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Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation and Trails

Table of Figures
  • Cover photo
    • Caption: None
    • Alt tag description: Photo of an adult and a young child walking on a trail through a forested area. The man is using a cane to search the edge of the trail.
  • Figure 1
    • Caption: Although the Blackberry Crossing Campground in the White Mountain National Forest is not highly developed, it's a great place for this group of friends to enjoy camping together.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of three people setting up a tent. One of the individuals is using a wheelchair.
  • Figure 2
    • Caption: Two friends enjoy an accessible trail that allows them to hike through the rain forest.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of two people using wheelchairs on a trail.
  • Figure 3
    • Caption: A group of friends enjoy a break during a stroll on a boardwalk through a wet area. The accessible trail makes it possible for the whole group to enjoy the same experience.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of three people talking on a boardwalk. One of the individuals is using a motorized wheelchair. Another is holding a cane.
  • Figure 4
    • Caption: Interpretation is for everyone. Signs must be placed so that everyone can see and understand them.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of a person using a wheelchair at an interpretive station. The sign, mounted on a table-like metal stand, is situated at a level that can be read by a person using a wheelchair. The woman is using binoculars to look over the top of the interpretive signs at the dunes and ocean.
  • Figures 5-9
    • Caption: Although figures 5 to 8 show wheelchairs, figure 9 shows a device that is not a wheelchair. Many wheelchairs look different from those shown. The only sure way to determine if a device is a wheelchair is to answer the two key questions described in the text.
    • Alt tag description Figure 5: Photo of a man using a "standard" wheelchair.
    • Alt tag description Figure 6: Photo of a man using a wheelchair with large front wheels and angled rear wheels.
    • Alt tag description Figure 7: Photo of a woman using a motorized wheelchair.
    • Alt tag description Figure 8: Photo of a woman using a motorized, 3-wheeled "scooter" type wheelchair.
    • Alt tag description Figure 9: Photo of a woman riding an all-terrain vehicle.
  • Figure 10
    • Caption: All doorways must have a minimum of 32 inches (813 millimeters) clear width.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of a man measuring the clear width of a doorway.
  • Figure 11
    • Caption: Dimensions required for guardrails.
    • Alt tag description: Schematic drawing illustrating the required dimensions for constructing guardrails, as described in the text callout box above.
  • Figure 12
    • Caption: Others used to have to do the pumping.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of two people at a handpump in a forested area. One person is using a wheelchair. The other person is pumping water using the long handled pump.
  • Figure 13
    • Caption: Now the choice of who does the pumping is up to the campers.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of two people at a handpump in a forested area. A woman using a wheelchair is operating the accessible pump with one hand, while the young man watches.
  • Figures 14-16
    • Caption: Three ways to get around a road closure gate.
    • Alt tag description Figure 14: Photo of a trail going around a road closure gate. The space between the gate end post on the right and a large boulder on the left is sufficient for passage by a person using a wheelchair, but not a vehicle.
    • Alt tag description Figure 15: Photo of a woman using a wheelchair maneuvering through a V-shaped rail fence gate bypass.
    • Alt tag description Figure 16: Photo of two men and one woman walking along a bypass trail constructed between two boulders at one end of a road closure gate. The woman is using a wheelchair.
  • Figure 17
    • Caption: This free climber appears to enjoy the challenge, self-reliance, and independence characteristic of semi-primitive and primitive recreation opportunity spectrum settings.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of a man rock-climbing. The man is using two prosthetic legs.
  • Figure 18
    • Caption: Outfitters and guides provide the logistics and support for visitors to enjoy a wide range of opportunities on National Forests, including fishing.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of a woman and a man holding up a stringer of fish. The man is using metal balance supports that attach to his forearm near the elbow.
  • Figure 19
    • Caption: Ski areas that operate on public land must provide equal opportunity to their services.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of two people downhill skiing. One person is an instructor and is skiing backwards. The other person is wearing a vest that reads: BLIND.
  • Figure 20
    • Caption: The perfect photo spot—a spectacular view and the right mix of resource protection, site development, and accessibility.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of a man using a wheelchair beside a lake. He is looking through a tripod-mounted camera with a telephoto lens at a snow-covered mountain in the background.
  • Figures 21-23
    • Caption: Examples of accessible operating controls.
    • Alt tag description Figure 21: Illustration of a push type control button with an arrow pointing to the top.
    • Alt tag description Figure 22: Illustration of hands held under a sensory-operated faucet, with water pouring from the spout.
    • Alt tag description Figure 23: Illustration of a lever handle being pushed by a human hand formed as a fist.
  • Figure 24
    • Caption: Universal design makes sense.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of a man using a wheelchair leaning over to drink out of a fountain that is mounted on a wood post in a forested area.
  • Figure 25
    • Caption: Properly developed recreation features don't harm significant natural vegetation.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of two people using wheelchairs sitting at the base of a huge tree. Interpretive signs are mounted on a wooden rail protecting the tree from foot traffic.
  • Figure 26
    • Caption: People who recreate in primitive areas may be looking for risk and challenge.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of four people rafting on a river. The raft contains camping equipment and a wheelchair.
  • Figure 27
    • Caption: There would be no point in providing a viewing area for the gorgeous Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska if people couldn't get there from the parking area. ORARs are all about getting around.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of a person in a wheelchair on a paved path looking across a lake at a glacier.
  • Figure 28
    • Caption: Determining the slope ratio.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of an outdoor recreation access route situated between a parking lot and a restroom, indicating a 5 percent maximum running slope and a 3 percent maximum cross slope.
  • Figure 29
    • Caption: The basic slope requirements for ORARs and beach access routes.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of two people measuring an outdoor recreation access route running slope. Run distance equals A, rise distance equals B. B divided by A equals slope per foot (meter) C. Slope percent equals 100 times C. A divided by B equals D. Slope ratio equals 1 to D.
  • Figure 30
    • Caption: The basic resting interval requirements for ORARs.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a resting interval on a trail. Dimensions show the maximum slope is 3 percent each way, and the minimum length is 60 inches (1,525 millimeters). A man using a wheelchair is walking along the trail. Another man is lounging near a tree.
  • Figure 31
    • Caption: Using the rotational penetrometer to determine whether a surface is firm and stable.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of a person adjusting the pressure on the wheel of a rotational penetrometer. The rotational penetrometer is a wheelchair caster that is mounted within a frame. The frame holds the caster in position against the ground while it is swiveled by hand using an attached rod. This action simulates wheelchair traffic on a surface.
  • Figure 32
    • Caption: The clear tread width is the width of the unobstructed traveling surface.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of an outdoor recreation access route connecting a parking area, picnic area, and restroom. Dimensions show the normal clear tread width and allowed width reduction when there is a condition for departure. These dimensions are stated in the text of the paragraph above.
  • Figure 33
    • Caption: A passing space for an ORAR or a beach access route.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a woman walking along an outdoor recreation access route. Another woman using a wheelchair and a small child are stopped in a passing space watching two squirrels under a tree. Dimensions in the illustration repeat the width, length, and slope requirements as described in the text of the paragraph above.
  • Figure 34
    • Caption: A "T" intersection for passing on an ORAR or a beach access route.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a man and service dog walking along an outdoor recreation access route while another man using a wheelchair waits at a trail intersection until they pass by. Dimensions repeat the required widths and lengths stated in the text of the paragraph above.
  • Figure 35
    • Caption: A warning barrier is required wherever vertical clearance is insufficient.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a man using a cane to search for the edge of an outdoor recreation access route. He is shown encountering a post that provides a barrier warning of vertical clearance less than 80 inches (2,030 millimeters).
  • Figure 36
    • Caption: Big openings in ORAR surfaces are a bad idea.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of a wheelchair front wheel stuck in a grate.
  • Figure 37
    • Caption: Elongated openings must be perpendicular to the direction of travel.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a woman using a wheelchair designed for beach travel being pushed across a boardwalk by a man walking behind her. The dimensions show that spaces between boards cannot be more than one-half inch (13 millimeters).
  • Figure 38
    • Caption: Edge protection is optional on an ORAR, but if present, edge protection must be at least 3 inches high.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a boardwalk. The dimension shows the 3-inch (75 millimeter) minimum height of outdoor recreation access route curbs.
  • Figure 39
    • Caption: The high tide level on a costal beach.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of several people enjoying a seaside beach. One person is jogging along a beach access route, one is traveling in a wheelchair, one is sitting on a blanket, and three people are playing in the water. Text shows the location of the high tide level.
  • Figure 40
    • Caption: The mean high water level on a river.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a person using a wheelchair holding a fishing pole and scrounging in a tackle box, while another person wearing waders fishes in the river. Text shows the location of the mean high water level.
  • Figure 41
    • Caption: The normal recreation water level on a lake.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of several people at a lake. One person is walking on a beach access route. Another person using a wheelchair is holding a picnic cooler, watching a boy standing in the lake play fetch-the-stick with a dog. Text shows the normal recreation water level.
  • Figure 42
    • Caption: This beach access route is partly inundated every year.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a woman sitting on a rock at the end of a river beach access route that winds past a retaining wall from a parking lot where a pickup is parked. Text shows the location of the mean high water line, mid-season water line, and low water line.
  • Figure 43
    • Caption: Everybody ought to be able to get to the beach.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of a woman using a wheelchair to travel along a lakefront beach.
  • Figure 44
    • Caption: The requirements for edge protection on a beach access route.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a beach access route connecting an interpretive area and an ocean beach. Dimensions repeat edge protection and dropoff slope requirements stated in the paragraph above.
  • Figure 45
    • Caption: The requirements for unobstructed forward reach.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a person using a wheelchair, stretching forward to demonstrate high and low unobstructed forward reach limits, as explained in the paragraph above.
  • Figure 46
    • Caption: The requirements for unobstructed side reach.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a person using a wheelchair, stretching to the side to demonstrate high and low unobstructed side reach limits, as explained in the paragraph above.
  • Figure 47
    • Caption: The requirements for obstructed high forward reach, narrower obstacles.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a person using a wheelchair, stretching forward over a narrower obstacle to demonstrate reach limits, as explained in the paragraph above.
  • Figure 48
    • Caption: The requirements for obstructed high forward reach, wider obstacles.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a person using a wheelchair, stretching forward over a wider obstacle to demonstrate reach limits, as explained in the paragraph above.
  • Figure 49
    • Caption: The requirements for obstructed high side reach, narrower obstacles.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a person using a wheelchair, reaching to the side over a narrow obstacle to demonstrate reach limits, as explained in the paragraph above.
  • Figure 50
    • Caption: The requirements for obstructed high side reach, wider obstacles.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a person using a wheelchair, reaching to the side over a wider obstacle to demonstrate reach limits, as explained in the paragraph above.
  • Figure 51
    • Caption: The requirements for the diameter and circumference of grab bars.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of the end view of four different grab bar shapes: circular, non-circular, oval or rounded, and rectangular. Dimensions show diameter and circumference requirements explained in the paragraph above.
  • Figure 52
    • Caption: At least two spaces must be accessible at a 10- to 18-foot- (250- to 460- millimeter-) long picnic table.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of four people sitting and playing a card game at a picnic table. Two of the people, who are using wheelchairs, are sitting at the table ends. The text on the illustration indicates there must be two accessible spaces at 10 foot-to-18 foot (3 meter to 5.5 meter) picnic tables.
  • Figure 53
    • Caption: The requirements for knee and toe space at a picnic table.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a man using a motorized wheelchair rolling up to the end of a picnic table. Dimensions show the knee and toe space requirements explained in the paragraph above.
  • Figure 54-56 (page 13)
    • Caption: Three examples of accessible picnic tables. Plans are on the Forest Service's internal computer network at http://fsweb.wo.fs.fed.us/eng/facilities/accrec/
    • Alt tag description Figure 54: Illustration of an accessible picnic table made of lumber.
    • Alt tag description Figure 55: Illustration of an accessible picnic table with lumber top, detached benches, and steel supports.
    • Alt tag description Figure 56: Illustration of an accessible picnic table with lumber top, detached benches, and stone supports.
  • Figure 57
    • Caption: The requirements for clear space at a picnic table.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a campsite that includes a tent, a pedestal grill, and a picnic table. A man using a wheelchair is seated at the table. Dimensions show required picnic table and seating area clear space explained in the paragraph above.
  • Figure 58
    • Caption: The requirements for height, clear space, and reach range for a pedestal grill.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a pedestal grill with a tent in the background. Dimensions show the required clear space, slope, and height for the grill that are explained in the paragraph above.
  • Figure 59
    • Caption: The parts of a camping unit.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a camping unit including a parked pickup, tent, fire ring, and picnic table. Labels show the parts of the camping unit that are listed in the paragraph above and explained in the paragraphs below.
  • Figure 60
    • Caption: The components of a campground parking spur.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a campground parking spur with a small car parked in it. Labels show vehicle parking area and driveway as explained in the paragraph above. Dimensions show size and slope requirements explained in the paragraphs below.
  • Figure 61
    • Caption: An accessible RV with a lift.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a woman and man beside a large recreational vehicle (RV). The man, who is using a wheelchair, is on a lift platform near the middle of the RV. The motorized lift extends from a compartment under the door of the RV and can be used to enter or exit the RV.
  • Figure 62
    • Caption: The transition from a parking spur driveway to a campground road.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a pickup truck parked in a parking spur and part of the adjacent campground road. Labels show slope requirements explained in the paragraphs above.
  • Figure 63
    • Caption: The requirements for a tent pad.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a tent on a ground level tent pad. Dimensions and labels show clearance and slope requirements explained in the paragraphs above.
  • Figure 64
    • Caption: A tent platform in a highly developed campground at the Coronado National Forest.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of a raised tent platform adjacent to a hill on one side and asphalt paved outdoor recreation access route on two sides. The platform is constructed of mortared native rock and is filled with fine gravel.
  • Figure 65
    • Caption: The height, clear space, and reach range requirements for an outdoor fireplace.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a person using a wheelchair cooking bacon in a pan on the grill of an outdoor fireplace. Dimensions show clear space, height, slope, and reach distance requirements, as explained in the paragraphs above and below.
  • Figure 66
    • Caption: The height and reach requirements for custom fire rings.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a person using a wheelchair roasting marshmallows over an open fire in a fire ring built from manufactured stone. There is a tent in the background. A dog is watching the man. Dimensions show clear space, slope, height, and reach distance requirements explained in the paragraphs above and below.
  • Figure 67
    • Caption: The height and reach requirements for manufactured steel fire rings.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a manufactured steel fire ring with an adjustable height grill. A coffee pot and pan are on the grill. There is firewood inside the fire ring and more stacked nearby. An ax leans against a nearby chopping block. A dimension shows that the fire building surface must be 9 inches (230 millimeters) above the ground.
  • Figure 68
    • Caption: The requirements for campground utilities are illustrated by this electrical connection.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a campground electrical connection pedestal adjacent to a parking spur. Dimensions show height and clear space requirements explained in the paragraphs above.
  • Figure 69
    • Caption: The clear space for utilities can overlap at campsites.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a campground sewer connection and an electrical connection pedestal adjacent to a parking spur. Dimensions show how clear space for the utility connections can overlap, as explained in the paragraph above.
  • Figure 70
    • Caption: The requirements for water hydrants.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a campground water hydrant adjacent to an outdoor recreation access route. Dimensions show hydrant height and clear space requirements as explained in the paragraphs above. A dimension also shows that if there is a grate to control water splash or runoff, gaps between grate slats cannot be more than one-half inch (13 millimeters) wide.
  • Figure 71
    • Caption: This accessible handpump was developed by the Missoula Technology and Development Center.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of a woman using a wheelchair operating an accessible handpump with one hand.
  • Figure 72
    • Caption: The requirements for utility sinks.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a utility sink hanging from a wall at a picnic shelter. There is a wood bench beside the sink. Dimensions show height and clear space requirements explained in the paragraphs above.
  • Figure 73
    • Caption: The requirements for benches.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a woman and a man watching a small child sitting on the ground by an outdoor recreation access route. The woman is sitting on the end of a bench with an armrest in the middle. The man using a wheelchair is sitting beside her. Dimensions show height and clear space requirements explained in the paragraphs above and below.
  • Figure 74
    • Caption: The requirements for trash and recycling containers.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a two-bin waste container and a 3-bin recycling container. Each bin of the recycling container is labeled to accept a different type of material. Dimensions show height, slope, and clear space requirements described in the paragraph below.
  • Figure 75
    • Caption: Grizzly bears have the power and persistence to get food that is not secured properly.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of a grizzly bear attempting to bite through a large plastic container.
  • Figure 76
    • Caption: The overlook on the San Juan Skyway scenic byway in Colorado allows all visitors to enjoy the view.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of several people with and without disabilities, at a scenic overlook with mountainous vistas surrounding them.
  • Figure 77
    • Caption: This overlook has two levels so the railing can be lower at the upper viewing area.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a two-level scenic overlook on a hill above a large lake. Dimensions show that the upper viewing area is less than 30 inches (760 millimeters) higher than the lower viewing area. It also shows that the rail around the upper viewing area only has to be 32 inches (815 millimeters) high, while the rail around the lower viewing area must be at least 42 inches (1,065 millimeters) high.
  • Figure 78
    • Caption: Signs placed to create a barrier at an overlook.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of interpretive signs with a mortared rock base that is located to provide a barrier between a viewing area and a dropoff.
  • Figure 79
    • Caption: This railing is safe, meets code requirements, and provides a great view, even when you look through the rails.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of a painted steel pipe guardrail around a viewing area. The view of boats on the water is clearly visible through the vertical rails.
  • Figure 80
    • Caption: Caution: railings with horizontal rails make an inviting ladder for small children.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of a little girl standing on the middle rail of a guardrail and looking at the view of a big lake.
  • Figure 81
    • Caption: The requirements for turning space at a viewing area.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a man using a wheelchair at a stone paved overlook. Low, rounded mountains are visible in the distance. A dimension shows the 60-inch (1,525 millimeter) turning space requirement.
  • Figure 82
    • Caption: The requirements for a "T" turning space at a viewing area.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of two people looking at a waterfall from a "T"-shaped overlook surrounded by a steel pipe guardrail. Dimensions show the turning space requirements explained in the paragraph above.
  • Figure 83
    • Caption: The requirements for telescopes and periscopes.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a man standing and looking through a telescope and a woman using a wheelchair looking through a different telescope. They are viewing a columnar basalt formation from a viewing area. Dimensions show height requirements for lower and higher mounted telescopes, as explained in the paragraphs above.
  • Figure 84
    • Caption: A fiberglass riser for a pit toilet in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of a pit toilet with no walls, surrounded by forest. The toilet is a simple square riser with an integral seat and a backrest lid.
  • Figure 85
    • Caption: The requirements for grab bars in pit toilets.
    • Alt tag description: Schematic illustration of the inside of a pit toilet. The design illustrates required grab bar locations and dimensions explained in the paragraphs above and below.
  • Figure 86
    • Caption: The requirements for a "T" turning space in a pit toilet.
    • Alt tag description: Schematic illustration of the inside of a pit toilet with walls. Dimensions show the size and configuration of a "T"-shaped turning space and the required clear space, as explained in the paragraph above.
  • Figure 87
    • Caption: The requirements for clear space at an unenclosed toilet.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a pit toilet with no walls, similar to the one shown in figure 84. Dimensions show the clear space requirements explained in the paragraph above.
  • Figure 88
    • Caption: The two accesses to an uphill-downhill composting toilet.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of the public and maintenance accesses of an uphill-downhill composting toilet. Public access is via a short, rustic bridge from a hillside to the main floor of the structure. Maintenance access is through a door to the basement on the opposite side of the structure, down a steep hill. The log structure is sized for a single toilet riser.
  • Figure 89
    • Caption: The requirements for a vertical grab bar.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of an outdoor rinsing shower. Two people are playing with a beach ball near the shore in the background. The rinsing shower has two heads located on opposite sides of a post and vertical grab bars. Dimensions show the clear space and grab bar location requirements explained in the paragraphs above.
  • Figure 90
    • Caption: The requirements for a circular grab bar.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of an outdoor rinsing shower. Two people with floating toys are walking toward a beach in the background. The rinsing shower has two heads located on adjacent sides of a post. A grab bar circles the post. Dimensions show the clear space and grab bar location requirements explained in the paragraphs above.
  • Figure 91
    • Caption: The requirements for horizontal grab bars.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of two shower heads on the outside of a building wall. Each shower head has a horizontal grab bar. Dimensions show the clear space and grab bar location requirements explained in the paragraphs above.
  • International symbols indicating accessibility: Figures 92 through 101
  • Figure 92
    • Caption: Information.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of an question mark inside a circle.
  • Figure 93
    • Caption: International Symbol of Accessibility.
    • Alt tag description: Schematic illustration of a person using a wheelchair.
  • Figure 94
    • Caption: Teletypewriter (frequently abbreviated as "TTY").
    • Alt tag description: Schematic illustration of a telephone handset with keyboard keys under it.
  • Figure 95
    • Caption: Telephone with volume control.
    • Alt tag description: Schematic illustration of a telephone handset with six curved lines schematically representing sound waves to the right of the top end of the handset.
  • Figure 96
    • Caption: Video or film is closed caption.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of the letters cc.
  • Figure 97
    • Caption: Audio description available.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of the letters AD. Three curved lines schematically representing sound waves are at the right side of the letter D.
  • Figure 98
    • Caption: Assistive listening system available.
    • Alt tag description: Schematic illustration of an ear with two curved lines representing sound waves to the right of the upper ear, and schematic representation of a sliding volume adjustment bar below the opening of the ear.
  • Figure 99
    • Caption: Sign language interpretation available.
    • Alt tag description: Schematic illustration of two adjacent hands. The index finger and thumb are touching in the shape of a circle on both of the hands. Other fingers of the left hand point up and the right hand point down.
  • Figure 100
    • Caption: Large-print (18-point) materials available.
    • Alt tag description: Text reading: Large Print.
  • Figure 101
    • Caption: Materials available in Braille.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of six dots, with three dots located side-by-side in two columns. Below the dots is text that reads: Braille.
  • Figure 102
    • Caption: Hiking is for everyone.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of four adults, two children, and a service dog walking on a paved trail.
  • Figure 103
    • Caption: This giant sequoia grove is an example of a significant natural feature.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of a trail winding through a grove of large sequoia trees.
  • Figure 104
    • Caption: A 5-percent grade trail on a steep hill.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration showing a gently sloped trail on a hill with three switchbacks.
  • Figure 105
    • Caption: A traditional trail grade on a steep hill.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration showing a steep trail on a hill with one switchback.
  • Figure 106
    • Caption: This trail section is over 500 feet (152 meters) long and must be accessible.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a van parked at a trailhead and a trail winding quite a distance to a boulder field, where the trail becomes indistinct. Text indicates the trail must be accessible from the parking lot to the boulder field.
  • Figure 107
    • Caption: There are no uncorrectable barriers between the end of this trail and the waterfall, so this section of the trail must be accessible.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a car parked in a trailhead lot with a trail winding into the woods and past a waterfall. The trail becomes indistinct beyond the waterfall. Text indicates that the trail must be accessible from the parking lot to the waterfall.
  • Figure 108
    • Caption: All hikers can enjoy this beautiful alpine lake.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of several people, with and without disabilities, on a raised boardwalk beside an alpine lake.
  • Figure 109
    • Caption: The 33-inch (840-millimeter) rock face is an example of an extreme environmental barrier.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a hiker wearing a backpack approaching a section of trail where natural rock outcroppings create 13-inch (330 millimeter) and 33-inch (840 millimeter) vertical barriers in the route. Text indicates the height of the two barriers.
  • Figure 110
    • Caption: The requirements for accessible slopes at a drain dip.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a woman using a wheelchair approaching a drain dip in a trail. Dimensions show slope and distance requirements explained in the paragraph above.
  • Figure 111
    • Caption: Determining the slope ratio.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of two people measuring an outdoor recreation access route running slope. Run distance equals A, rise distance equals B. B divided by A equals slope per foot (meter) C. Slope percent equals 100 times C. A divided by B equals D. Slope ratio equals 1 to D.
  • Figure 112
    • Caption: The running slope is measured along a trail's length; the cross slope is measured across its width.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a person with a day pack hiking uphill on a trail. Text and arrows indicate that cross slope is perpendicular to the trail, and running slope is along the trail's length.
  • Figure 113
    • Caption: The requirements for resting intervals.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of an older man using a cane walking on a trail, while a boy balances on one foot on a log beside the trail. There is a resting interval a short distance up the trail. Dimensions show the size and slope requirements for the resting interval explained in the paragraph above.
  • Figure 114
    • Caption: The requirements for a resting interval at a "T" intersection.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of an older man using a cane walking on a trail that intersects with another trail a short distance ahead. Dimensions show the size and slope requirements for the trail intersection to serve as a resting interval, as explained in the paragraph above.
  • Figure 115
    • Caption: The requirements for clear tread width on a trail.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of two people hiking on a trail that passes between a steep hillside and a large tree. Dimensions show the required 36-inch (915-millimeter) clear tread width.
  • Figure 116
    • Caption: The requirements for passing spaces.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a man using a wheelchair watching a dog while he sits in a wide section of a trail. Another man with a day pack is walking past. Dimensions show size and slope requirements for the passing space explained in the paragraph above.
  • Figure 117
    • Caption: The requirements for passing spaces at "T" intersections.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a "T"-intersection of two trails. A man with a service dog is approaching the intersection from one side. A man and woman are approaching from another side. Dimensions show size and slope requirements for the trail intersection to serve as a passing space, as explained in the paragraph above.
  • Figure 118
    • Caption: A warning barrier is required wherever vertical clearance is insufficient.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a man using a cane to search for the edge of a trail. He is shown encountering rocks that have been situated as a barrier warning of vertical clearance less than 80 inches (2,030 millimeters).
  • Figure 119
    • Caption: Entering a cave in an undeveloped area managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of a woman with sunglasses and a cane in a slot canyon, using her free hand to search the top of the entrance to a cave in the side of the bedrock canyon wall.
  • Figure 120
    • Caption: The requirements for openings in the trail surface that are perpendicular to the direction of travel.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a boardwalk trail. The text on the illustration indicates the boards perpendicular to the direction of travel are each separated by no more than one-half inch of space.
  • Figure 121
    • Caption: The requirements for openings in the trail surface that are parallel to the direction of travel.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of a boardwalk trail. The text on the illustration indicates the boards parallel to the direction of travel must be spaced less than one-quarter inch apart.
  • Figure 122
    • Caption: A hiker searches the edge of a trail.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of a man using his cane to search the edge of the trail he is hiking.
  • Figure 123
    • Caption: Surveying trail grade with a hand level.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of two people using a hand level, survey rod, and survey tape to determine the grade of a section of trail. One man holds the survey rod at the lower end of the trail segment. The other man looks through the hand level at the survey rod from the upper end of the trail segment. The survey tape is stretched between the two men. Text indicates that A equals the horizontal distance of the trail segment measured with the survey tape, B equals the known height between the ground and the hand level, and C equals the height above the ground that is observed on the survey rod by the person looking through the hand level. C minus B equals the vertical distance D between the lower end of the trail segment and upper end of the trail segment, D divided by A equals the slope per foot (or meter) E of the trail segment. The slope percent equals 100 times E. A divided by D equals F. The slope ratio equals 1 to F.
  • Figure 124
    • Caption: Surveying trail grade with a digital level.
    • Alt tag description: Illustration of two people using a survey tape and digital level to determine the grade of a section of trail. One person is at each end of the trail segment. The survey tape is stretched on the trail between them. The digital level is on the trail with its long dimension parallel to the direction of travel. Text explains that the survey tape measures the running distance, and the digital level displays the slope.
  • Figure 125
    • Caption: Using the rotational penetrometer to determine whether a surface is firm and stable.
    • Alt tag description: Photo of a person adjusting the pressure on the wheel of a rotational penetrometer. The rotational penetrometer is a wheelchair caster that is mounted within a frame. The frame holds the caster in position against the ground while it is swiveled by hand using an attached rod. This action simulates wheelchair traffic on a surface.
  • Figure 126
    • Caption: This trail schematic illustrates how to determine where the trail must comply with the FSTAG.
    • Alt tag description: Schematic illustration of a trail from a trailhead to Herman's Peak. Text repeats information described in the Design Tip above.

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