“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.
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