Frequently Asked Questions

The simple answer to the question is that the operable part (the lid) of the trail leaflet box should be no higher than 40 inches from the ground.

Q: What are the accessibility standards for trail leaflet box installation height (number of inches from ground surface to lid of the box)? The leaflet box holds trailguides at trailheads.

A: The simple answer to the question is that the operable part (the lid) of the trail leaflet box should be no higher than 40 inches from the ground. However, there are additional requirements to be aware of since the leaflet box is only one component of a self-guiding trail.

The law (Section 504 of the 1973 Rehab Act) requires that we look at "programs in their entirety", to quote the law. In this case, lets call this 'program' a self-guiding trail. The 'components' of a self-guiding trail are comprised of (as a minimum): 1) parking, 2) access route from the parking to the trailhead, 3) trailhead with the leaflet box, 4) the trail, and 5) wayside exhibits. For the program to be accessible ALL the components have to be accessible.

A few words about requirements for persons using wheelchairs. Wheelchairs typically averages 30" x 48" and require a minimum of 5' x 5' maneuver room to access things like leaflet holders, pay phones, and the like. Subsequently, the standard (Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards, UFAS) 5' space needs to be "level" (a 2% maximum cross-slope and a 2% maximum running slope).

UFAS requires trail (access route in accessibility terminology) to be 36" minimum - ideally 42", and the 5' x 5' space for the leaflet box should be off to the side of the access route to allow for the maneuvering room - so as to not block the main access route. I also suggest the 5' x5' space be provided for each wayside exhibit - so if a chair-user decides to turnaround and not complete the walk, he/she is provided the 5' x 5' space needed to do that.