Resource Library:

Accessible Trail Design

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published Nov 2013

2013 Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines; Outdoor Developed Areas

The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board), are issuing a final rule that amends the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines by adding scoping and technical requirements for camping facilities, picnic facilities, viewing areas, trails, and beach access routes constructed or altered by or on behalf of federal agencies. The final rule ensures that these facilities are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.


published Oct 2017

Accessible Shared Streets

by Federal Highway Administration

This document reviews notable practices and considerations for accommodating pedestrians with vision disabilities on shared streets. It focuses on streets where pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicles are intended to mix in the same space.


published Mar 2023

Adaptive Recreation: Hiking and Biking for Mobility Device Users

by Quinn Brett with National Park Service

This U.S. Fish and Wildlife presentation by Quinn Brett focuses on trail information and trail usability.


published Sep 2022

Age and Dementia Friendly Design Considerations for Physical Infrastructure

by Massachusetts Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease

Inclusive design can address functional needs arising from dementia.


posted Jul 28, 2020

Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Standards (2015)

This document contains scoping and technical requirements for accessibility to sites, facilities, buildings, and elements by individuals with disabilities.


published Jan 1993

Beach Access: Assist Devices and Surfaces

A Research Report of the National Center of Accessibility Original Study Conducted at Bradford Woods (1993)


published May 2008

Best Practices of Accessibility in Parks and Recreation: A Delphi Survey of National Experts in Accessibility

As a result of frequent inquiries regarding best practices from practitioners, NCA initiated this research study in order to ascertain which practices in the field of parks and recreation accessibility management exceed the minimum standards set forth by the ADA and other disability-related legislation.


posted Mar 30, 2018

California State Parks Accessibility Guidelines

by California State Parks, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division

The guidelines are, in essence, a summary of the Federal and State accessibility regulations set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act and California’s Title 24 building codes.


published Jan 2015

California State Parks Accessibility Guidelines

by California State Parks, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division

The Accessibility Guidelines are intended as a reference manual and department policy on accessible design and shall be utilized in planning and implementing regular maintenance activities, construction projects, publications, exhibits, new programs, and special events. The guidelines are not a comprehensive set of requirements for all situations, but rather a summary of information from many sources which provide guidance for common uses in the State Park System. This document is an update to the 2009 edition.


posted Apr 13, 2019

Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines (FSTAG)

by USDA Forest Service

The 2013 FSTAG and the Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG) are the legally enforceable standards for use in outdoor recreation areas on the National Forest System for the facilities, routes, and features addressed in these guidelines.