Categories: ABA LawTravel Tips

ABA Law Overview: Outdoor Recreation Access

Published by
Mark Hehir

The USA ABA, Architectural Barriers Act, was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 and focuses on the the accessibility of buildings and facilities–removing barriers to create more access for those who are physically challenged. The ABA governs that access be made at buildings and facilities that have been designed, built, altered, or leased with Federal funds.

This is a simplified version of the ABA Law that outlines the accessible modifications required for parks and outdoor recreation. For a complete version, please visit access-board.gov.

Rules and Guidelines for Outdoor Accessibility

Trail Update Rules

Trail Make Up Rules

Trail Slope Rules

Trailheads and Trail Facilities

Outdoor Constructed Features

Fishing Piers & Rec Pathways

Picnic Area Facilities

Overlooks and Viewing Areas

Beach Access and Paths

Mark Hehir (15 Posts)

In 1996, my Muscular Dystrophy progressed to the point where I needed a ventilator to help me breathe. As in nature, one learns to adapt to their environment and, for me, that meant adapting to the world around me with physical limitations and from a wheelchair. Seeing that there was little information on accessible hiking trails, I began making videos of each trail I visited so I could share with others in wheelchairs. I'm a published writer, composer, videographer, and amateur nature photographer. Life is what you make it. Please visit my blog for more information on accessible trails in the SF Bay Area.


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Mark Hehir

In 1996, my Muscular Dystrophy progressed to the point where I needed a ventilator to help me breathe. As in nature, one learns to adapt to their environment and, for me, that meant adapting to the world around me with physical limitations and from a wheelchair. Seeing that there was little information on accessible hiking trails, I began making videos of each trail I visited so I could share with others in wheelchairs. I'm a published writer, composer, videographer, and amateur nature photographer. Life is what you make it. Please visit my blog for more information on accessible trails in the SF Bay Area.

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