BUT there is a path around these to the right...
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Recognize that other natural trails merit an B Rating when some specific sections fall short of UA standards
Some natural trails have specific sections that might barely exceed one UA standard. We describe these as approaching UA standards and rate them as an B. By describing these clearly and then mapping them on trails, users with mobility challenges can explore a wider range of trails and then choose to test their skills or just turn around. Note that, to be rated as B:
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A trail cannot include any 10' section that falls short on more than one standard (for example, both running and cross-grades), and;
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More than 90% of the trail must meet all UA standards - in many cases, more than 95% of the trail already meets standards.
Here is a summary of effort and stress rated as A and B, and then some examples of paths and trails rated as B.
Effort
Stress
Cross Grades / Grade C-B
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Might slightly exceed standards for short stretches (up to 10% for up to 10')
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Example coming soon!
Example coming soon!
Surface Grade S-B
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Might include sections that are a little slippery and soft (e.g., users leave a clearly outlined footprint up to 1/2"deep) over a length of up to 10'
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Easy Running Grades / Grade R-B
Our maps identify sections that exceed UA standards, and that approximate grades in 10' increments. A B for Running Grade includes a section that is either a bit
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Steeper (e.g., up to 20% for 10', up to 12.5% for 30', or up to 10% for 200'), or;
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Longer without resting spaces (e.g., up to 12.5% for up to 20', up to 10% for up to 60', or up to 8.33% for up to 400').
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The northern sections of East Branch Brandywine Trail (a shared use path) merit a B only because of several sections that barely exceed standards for Running Grades and that lack resting spaces. One section (on the right) has 5-8.33% uphill grades for about 250', as marked here in 10' increments. A user could choose to hike to this point and continue or turn back
Width Grade W-B
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Trails less than 5' wide lack clear passing spaces
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For example, the Whitely Farm Trail in White Clay Creek State Park meets all other UA standards but narrows to 3' in width for long stretches, without obvious passing spaces. As a result, someone approaching a wheelchair would have to step off of the path
Obstacles / Grade O-B
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Might include obstacles up to 2" high as long as these are separated by at least 48"
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In this example from the Penndell Trail in White Clay Creek Preserve, obstacles are not separated by 48" AND there is no path around these... without improvements, this could only be rated as O-B.
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This section would become challenging for a wheelchair user or others pushing a stroller.
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Progressively remove barriers on B and C trails to create improved trails that offer increasing useability
Once you identify a natural trail that is approaching UA standards, you can develop a plan to improve specific sections to meet UA standards. We refer to these as improved trails. When considering the examples listed below, note that
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You can progressively increase the length that a wheelchair user or others can travel before they need to turn around, by starting with barriers closest to the trailhead, and;
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Just bringing a trail closer to UA standards (e.g., from a C to a B rating) will increase its useability.
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Improve Running Grades - Consider
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Adjusting the route to avoid steeper grades OR
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Identify a portion that avoids steeper grades
For example, one could enjoy this view at the Howe Trail at Brinton Run Preserve (at the the westernmost point of the trail) while avoiding the steep grades that resulting in a Maximum Effort Rating of Hard for the entire loop. How? Walk halfway in a clockwise direction from the parking lot until you encounter the section rated as Easy to Hard and then retrace your steps.​
Add Resting Intervals - Break up long steep sections with a resting interval. This is what Blue Hill Heritage Trust did on their Peter Clapp Trail, pictured here.
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Improve Cross Grades - Consider
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An adjustment to the route
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A simple cut
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Example coming soon!
Improve the Surface - For a wet/muddy section, consider
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Addressing drainage issues
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Building a short section of boardwalk or filling it with stone/gravel
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This is what happened on the Little Jersey trail in Delaware's Lums Pond State Park... over the past several years, the park has filled in perennially wet or rutted sections (like the top picture) with gravel and stone to create a firm, stable trail (like the bottom picture).
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Before
After
Before
Before
After
After
Remove obstacles - Consider
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Removing rocks or roots
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Filling in and over obstacles with stone/gravel
In this example from BHHT's Hundred Acre Wood, a culvert (left) potentially blocking the trail was filled in and over with gravel (right)
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And you can always put in a boardwalk, with steps if needed
That is what happened at the Parker Point to South Street Trail at the same preserve, where the combination of rocks, roots, and grades made other options impracticable
Increase width - Consider widening the trail as needed.
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This section of overgrown trail at Flint Woods Preserve could be easily cut back to allow a wheelchair user to see potential obstacles, or allowing a partner to continue to walk beside to offer an arm for support
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This is especially important where access at the trailhead itself is limited. In the top example, posts set at the start of the Penndell trail are set slightly less than 32" apart. This blocks access to a trail that a wheelchair user might otherwise enjoy (we had to take one of the wheels off of Margot's stroller to fit). All that is needed is to move the post back by at least 1/2"!
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In the bottom example from Surry Forest in Maine, the opening to the right of the gate is too narrow for a wheelchair to pass
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Create accessible experiences
Start to look beyond the trail itself to the overall experience.
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How does it connect everyone with nature?
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Is it long enough to offer real exercise?
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Is it a destination worth an hour's drive?
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Can it be used in all seasons and conditions?
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Does it offer a range of challenges matching each user's needs and interests?
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Does it include all the other amenities that keep everyone comfortable?
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Could it support a group visit?
What checks all of these boxes? Imagine a wooded trail meeting UA standards 1 to 2 miles long that overlooks a creek or lake or offers a beautiful view, with resting places along the trail, and a trailhead that offers a gathering place, accessible restrooms, and more challenging trail options. We recommend that County and State planners prioritize projects that create these kinds of options.
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Connecting users with nature - A UA trail around a field gets users outside but offers little else. What about trails that immerse you in the sights, sounds, or smells of nature. A babbling brook in pine forest made fragrant by the summer sun is a special place. Margot loves to walk trails by quiet streams, like this section of the White Clay Creek Preserve
Offers real exercise - Some planners might feel that they can check the accessibility box with a 1/4 or 1/2 mile UA trail around a field. But more experienced users looking for real exercise will need more. We recommend aiming for a trail that is at least 1 to 2 miles long. The 1.25 mile Oversee Farm Trail pictured here, Margot's go to trail for regular exercise because its steep grades takes her about an hour to complete.
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Worth the trip - Some trails are destinations worth driving an hour and then walking. BHHT's Peter Clapp Trail was designed around this spectacular view.
Use year round - We love wooded trails! While the right clothing allows you to hike in all but the coldest months, nothing can protect you from the sun and heat of a mid-summer day better than a wooded trail. Wooded trails like this one in Harmony Hill Nature Preserve offer their own unique magic in the fall.
A range of challenges - Having a range of trails leaving from a single trailhead or branching off of a UA trail gives hikers options for a more challenging experience, or groups of hikers with different interests and abilities. For example, Harmony Hill Nature Area (pictured here) has different trails branching off of the East Branch Brandywine Trail, a shared use path that itself includes sections with different difficulty levels.
Include all other basic amenities - Accessible parking and bathrooms at the trailhead can make a big difference, especially for destinations drawing hikers from long distances.​
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Useable by groups - Planning a meaningful outing for a group of users with different needs (like a special education class or adult day program) is challenging! Trails that connect people with nature and offer real exercise, with trailheads that include basic amenities and link to a range of trails can sometimes meet the needs of groups like these. Even better? A trailhead with a gathering place like a picnic pavilion and parking that can accommodate a school bus - like the Yorklyn Trail pictured here.
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