2013 Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines (FSTAG)

7.3 Definitions

All trail-related definitions used in the FSTAG are from the Forest Service Manual or Handbook, the Forest Service Infra Trails Module, Trail Assessment and Condition Survey (TRACS) reference materials, or are mandated by the Access Board.

“Accessible Trail” is a term to avoid.

The technical provisions in section 7.4 of the FSTAG allow for grades up to 12 percent. While such grades are understandable in challenging terrain as hiking paths selected by choice, the general public’s expectation of an “accessible” pathway is that it have a gentle grade and other uniform factors. In addition, most trails constructed under the FSTAG use exceptions to some extent in order to maintain the nature of the setting.

Therefore, a trail that has been constructed in accordance with the FSTAG should be advertised as a “trail that complies with the trail accessibility guidelines”, rather than as an “accessible trail”. Information concerning grades, etc. is to be posted along with other trail information on websites, trailhead signs, and so forth. Each visitor can then select the trail that best meets their recreation experience and expectations.

Alteration.

A change in the original purpose, intent, or function of a trail. 

Camp Shelter.

A partially enclosed structure that provides campers and hikers cover from weather and that does not contain plumbing fixtures or kitchen appliances.  Camp shelters are not cabins, which are typically larger and are required to comply with ABAAS section 806 for transient lodging where short term accommodations are provided.

Constructed Features.

• Associated Constructed Feature.  A constructed element associated with a trail that provides support for trail users, but is not a part of the trail tread.  Examples include overnight shelters, toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and tent pads.  Refer to the FSORAG for the technical provisions for associated constructed features.

• Trail Constructed Feature.  A constructed feature that functions as part of the trail tread. Examples include puncheon, trail bridges, boardwalks, waterbars, and switchbacks. For a listing of trail constructed features, refer to the trail documentation available at http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/trail-management/index.shtml  or available to Forest Service employees at http://fsweb.wo.fs.fed.us/rhwr/ibsc/tr-cost.shtml

Designed Use.

The “Managed Use” of a trail that requires the most demanding design, construction, and maintenance parameters. In conjunction with the applicable “Trail Class,” designed use determines which design parameters will apply to a trail. It is an FTDS term for the intended use that controls the geometric design of a trail and determines the level to which it should be maintained. There is only one “Designed Use” per trail or trail segment.

Federal Trail Data Standards (FTDS).

Standardized terminology that enable national, regional, and State trail managers, and the public, to use mutually understood terminology for recording, retrieving, and applying spatial and tabular information. FTDS make it easier for trail information to be accessed, exchanged, and used by more than one individual, agency, or group. The data standards are available at http://www.nps.gov/gis/trails/Doc2/Federal_Trail_Data_Standards_Final_20111108.pdf

Hiker/Pedestrian Trail.

A trail with a designed use of hiker/pedestrian that is designed, constructed, and maintained for hiker/pedestrian use. 

Limiting Factor.

An extreme, uncorrectable environmental barrier that makes the trail beyond the barrier unreachable for many people with mobility limitations.

Maintenance.

Routine or periodic repair of trails or trail segments to restore them to the standards to which they were originally designed and built.  Maintenance does not change the original purpose, intent, or design of a trail.

Managed Use.

An FTDS term for the mode(s) of travel for which a trail is actively managed. Managed uses are the specific types of trail use that are allowed by management decision or intent on a specific trail or portion of a trail. Each trail or trail segment may have more than one “Managed Use.” For example, a trail may be managed for both equestrian and hiker/pedestrian use in the summer and for cross-country skiing in the winter.

Outdoor Recreation Access Route (ORAR).

A continuous, unobstructed path for pedestrian use that connects elements in an outdoor recreation area such as a picnic area, campground, or trailhead.

Pit Toilet.

A primitive outhouse consisting of a toilet riser over a hole dug into the ground or receptacle to receive and naturally decompose human waste.  Pit toilets are provided primarily for resource protection and are only constructed at recreation sites with a Recreation Site Development Scale level of 2 of less. A pit toilet riser may or may not be surrounded by walls and may or may not have a roof.  A pit toilet may be permanently installed or may be moved from one location to another as the pit is filled or the area becomes severely impacted from use.  Waste may be disposed of directly into the pit or may be composted.

Practicable.

Practicable in this context means the work can be completed within the limits of the applicable Conditions for an Exception and results in a useful improvement for all.

Prominent Feature.

A natural, cultural, or historic feature located along or adjacent to a trail that is determined by a trail designer or manager to have national, regional, or local distinction or significance.  A prominent feature may be the focal point, main attraction, or destination of a trail, or it may simply be an interesting secondary feature.  Examples include but are not limited to boulder outcrops, waterfalls, groupings of old or unique trees or other vegetation, vistas that may or may not be part of a developed overlook, and cultural or historic structures.

Protruding Object.

A constructed feature such as a sign that extends into the trail tread more than 4 inches (100 mm) between 27 inches (685 mm) and 80 inches (2030 mm) above the trail tread.  Accessibility guidelines for protruding objects do not apply to naturally occurring objects, such as tree branches, or rock ledges. However, safety regulations or Forest Service construction and maintenance standards may define clear space and limit overhangs of natural protruding objects.

Provisions.

The sections of accessibility guidelines and standards that explain what is required for specific situations and facilities (parking, picnic tables, trails, etc.)

Recreation Site.

An area that is improved, developed, or otherwise identified for recreation and that has a development scale of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 (See Forest Service Handbook 2309.13, Chapter 10 – Exhibit 01).

Reconstruction.

This term is not used in Federal accessibility guidelines or the FSTAG and FSORAG, even though it is used frequently by personnel who work in recreation and trails. For the purposes of the FSTAG and FSORAG, actions are categorized as construction, alteration, or maintenance.

Scoping Requirement.

Specifications of where, when, and how much of a constructed features detailed in the accessibility guidelines technical requirements must be met in order to comply with the FSTAG.

Slope.

The incline of a surface.

• Cross Slope.  The percentage of rise to length, which is the difference in elevation,  when measuring the trail tread from edge to edge perpendicular to the direction of travel This may be expressed as the percentage of change in elevation or as a ratio of vertical distance to horizontal distance.  The percentage is shown in parentheses in these guidelines.

• Running Slope (Grade).  The ascent or descent of a trail segment expressed as a percentage of its length, which is the difference in elevation of a section of a trail measured parallel to the predominant direction of travel. This may be expressed as a ratio of vertical distance to horizontal distance or as the percentage of change in elevation.  The percentage is shown in parentheses in these guidelines.

Surface.

The top layer of a trail.

• Firm. A firm surface resists deformation by indentations. During the planning process, firmness must be evaluated for noticeable distortion or compression during the seasons for which the surface is managed, under normally occurring weather conditions.

• Stable. A surface is not permanently affected by expected weather conditions and can sustain normal wear and tear from the expected use(s) of the area, between planned maintenance.

Technical Requirements.

Are the specific numbers, conditions, and measurements that are required to be achieved (percent that must comply, dimensions, reach ranges, grades, trail width, etc.).

Trail.

For purposes of the FSTAG and FSORAG, a trail is a pedestrian route developed primarily for outdoor recreational hiking purposes.  A pedestrian route provided primarily to connect elements, spaces, or facilities within a site is not a trail; it is an outdoor recreation access route (ORAR).

Trail Class.

The prescribed scale of development for a trail, representing its intended design and management standards.

Trail Grade.

The ascent or descent of a trail segment expressed as a percentage of its length. When expressed as a ratio of rise to length to the term used is running slope.

Trailhead.

For the purpose of the FSTAG a trailhead is an outdoor space that is designated by the entity responsible for administering or maintaining the trail to serve as a primary access point to the trail. The simple junction of two or more trails, or the undeveloped junction of a trail and a road, is not a trailhead.

Trail Segment.

The portion of a trail being planned, evaluated, or constructed.

Trail Tread.

The portion of a trail upon which traffic moves.

Trail Terminus.

For the purpose of the FSTAG the trail terminus is the beginning or ending point of a trail or trail segment, where a trail assessment or trail work begins or ends.

Tread Width.

The visible trail surface measured perpendicular to the direction of travel.

• Clear Tread Width. The width of the usable trail tread and adjacent usable surface.

• Minimum Tread Width. The width of the usable part of the tread width at the narrowest point on a trail.

• Minimum Trail Width. The width of the trail tread and the adjacent usable surface at the narrowest point on a trail. 

Wheelchair.

A device, including one that is a battery-powered, that is designed solely for use by a mobility-impaired person for locomotion and that is suitable for use in an indoor pedestrian area.  A person whose disability requires use of a wheelchair or mobility device may use a wheelchair or mobility device that meets both parts of this definition anywhere foot travel is permitted (per 36 CFR 212, FSM 2350, and in Federally designated wilderness under ADA Title V, section 508c).