Outdoor Recreation Access Routes at US Forest Service Facilities
Information reproduced from the USDA Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation and Trails.
Recreation ORAR at Mendenhall Glacier
Section 1.2 of the Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG) defines an outdoor recreation access route (ORAR) as “a continuous, unobstructed path designed for pedestrian use that connects constructed features in a campground, camping unit, picnic area, trailhead, or other recreation site where modifications are provided for visitor convenience and comfort.” The photo on the right shows an ORAR connecting a parking lot and viewing area for the Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska. So the constructed features at this installation are the parking lot and the viewing area. All people must be able to get from the parking lot to the viewing area, so the ORAR is installed between the two constructed features.
ORARs are not required when camping facilities, picnic facilities, viewing areas, or outdoor constructed features are provided on trails. The routes connecting those facilities are to comply with the technical requirements for trails found in the Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines (FSTAG).
Even when ORARs are not required, the Forest Service commitment to universal design dictates that ORARs connect as many features as is practicable, given the specific natural constraints of the site, the level of development, and other considerations.
A trail is not an outdoor recreation access route and is not subject to the requirements for ORARs found in section 2.0 of FSORAG.
When individual elements or constructed features are altered or replaced at existing recreation areas, US Forest Service policy requires that they be accessible. In other words, an ORAR is required. However, if the ground under the element is not changed as part of that alteration or replacement project, this work does not trigger the requirement for an ORAR.
Section 2.0 of FSORAG contains the technical requirements for ORARs to include running and cross slopes, surface conditions, resting intervals, clear tread width, passing spaces, tread obstacles, surface openings, and protruding objects.
Running slope is the lengthwise slope of an ORAR, parallel to the dominant direction of travel. ORAR sections of any length may have a running slope ratio of up to 1:20, a 5-percent grade. Slightly steeper run slopes are allowed for limited run lengths.
Cross slopes—the side-to-side slope of an ORAR—must not exceed 1:33 (3 percent) for a surface that was not constructed. However, if the surface of the ORAR is paved or built with boards (constructed), the cross slope must not be steeper than 1:48 (2.08 percent). The graphic below is representative of run and cross slope limits for an ORAR that is not constructed.
Run and Cross Slope Limits for ORARs not Constructed
The surface of an ORAR and the surface surrounding constructed features must be firm and stable. Note that “slip resistant” is not included as a requirement for an ORAR. So loose gravel is an example of a surface that is not firm and stable, and should not be used for an ORAR.
Resting intervals are relatively level areas that provide an opportunity for people to catch their breath before continuing along the outdoor recreation access route. Resting intervals must be at least 60 inches long and the slopes of a resting interval may not exceed a ratio of 1:33 (3 percent) in any direction. The graphic below is representative.
ORAR Resting Interval In-Line with Route
Clear tread width means the width of the traveled surface on the ground and also above the ground between obstacles or protruding objects. The minimum clear tread width of an ORAR is 36 inches. The clear tread width may be reduced to not less than 32 inches for a length of space no more than 24 inches long. The graphic below is representative.
Clear Width Limits for ORAR
Passing spaces are needed on long ORARs. Where the clear tread width of a route is less than 60 inches, passing spaces are required at least every 200 feet on the ORAR. Passing spaces must be at least 60 inches wide. The graphic below is representative of an ORAR passing space. Note that an ORAR passing space can also serve as a resting interval.
ORAR Passing Space
A tread obstacle is anything that interrupts the evenness of the tread surface. Tread obstacles can be tripping hazards. Where tread obstacles exist along an ORAR, they must not be more than 1 inch (25 millimeters) high. Where the surface is paved or is built with boards, obstacles must not be more than ½ inch (13 millimeters) high. Note that there is no requirement for beveled edges of obstacles as you would find in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Architectural Barriers Act (ABA).
Tread openings are gaps in the surface of an ORAR. Gaps include spaces between the planks on a boardwalk or in a drainage grate. Openings that are big enough to allow wheels, cane or crutch tips, or shoe heels to drop through or get stuck are hazards that should not occur in pedestrian routes. The graphic below is representative. Openings up to 1/2 inch (13 millimeters) wide are permitted. Elongated openings that are more than 1/4 inch wide should have the long dimension perpendicular or diagonal to the primary direction of travel.
ORAR Grate Opening with Incorrect Orientation
Protruding Object Limits on ORAR
Protruding objects at US Forest Service facilities are defined as constructed features (such as signs) that extend into the clear width area of an ORAR, resting interval, or passing space and that are between 27 inches (685 millimeters) and 80 inches (2,030 millimeters) above the travel surface. Constructed features should not extend into the ORAR clear width area more than 4 inches. US Forest Service accessibility guidelines do not consider natural elements (such as tree branches and rock formations) to be protruding objects. The graphic on the right is representative of this requirement.
Avoid the use of outdoor stairs wherever possible. Sometimes, an alteration project at an existing recreation site includes an area where stairs cannot be avoided. When stairs are unavoidable, they should generally meet the requirements for stairs in the ABA. Although these requirements are not mandatory for stairs that are not part of a means of egress for a building, compliance will ensure the stairs are safe and comfortable to use. As a minimum, the handrails for a stair system should comply with the ABA.
SUMMARY: An ORAR is a continuous, unobstructed path within a recreation area that is designed for pedestrian use that connects constructed features where modifications are provided for visitor convenience and comfort. An ORAR is not the same as a trail. A trail typically does not have a constructed surface and a trail may not connect constructed features. An ORAR must comply with FSORAG. A trail must comply with FSTAG.
ORARs should be designed and maintained to meet technical requirements for running and cross slopes, surface conditions, resting intervals, clear tread width, passing spaces, tread obstacles, surface openings, and protruding objects, found in FSORAG.
………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………