Accessible Trails
Not everyone can use rugged trails, but people with different forms of mobility should still be able to get all of the benefits that trails can provide. Here are some accessibility resources:
The Trail Accessibility Hub offers comprehensive resources for planning, constructing, and maintaining accessible trails.
Mass Audubon
All Persons Trails
United States Department of Agriculture PDF or as a Web Page
Trails For All - Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation
Accessible trails benefit more than just people who use wheelchairs. They can provide safe, equitable access for seniors, people with various disabilities or mobilities considerations, small children and their caregivers, people recovering from injury or illness, and people with chronic pain or joint problems.
Accessible Design Standards: All trail amenity construction projects must comply with the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAB) design standards.
Under The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a law passed in 1990, all newly designed and constructed or
altered State and local government facilities, public accommodation, and commercial facilities must be readily
accessible and usable by persons with disabilities. The design standards issued under the Americans with
Disabilities Act by the Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation ensure access to the built
environment for people with disabilities. The ADA Standards apply nationwide, in addition to any applicable
state or local codes, where facilities are newly built or altered. The ADA Standards do not include design
standards for shared-use pathways/trails, but they do include standards for other elements like parking lots and
site amenities. The ADA Standards for Accessible Design can be found here: https://www.access-
board.gov/ada/.
The Architectural Access Board in Massachusetts (MAAB) develops and enforces regulations to make public
buildings and facilities accessible to, functional for, and safe for use by persons with disabilities. The MAAB
has published its own design standards since 1968, updating them regularly. Known as 521 CMR, you can find
information here: https://www.mass.gov/aab-rules-and-regulations. If there is a conflict between ADA
standards and MAAB standards, the stricter standard applies. The MAAB standards also do not include design
standards for shared-use pathways/trails, but they do include standards for other elements and amenities,
including picnic areas.
Shared-Use Pathways: Defined as off-road infrastructure that is physically separated from motorized vehicle
traffic and designed for use by bicyclists and pedestrians, including pedestrians of all ages and abilities. Shared-
use paths are typically paved, but can also use stabilized aggregate, crushed stone, or unimproved natural
surfaces. They are designed as independent facilities for two-way travel, supplementing the existing active
transportation network, and provide flexible transportation options and recreational opportunities for a wide
variety of settings. Shared-use paths take several common forms, and paths may transition between types at
different points along their routes. Variations of shared-use paths include rail trails, rails with trails, canal
towpaths, waterfront trails, and paths along utility corridors.
Shared-Use Path Accessibility Resources: Accessibility requirements are complex and can be challenging to
interpret. Contact the MassTrails Grants Administrator with any questions and refer to the links below for
helpful resources:
• FHWA Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access, Chapter 14:
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/publications/sidewalk2/pdf/15chapter14.pdf
1• MassDOT Design Guide: https://www.mass.gov/doc/massdot-design-guide-chapter-11-shared-use-
paths-and-greenways/download
• The US Access Board is a federal agency that develops accessibility guidelines and standards. The
Board has recently finalized new Pedestrian Right-of Way Guidelines (PROWAG) under the ADA that
address shared-use pathways. You can access the most recent information, guidelines, and best practices
here: https://www.access-board.gov/prowag/.
Hiker/Pedestrian Trails: Defined as trails which are designed, constructed, and maintained for
hiker/pedestrian use. According to the Federal Trail Data Standards (FTDS), a trail has only one designed
use that determines the design, construction, and maintenance parameters for the trail. However, a trail can have
more than one managed use based on a management decision to allow other uses on the trail.
A hiker/pedestrian trail or trail facility must be constructed as accessible according to the ADA and the MAAB
standards defined above, but more specifically as outlined in U.S. Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines
(FSTAG). These guidelines specify accessibility standards for trails designed for hiker/pedestrian use. Trails are
classified by their designed use and managed use. A trail has only one designed use that determines the design,
construction, and maintenance parameters for the trail. A trail can have more than one managed use based on a
management decision to allow other uses on the trail. Trails that have a designed use for hikers and pedestrians
are required to comply with the accessibility guidelines for trails. Trails that have a designed use other than for
hikers or pedestrians, such as mountain bike or equestrian trails, are not required to comply with the technical
accessibility guidelines for trails.
New Trail Projects: All new trail systems funded through MassTrails which are designed for hiker/pedestrian
use must comply with the trail accessibility guidelines. If a new segment of an existing trail system that is
designed for hiker/pedestrian use directly connects to a trailhead or other trail that substantially meets the
accessibility guidelines for trails, the new trail must comply with the accessibility guidelines.
Trail Restoration Projects: When a trail designed for hiker/pedestrian use is reconstructed or restored, and the
altered portion of the trail connects directly to a trailhead or other trail that substantially meets the accessibility
guidelines for trails, the altered portion of the trail must comply with the accessibility guidelines.
The FSTAG accessibility guidelines maximize accessibility, while recognizing and protecting the unique
characteristics of the natural setting, level of development, and purpose of each trail. Unlike ADA and MAAB
guidelines for the built environment, trail guidelines include exceptions for when a trail designed for
hiker/pedestrian use cannot reasonably comply with accessibility guidelines. These exceptions ensure that
accessibility is provided to the extent appropriate to the setting where it will have the most benefit, be
practicable, and provide a meaningful recreational opportunity. All other appropriate design options should be
considered before applying an exception.
Exceptions are permitted for any portion of the trail:
• Where compliance with the technical provision is not practicable due to terrain.
• Where compliance with the technical provision would fundamentally alter the function or
purpose of the facility, trail, or the setting.
2• Where compliance with the technical provision cannot be accomplished with the prevailing
construction practices.
• Where compliance is precluded because the cultural, historic, or significant natural features are
eligible for protection under Federal, State, or local law.
The basis for all exceptions must be documented and submitted to MassTrails as a part of the grant application.
Documentation will include the rationale for the determination, which conditions for exception are present,
which exceptions apply to the project overall, the date of the determination, and the name and contact
information of the individuals who made the determination.
Section V of the MassTrails Grant Application includes the “Trail Accessibility Guidelines Checklist.”
All applicants must complete Part 1 of the form. If the project will construct or alter a hiker/pedestrian
trail, applicants must fill out Parts 2-5. Entities are encouraged to seek technical assistance from
MassTrails when considering exempting an entire trail.
Trailhead Facilities, Structures and Staging Areas: All trailhead facilities and furnishings must comply with
the accessibility requirements, to the extent practicable. Any trail structure (e.g., bridges, viewing platforms,
shelters) must comply with accessibility standards in all instances. For example, if a project involves new bridge
construction on an existing trail that is not accessible, the bridge must still be built to accessibility standards as
outlined in the ADA and MAAB. If the project will construct or restore trailhead or staging area facilities, those
facilities must be brought up to current accessibility standards.
Hiker/Pedestrian Trail Accessibility Resources: Contact the MassTrails Grants Administrator with any
questions and refer to the links below for helpful resources:
• US Forest Service Accessibility Guidelines (FSTAG):
https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/FSTAG-2013-Update.pdf
• FHWA, Recreational Trails Program Accessibility Guidance:
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/recreational_trails/guidance/accessibility_guidance/
• Tips and Techniques for using Crusher fines surfacing for trails:
https://www.americantrails.org/resources/faq-tips-and-techniques-for-using-crusher-fines-surfacing-for-
trails
• The Art of Building Crushed Stone Trails: https://www.americantrails.org/resources/the-art-of-
building-crushed-stone-trails
Universal Design: Beyond MassTrails requirements for accessibility, grant applicants and land managers
should consider other universal design techniques and apply an accessibility lens to all projects. Universal
design attempts to meet the needs of all people, and includes those of all ages, physical abilities, sensory
abilities, and cognitive skills. It includes the use of integrated and mainstream products, environmental features
and services, with the need for adaptation of specialized design. Examples of universal design elements in a trail
project include mounting ramps and block for riders to mount their horses, installing safety barriers that don’t
obstruct views for wheelchair users, and taking the width of recumbent bikes into account when placing
bollards or other barriers on a bike trail.
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