Trail access information signs

Learn how to use trail access information signs at DCR trails. This legend explains the icons on the signs and how they are used, as well as related concepts.

You’ll find trail access information at selected trails at Massachusetts State Parks, following best practices established by the US Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines. A sign at the trailhead shows key information at trails that have been designed or designated for accessibility. This helps you make a decision about which trails to hike based on your abilities and the kind of hike you seek. 

Sign information

You will see the following trail access information provided on trailhead signs:

• Trail name
• Length of the trail
• Typical and maximum trail slope (also known as grade)
• Typical and maximum trail cross slope
• Typical and minimum trail width
• Type of surface on the trail
• Information about major obstacles in the trail
• The date of the assessment of trail conditions

An example of a trail access information sign.

Length

Length is shown in miles with a decimal point to indicate portions of a mile. The distance is measured based on the trail type: one way for single sections of trails, round trip for loop trails, or total distance for multi-trail systems.

Slope and cross slope

The slope icon.

Slope is the grade or incline/decline in the direction of travel.

The cross slope icon.

Cross slope is the grade perpendicular to (going across) the direction of travel.

Slopes are shown with percentages to indicate the degree of the slope. 

Typical slope and cross slope show the usual type of slope you’ll encounter on much of the trail.

Maximum slope and cross slope show the highest percentage of slope you’ll find on the whole trail.

Understanding Slopes

Higher slopes require more effort to navigate. For reference, a standard wheelchair accessible ramp measures 8.33%.

5% - many active mobility device users are independent; assistance might be required.

10% - active and power wheelchair users are likely to be independent.

15% - mobility device users likely to need support, depending on distance and trail surface.

20% - terrain is more strenuous for walking hikers, especially with long distance grades.

20%+ - above 20%, expect a strenuous workout.

Trail width

The trail width icon.

Trail width will tell you the typical and minimum width of the trail. The typical width is the width on the majority of the trail. The minimum width is the narrowest part of the trail. If you're using a mobility device, this information helps you know whether or not your device can pass. Typical and minimum width may be written in feet or inches.

Surface

The trail surface matters for user experience, especially if you are hiking with a mobility device. Firm and stable surfaces prevent your assistive devices from sinking into the surface. Wheels and crutches won't dig into firm surfaces and leave ruts or divots. Stable trails surfaces aren't affected by normal weather conditions and can sustain normal wear and tear from hikers between planned maintenance. 

Surface types

The surface icon on the sign will tell you the typical surface of the trail. Look for additional information in the text description to learn if there are multiple surface types or other trail surface information.

Paved: Firm, stable, and slip resistant. For example, asphalt or concrete.

Hard: Firm, stable, and slip resistant, but not paved. For example: wood decking, compacted stone dust.

Firm: Firm but not stable. For example, packed dirt, which may be firm when it is dry but soft when it rains.

Soft: Neither firm nor stable. For example, loose dirt, gravel, mulch, grass.

Very soft: Neither firm nor stable. For example: fine sand, pea gravel.

Rough: Uneven bumpy surface. May be a mix of firm and loose, for example, gravel on top of hard packed dirt. May have roots/rocks under 2” high.

Obstacles

An obstacle icon.

An obstacle is anything that interrupts the evenness of a walking surface. On trails, common natural obstacles are ruts, roots, and rocks in the trail surface. Roots and rocks over 2” high are considered obstacles if a standard manual wheelchair (36” wide) cannot pass around them on the trail.

Constructed features on trails can also be obstacles, including water bars, steps or stairs, and thresholds to bridges, boardwalks, or decks. On sections of trails that are paved or built with boards, any changes in level over 1/2" high are considered obstacles.

If there are no obstacles on a trail, you'll see an icon with a foot on an unobstructed trail.

For trails with obstacles, the obstacle icon will change to show the most common type of obstacles found on the trail. Text will give you further information about the types of obstacles.

Trail assessment date

The trail assessment date is shown as the month and year for reference. Remember that trail conditions are subject to change with the seasons and over time. Please contact the park in advance if you need updated information before you go.