Location: Identify the park in which the trail is located. If not in a park, identify nearest town or cross roads. If you choose to, you can pull latitude and longitude from Google Earth or GPS. Put directions in the Trail Description narrative later.
Length: What is the distance of the trail from the trailhead, the official beginning of the trail? This distance may be the length to the first obstacle which kept you from going further. Give only the length that you experienced yourself. The length may be supplied by the park, or you may be able to measure the length with Google Earth or another mapping program.
Trail width: What is the width of the trail tread, the surface of the trail that was designed to be walked on, or the main path of travel? For our map, we prefer a trail width of at least 30 inches (76 cm.) to be most inclusive of hikers who use wheelchairs.
Surface material: Knowing the composition of the trail surface helps a potential user understand what to expect. For example, wood chips are cushiony for someone walking but may be too soft for someone using a manual wheelchair. Sand, loose gravel, and wood chips as well as trail segments that are typically muddy, may be hazardous for someone who has unsure footing or who puts weight on a cane. These materials could be an impassible obstacle for someone using a manual wheelchair.
Trail configuration: Is your trail an out-and-back on the same path or does it make a loop from the start? A lollipop is a single path that leads to a loop and then returns back to the single path.
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Gradient: (optional, but very important if you've got it) Gradient is the steepness of a trail, either uphill or down. Grades are typically given as a percent (%) slope. The % slope numbers may seem awkward until one gets used to how steep a % number is. A horizontal surface is 0% grade. As a reference, an ADA access ramp for a facility cannot be greater than 8.3%, and ramps are typically near that grade. Many individuals who use a manual wheelchair and have good arm and hand strength have difficulty with even short grades greater than 8%, especially for longer distances. Steeper grades may cause some wheelchairs to tip over.
Gradient: (optional, but very important if you've got it) Gradient is the steepness of a trail, either uphill or down. Grades are typically given as a percent (%) slope. The % slope numbers may seem awkward until one gets used to how steep a % number is. A horizontal surface is 0% grade. As a reference, an ADA access ramp for a facility cannot be greater than 8.3%, and ramps are typically near that grade. Many individuals who use a manual wheelchair and have good arm and hand strength have difficulty with even short grades greater than 8%, especially for longer distances. Steeper grades may cause some wheelchairs to tip over.
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At left is an example of grade %. The middle section of the boardwalk is horizontal (0%). The near and distant sections are 8% grade, equivalent to an ADA access ramp maximum. Some trail managing agencies may already have grade and cross slope measured and posted for you on signs, but most do not yet. |
Easy gradient and cross slope measurement technique:
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Typical gradient is your opinion of what the gradient is for most of the trail. Max gradient is the highest you experienced. Higher gradients may become an obstacle to some hikers.
Cross slope: (optional, but very important if you've got it) Cross slope is the sideways tilt of the trail surface either to the left or right in % slope. Higher cross slopes provide uneven footing and make walking with a cane difficult. Manual wheelchairs want to head downhill, even if that is to the side. Cross slope means that manual pushrim wheelchair users are constantly fighting the chair to keep going straight. Cross slopes greater than 5% may be difficult for some hikers. Cross slope can easily be measured with the ruler and Tiltmeter app (instructions above).
Typical cross slope is your opinion of what the gradient is for most of the trail. Max cross slope is the highest you experienced.
Obstacles: Obstacles are features that may interfere with someone’s progress and enjoyment of a path. Obstacles can be rocks, roots, or steps that stick up above the surface more than 2 inches (5cm). A soft surface may be impassible for many people and may end their hike. It is important to know what and where potential obstacles are. Describe any obstacles in your trail description narrative. More examples of obstacles