Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation and Trails

Clear Tread Width of Trails

Clear tread width is the width of traveled surface between obstacles on the ground and above the ground (figure 129). Provide at least 36 inches (915 millimeters) of clear tread width. An exception permits the width to be reduced to 32 inches (815 millimeters) minimum if a condition for an exception prevents the wider tread. If even the reduced width of 32 inches can't be met due a condition for an exception, the first general exception allows achieving the width requirement to the extent practicable.

Figure 129—The requirements for clear tread width on a trail.