Accessible Overlooks and Scenic Viewing Areas at US Forest Service Facilities
Information reproduced from the USDA Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation and Trails.
Forest Service View Area
Because overlooks and viewing areas at US Forest Service facilities are destination points, they must be accessible so all visitors can enjoy the viewing opportunities. Each viewing area at an overlook and all the site furnishings, constructed features, and buildings in it, should comply with applicable Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG) and Architectural Barrier Act (ABA) provisions. The photo on the right is representative of a viewing area.
Forest Service Scenic Overlook
Scenic overlooks and viewing areas in US Forest Service recreation settings must be located along an outdoor recreation access route (ORAR) that connects to the other major features at the site, including the parking area. The photo on the left is representative of a scenic overlook.
If a condition for an exception prohibits full compliance with a specific technical requirement for a portion of an ORAR at a viewing area, you only must ensure that portion of the ORAR complies with the technical requirement to the extent practicable.
When something is changed within an existing overlook or viewing area, but the circulation path isn’t altered, you don’t have to bring the path up to ORAR standards. Even though it’s not required, renovations almost always provide the perfect opportunity to bring the paths up to ORAR standards so that everyone can get to the viewing area or overlook.
Each viewing area that is required to be accessible should have a clear ground or floor space that is at least 36 inches (915 millimeters) by 48 inches (1,220 millimeters) and is positioned for either a forward or parallel approach to the viewing location. The graphic below is representative of a clear space.
Clear Space 30X48 Inches
Each accessible viewing area must also have at least one circular turning space that is 60 inches (1,525 millimeters) minimum in diameter or is a T-shaped space with a minimum 60 by 36 inch (1,525- by 915-millimeter) arm and a minimum 36-inch (915-millimeter) -wide by 24-inch (610-millimeter) -long base. The clear ground space and turning space may overlap. The turning space requirement is the same as ABA section 304.3. These spaces allow disabled individuals using a wheelchair or other assistive device to approach, move about the viewing area, and/or turn and leave the viewing area. The graphic below is representative of these options for turning space.
Turning Space Options
The graphic below is representative of a 60 inch circular turning space at a scenic overlook or viewing area.
60 inch Circular Turning Space at a Scenic Overlook or Viewing Area
The graphic below is representative of a T-shaped turning space at a scenic overlook or viewing area.
T-Shaped Turning Space at Scenic Overlook or Viewing Area
If there are several viewing areas, at least one accessible, unrestricted viewing opportunity should be provided for each distinct point of interest. An unrestricted viewing opportunity means a clear field of vision toward the vista or point of interest that extends at least from 32 to 51 inches (815 to 1,295 millimeters) above the entire side of the clear floor or ground space of the viewing area.
The slope of clear floor or ground spaces and turning spaces should not exceed 1:48 (2 percent) in any direction. When the surface is not paved or built with boards, slopes up to 1:33 (3 percent) in any direction are allowed if needed for proper drainage. The surface should be firm and stable and of a material that is appropriate to the setting and level of development. Openings in the surface of clear ground spaces and turning spaces should be small enough that a ½-inch (13 millimeter) diameter sphere cannot get through them. Elongated openings more than 1/4 inch wide should be placed with the long dimension perpendicular to the primary direction of travel.
If the overlook or viewing area has a drop-off more than 30 inches vertical, provide a guardrail or barrier that complies with the height and opening requirements of the International Building Code, sections 1012.2 and 1012.3. Wall mounted accessible signs can provide protection like a guardrail. The graphic below is representative.
Scenic Overlook with Drop-off and Barrier from Stone Wall and Signs
The photo below is representative of a practical application of this design installation where a guardrail and signs protect individuals from the drop-off.
A Guardrail and Signs Protect Individuals from the Drop-off