Trail Assessments
Practical, professional recommendations to improve and build trails for all mobilities.
What is an Assessment?
Assessments involve evaluating existing trails or proposed sites from the perspective of individuals with mobility challenges. Key aspects of the evaluation include:
Improvement Suggestions: Recommend changes like adjusting slopes, widening paths, or removing obstacles.
Parking: Determine if there is enough space for vans and wheelchair setups.
Signage and Information: Ensure kiosks and trail signs are at accessible heights and easy to read.
Accessible Facilities: Check for the presence and accessibility of toilets.
Trail Information: Verify if trail descriptions include details on grade, surface, width, and bridges.
Post-Rain Conditions: Assess trail conditions after rain and their impact on accessibility.
Assessment Process
An assessment is conducted on-site by a knowledgeable trail builder. If possible, a disabilities advocate or a person with mobility challenges is involved in providing valuable insights. This can be easier with adaptive mountain bike (aMtb) and aquatic trail assessments, as well as pedestrian trails that already have some accessibility features. The process includes:
Written Report: A comprehensive report detailing the findings and recommendations.
Cost: Due to the staff time involved in traveling to a site for a day and writing the report, an assessment is valued at $2,000. There is currently funding through the VHCB REDI program to pay for pedestrian, aMtb, and aquatic trail assessments. You can also reach out to Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA), Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) and Upper Valley Trail Alliance (UVTA) to see if they have funding and staff available to conduct an assessment.
Specialized Skills and Training
Conducting accessibility assessments requires a specific skill set. Many professional trail builders are equipped to perform assessments. To elevate this expertise in Vermont, we partner with organizations to offer training and support on how to conduct assessments and build adaptive mountain bike, pedestrian, and aquatic trails. Contact us at info@vermonttgc.org for more information.
How are Assessments Used?
Assessments are a valuable tool for improving trail accessibility and planning. Here’s how they are utilized:
- Trail Managers: They use the assessment findings to guide their crews or volunteers in making necessary improvements.
- Professional Trail Builders: The assessment is provided to builders to help them prepare accurate build estimates.
- Grant Applications: The assessment is essential when applying for grants such as the Recreation Trails Program (RTP) and the VOREC Community Grant Program.
Once a trail manager has an assessment, they have a critical tool to build an accessible trail. Check out our Trail Talk page to see how trail managers and community members throughout Vermont are using assessments conducted by TAH partners to access funding, build partnerships, and build or improve existing trails.
A Short Video About Why Trail Assessments Matter and How They Work
FAQs
A: The Trail Accessibility Hub is a partnership of trail organizations and disabilities advocates dedicated to improving accessibility on public trails and outdoor recreation areas in Vermont for people with disabilities. The Hub was created in 2024 by Vermont Trails & Greenways Council in partnership with the Upper Valley Trails Alliance, Vermont Mountain Bike Association, Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, Northern Forest Canoe Trail and Trail Finder. VTGS hosts web–based resources that educate trail managers and support trail users. Together, the partnership hosts networking opportunities that connect partners and trail users to accessible trail design and maintenance information, trail grants and funding sources; provide trail assessments and more. Initially funded by the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) Community Grant Program, the TAH is now seeking funding to continue in ‘26 and beyond.
A: Our Trail Accessibility Hub includes a helpful guide to finding wheelchair friendly trails and other types of outdoor recreation that are accessible to all persons. In this guide, you’ll find recommendations for accessible trail apps—like Trailfinder, Google’s ADA Map, and All Trails—as well as blogs and articles about disability friendly trails, accessible activities, and accessible travel resources in Vermont.
A: Trail Finder’s Accessible Experience Search is the easiest way to discover family-friendly outdoor activities that work for a wide range of ages and abilities. You can filter for pedestrian trails, biking routes, paddling access, walking paths, and nature centers that include accessibility details—such as surface type, slope, amenities, rest areas, parking, and restrooms. Many of the listings also note features that make outings easier for families, like stroller-friendly surfaces, short loop options, shade, picnic areas, and nearby playgrounds or educational programs.
A: Mobility equipment and other adaptive sports equipment—like aquatic equipment, all-terrain wheelchairs, adaptive paddling gear, adaptive mountain bikes, and more—can be purchased, rented, or borrowed through several adaptive sports organizations and programs in Vermont. Some of these organizations offer grants to help users purchase mobility equipment. Visit our helpful guide to learn more about the organizations offering these services.
A: Here in Vermont, several companies and organizations specialize in building accessible and adaptive trails. These experts can help make mountain bike trails more usable by people on adaptive equipment, improve aquatic access trails, suggest easy improvements to make pedestrian trails usable by people who may have visual impairments, or use walkers or canes, and ensure your trail project meets ADA accessible trail guidelines and standards. The full list is available on our Professional Trail Builders page.
A: Yes, there are private and public funding sources that can be used to improve trail accessibility. Two popular funding sources in Vermont include the FPR Recreation Trails Program (RTP), and the VOREC Community Grant Program. There is also federal funding for trails and recreational paths. Vermont Trails & Greenways Council continuously monitors available grants and funding sources to support your accessible trail project or other accessible outdoor recreation project. Available trail grants and other resources can be found here.
A: The short answer is, no. The two nationally recognized guidelines for defining trail accessibility are Access Board Guidelines (National guidance applying ADA/ABA principles to outdoor spaces) and the U.S. Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines (FSTAG). Many trails can be greatly improved without being fully compliant with these guidelines. Small, low-cost improvements can still have a big impact. For example, improved parking and trail information at the trailhead, benches and resting spots, and removing tripping hazards can help parents with young children and people who use mobility devices like canes and walkers enjoy trail-based activities. You can learn more about guidelines for building accessible and adaptive trails here.
A: A sensory trail is a trail designed for people living with autism or a neurodivergence. Trails designed with these users in mind typically include sensory-friendly spaces or “alone zones,” predictable and consistent pathways, a video preview of the trail, interactive stations with tactile, auditory, or visual elements, and wayfinding support. Any and all of these features help reduce anxiety and provide an accessible nature experience for neurodivergent trail users.
A: The gold standard for accessible trails include: a minimum 36-inch width with 5-foot passing areas every 1,000 feet (preferably 5 feet throughout), slopes following U.S. Forest Service guidelines that allow up to 5% unlimited distance, 5 to8.33% for up to 200 feet between rest areas, and steeper grades up to 12% for shorter segments with mandatory rest stops. Trails should use hardened multi-layer surfaces like compacted hardpack with crushed stone base, feature accessible parking within 2% slope near the trailhead, include frequent benches with wheelchair space, and provide clear signage with trail information, safety barriers at viewpoints, and accessible restrooms connected by firm pathways. For more detailed information about ideal standards for trail accessibility, click here.
A: A good place to start is to talk with trail managers and disability advocates in your region to share your interest and learn about current projects. While it can be daunting to consider building a new trail, there is strong momentum in the state right now and a lot of helpful resources to get you started. You can find ideas for low-hanging fruit on the Trail Accessibility Hub web pages, attend networking events and workshops, and visit trails being built. Sign up for VTGC’s enews, and we’ll keep you updated. Still have questions? Feel free to contact us at info@ermonttgc.org.
Accessibility Hub Partners
