[TimTucker]

Going to build an arbor over part of our backyard trail and was wondering what a good height would be for clearance underneath.

Looking at various general guides for bridges, tunnels, etc. I see figures thrown about anywhere from 6'8" (standard doorway height) to 14' (minimum unmarked road overpass height). Most of the trails I've seen with features that go under / over under each other on YouTube seem to be somewhere on the lower end of that range, but it's hard to tell.

What's a reasonable height where most riders standing up wouldn't have an issue passing through?

Would something like 7'6" be a safe assumption? (6'6" rider standing straight up over a bottom bracket 12" high)

 

[chazpat]

How big will the arbor be and what will it be used for (plants growing on it?). If it's very big, proportionally it should be high enough that a rider can clear it without any concern. 7'6" sounds kind of low unless it is a smaller structure.

 

[TimTucker]

How big will the arbor be and what will it be used for (plants growing on it?). If it's very big, proportionally it should be high enough that a rider can clear it without any concern. 7'6" sounds kind of low unless it is a smaller structure.

It'll be over the ramp in the middle of the photo below (left path will just have a small ramp down / right path will extend a little to small drops):


The arbor will extend about 28" on each side (from a little before the slope ends to a little past where the top starts) and about 42" wide in the middle.

Planning on putting lattice on the sides for plants, but also need something to attach some solar lights to, since the ramp itself blocks the light from the flood lights on the garage.

 

[chazpat]

Ah, ok, I thought maybe it was going to be a larger structure that would also hang over your trail. I would think door height would be plenty, 78" should still be ok. But consider what kind of plants you'll have growing on it; some vines can get pretty crazy. And they might attract bees.