What Are Universally Accessible, All Persons Trails
All Persons Trails are universally accessible trails that have been designed to meet or exceed the ABA (Architectural Barriers Act) access standards, or the US Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines for access. These trails allow someone with a mobility device, limited mobility, a balance challenge, low vision, or blindness to use them to experience nature or green space. Universally accessible trails can take many forms; some are unpaved, with surfaces of dirt, gravel fines, stone dust, or wooden decking, others have pavement (like the bike trails). The grade/incline, and cross slope of these trails are carefully managed so they don't exceed ABA/USFS guidelines. They also have inclusive wayfinding signage, and resting areas.
Unpaved trails are especially important because they provide access to nature regardless of age or ability, and studies have shown that natural forest or wilderness-like spaces provide greater health benefits when compared to paved spaces, such as parks and bike trails. Unfortunately, Massachusetts has a severe lack of all persons/universally accessible unpaved trails in both our State Parks and in our cities and towns.
We hope to change that! Everyone should have access to nature and the health benefits it offers. Visit our page about why these trails are needed to learn more about these health benefits.
Below you'll find some photo examples of unpaved universally accessible all persons trails in Massachusetts.
Visit A Trail: We encourage you to visit all persons trails and see for yourself how important and well-loved these spaces are! To find a trail near you, check out our trail lists for Western Mass, and Central & Eastern Mass.
Build A Trail: If you're interested in building an accessible all person's trail, check out our resources page and see how we can help. We'd also love to add your trail to our trail list!
4 Ways You Can Help:
1. Join Us, People = Power. More voices help this cause. Learn More Here
2. Get Emails To Stay Informed About Progress. Sign up for email updates here.
3. Contact City Government and tell them you support adding universally accessible unpaved trails -
Here's a link to contact Northampton's City Councilors. Once at the city's website click the "contact" tab.
Here's a link to contact the Director Of Planning & Sustainability
4. Add Your Signature To The Petition(s)- Sign The State Petition, Sign The Northampton Petition.