As a travel writer since 1977, Candy Harrington has been writing about accessible travel exclusively since 1996. She’s the founding editor of Emerging Horizons, and the author of the popular Barrier-Free Travel national park series. With thousands of bylines to her credit, Candy hits the road often, in search of new accessible travel finds. Candy and her travel photographer husband Charles Pannell reside in NE Washington, where they tend to their chicken flock and enjoy a rural lifestyle.
Located in sleepy Mendocino County, just east of the hamlet of Philo, Hendy Woods State Park (www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=438) is home to an off-the-beaten-path wheelchair-accessible redwood grove. And although it’s easy to pass by this secluded park, it’s definitely worth a slight detour on any road trip along scenic Highway 128. Whether it’s for a picnic and a short stroll, a longer hike through the grove, or even a sleep-over in a camping cabin, a stop at Hendy Woods offers wheelchair-users and slow walkers an abundance of options.
Wander Through the Grove
All Access Trail in Hendy Woods State Park
There are several wheelchair-accessible hikes in Hendy Woods, but they all begin in the day use area parking lot. There’s accessible parking in the lot with level access over to the picnic area, where you’ll find several accessible tables under the trees. There’s also an accessible vault toilet near the parking area.
The shortest accessible trail begins on the other side of the picnic area. The .3-mile All Access Trail, is wide, level and doable for just about everyone. The hard-packed dirt trail, which winds through Big Hendy Grove, is lined with redwoods and ferns. The trail ends on the park road; and from there you can double back through the redwoods for a .6-mile hike, or roll along the paved park road back to the day use area.
The accessible Discovery Loop Trail, which branches off of the All Access Trail, is another good choice. This .45 mile hard-packed dirt trail travels through the grove for a nice .85-mile hike. And if you’re up for a longer stroll, then take the Upper Loop Trail which branches off the Discovery Loop for a nice 1.8-mile hike through the grove.
Camp in the Redwoods
Puma Cabin in Hendy Woods Redwood State Park
Although spending the day at Hendy Woods is a treat, there’s nothing quite like spending the night surrounded by the giant redwoods. And although the Azalea Campground offers four accessible campsites, the adjacent Wildcat Campground also boasts a comfortable wheelchair-accessible camping cabin.
The Puma Cabin (1), which is located right across from the visitor center, is pretty basic, but it will save you from pitching a tent. There’s accessible parking on a cement slab in front of the unit, with level access over to the front door. Although there’s a slight lip on the threshold, most folks can bump over it easily. Inside there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair around the bunk bed (double on bottom, single on top), wood stove, table and bench. Bedding is not provided, and you’ll definitely want to bring an air mattress or an egg crate, as the wooden bunks are bare – and hard. Outside there’s level access to a raised grill and an accessible picnic table.
There’s no water or plumbing in the cabin, but an accessible showerhouse is just a short roll away. Both the men’s and women’s sides include a accessible stall, roll-under sinks, and roll-in showers with grab bars, a lowered showerhead and a built-in shower bench. The pay slots for the showers are within easy wheelchair reach, and the accessible shower stalls also feature enlarged changing areas.
Accessible Shower and Toilet in the Showerhouse at Hendy Woods Redwood State Park
All in all the Puma cabin is a rustic but comfortable wheelchair-accessible lodging option. After all, how often do you get to spend the night in an ancient redwood grove?
Barrier-Free Travel California National Park Road Trips for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Last month Elaine Perez-Pena was arrested at O’Hare International Airport for smuggling cocaine. I guess that’s not big news by itself, but to add a little twist to the story, Perez-Pena is supposedly a wheelchair-user — or at least she had a wheelchair in her possession at the time of her arrest. She later admitted that she really didn’t physically require a wheelchair, and the only purpose of her assistive device was to conceal illegal drugs.
Cocaine in the Cushions
So here’s how the smuggling bust went down. Perez-Pena was selected for a secondary inspection after she deplaned in Chicago, not because she was a wheelchair-user, but because she was previously convicted of drug smuggling in 2022. So they gave her luggage a through once-over, and put her wheelchair through the x-ray machine. Although nothing was found in her luggage, there were some abnormalities in the wheelchair cushions X-rays. Subsequently a drug-sniffing dog alerted to the wheelchair, so the authorities tore it apart and found an impressive 14 kilograms of cocaine.
This incident was quite a step up from her last endeavor in 2021, when she concealed a mere three kilograms of cocaine in her luggage on her return from the Dominican Republic. She pleaded guilty to that offense and ended up with “time served” which was about nine months in jail. Perhaps she’ll be in custody a little longer for this offense.
Increased Scrutiny for Wheelchair-Users?
Of course since Perez-Pena used a wheelchair to smuggle her goods, many folks are wondering if wheelchair-users will now receive closer scrutiny when passing through airport security checkpoints in the US? I don’t really think so. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure every TSA employee in the country is aware of this wheelchair-related bust, so they’ll be more aware of the possibility that assistive devices can be used to conceal drugs. That said, Perez-Pena isn’t the first person hide contraband in a wheelchair, so I think this incident will serve as a gentle reminder rather than a great revelation.
For example, in September 2024, a passenger’s power wheelchair was flagged for secondary screening at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, due to unusually large cushions. After an x-ray revealed a hidden metal compartment, the wheelchair was more closely examined and 12 kilos of cocaine were uncovered.
And then there was the traveler at JFK International Airport in New York, who tried to hide over $450,000 of cocaine in her wheelchair wheels. She was flagged for secondary screening when a TSA agent noticed that some of her wheelchair wheels were not turning. That was a big red flag!
So although wheelchair-users may receive a closer look from TSA agents, they probably won’t be flagged for a more intensive screening unless some anomalies are spotted. Or if the wheelchair-user happens to be a convicted smuggler.
What to Expect at Security Checkpoints
Security checkpoints are a necessary evil of modern airline travel, but on the plus side the TSA has specific guidelines about how to professionally and respectfully screen wheelchair-users.
And although TSA PreCheck can help streamline the process a bit, there are still some limitations of that program for wheelchair-users. The good news is that you don’t have to remove your shoes, belts, laptops or liquids when you go through the TSA PreCheck line. And that makes the whole screening process a lot easier for everyone.
That said if you cannot stand and walk through the metal detector — in any line — you will need to undergo a manual pat down. And if there is any sort of flag or alarm during the pat down, then your personal property, carry on and wheelchair may be subject to additional screening. So suffice it to say that if your cushion looks like an overstuffed chair, or the wheels on your wheelchair don’t turn, then it’s off to the x-ray machine for your equipment. And most likely a drug-sniffing dog will also be called in to check your personal property if you are suspected of smuggling.
But for the majority of wheelchair-users, the security checkpoint won’t present any problems. That said, it pays to be prepared, so check out these handy tips before you hit the security checkpoint on your next trip. (https://emerginghorizons.com/the-disabled-traveler-and-airport-security).
Located in the heart of California’s gold country, Calaveras County is chock full of wild west history. From Mark Twain’s famous jumping frog, to pop-up gold rush towns, and even a guest appearance or two by Kit Carson, there’s no shortage of tales — some taller than others — woven around this area. And there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the history and learn about the colorful past of the gold country than to visit a few Calaveras County museums. Although things were a little rough and tumble back in the wild west days, today these museums offer good access for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Downtown Museum
Sheriff’s Office in the San Andreas Downtown Museum
historicalcalaveras.com/downtown-museum
The best place to start your tour of Calaveras County museums is in San Andreas, at the Downtown Museum. This historic complex is located in three side-by-side buildings, which date back to the 1800s — the old Courthouse and Jail, the Hall of Records and the Odd Fellows Hall.
Although steps grace the historic front entrance, an alternate entrance is available for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Instead on entering the museum from the Main Street entrance, drive around the back of the complex on California Street and park in the accessible parking spot behind the museum. There is a locked gate next to the accessible parking space, which has ramped access to the museum courtyard. To access the gate ring the bell — a real cow bell not a door bell — or call (209) 754-4658. Alternatively, if you’re traveling with a companion, just have them go to the front desk to arrange access.
Inside there’s elevator access to the second floor of the courthouse, which includes the judge’s chambers, law library and the courtroom where Black Bart was tried. There are historical exhibits set up throughout the space and they include everything from a vintage kitchen to a collection of old typewriters, lots of photos, and some artifacts from the native Miwok people. And don’t miss the vault which contains the altar from the Comanche Catholic Church of Immaculate Conception, which was dismantled in 1962.
There’s level access to the courtyard out back but the path to the assay office and the old jail is uneven and too bumpy for wheelchair-users. Still it’s a nice stop and the buildings that you can access are filled with history.
Angels Camp Museum
Stagecoach in the Angels Camp Museum
gocalaveras.com/business/attractions/angels-camp-museum-gift-shop
Next up on the list of Calaveras County Museums is the Angels Camp Museum, which is located about 15 minutes south of San Andreas, on historic US 49. As an added bonus, the Calaveras Visitors Bureau is also located in the main museum building. There’s a flat gravel parking area in front of the building, with level access to the museum. Inside you’ll find exhibits that outline the story behind the Calaveras County Frog Jump, and everything from a vintage trophy to some frog cages.
From the main building there’s stairway access in the back to the other parts of this sprawling museum. That said, wheelchair-users can drive down and park in the accessible parking space in front of the Carriage House. From there, it’s a short level roll to the building. This part of the museum focuses on vintage transportation used in the area, and it includes a nice collection of wagons, steam engines, a fire truck and even a stagecoach. Docents are on hand to answer questions, and this building is a huge hit with kids.
There’s also accessible parking in front of the Mining & Ranching Building, which is located a short walk away. That said, wheelchair-users may want to drive as the path has a slight downhill slope. Exhibits include everything from an old print shop, mining tools and a textile shop, to farming implements, minerals and a nice collection of crystals.
There’s also an old stamp mill near the mining exhibit, and although the pathway is paved, some manual wheelchair-users may require a bit of assistance. And take along a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds, as there’s level access over to some shaded picnic tables.
Heritage Museum
The 44-pound Kautz Crystalline gold specimen in the Heritage Museum at Ironstone Vineyards
www.IronstoneVineyards.com
Although most folks head over to Ironstone vineyards to enjoy a little vino, there’s also a nice collection of historic artifacts in their Heritage Museum. From Angels Camp, continue along Highway 4 to Murphys, then follow Six Mile Road until you hit the winery. It’s a pleasant 15-minute drive through the countryside.
Accessible parking is located near the museum, with level access to the building. As you enter the winery, bear right to visit the museum. There’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair through the museum and adjacent gift shop, which includes a good collection of old mining photos. equipment and documents.
That said, the highlight of the museum is located around the corner, in the vault. The Kautz Crystalline gold specimen, which weighs in at a whopping 44 pounds, is the largest crystalline gold specimen in the world. It was found in nearby Jamestown at the Sonora Mining Corporation Mine in 1992, and was subsequently purchased by Ironstone Vineyard proprietor John Kautz. This unique specimen consists of layers of gold separated by rock, and is said to be the rarest form of gold. To describe it as stunning is an understatement.
The vault also includes some mineral displays, some ancient bones, a few meteorite slabs and even some old coins. And if you’d like to learn more about the history of the area, the adjacent gift shop has a nice collection of books.
The Heritage Museum is well worth a stop, and best of all, there’s no admission charge.
Sierra Nevada Logging Museum
Outside exhibits at the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum in Arnold
sierraloggingmuseum.org
Last but not least on the list of Calaveras County museums is the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum over in Arnold. From Murphys, continue east on Highway 4 and turn left on Dunbar Road. If you hit White Pines Park, turn around, as you’ve gone too far.
There’s accessible parking near the museum, with a level pathway near the entrance. Inside there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair around the exhibits, and wheelchair-accessible family restrooms are located near the front desk. Additionally, there’s barrier-free access to the picnic table on the back deck, which is a great spot to enjoy lunch, or just take a short break.
Exhibits range from forest management and the bark beetle, to the logger lifestyle, tools of the trade and even a display of logging camps. And volunteers are on hand to field questions or offer a deeper interpretation of the exhibits. Outside there’s a large collection of logging equipment under the pines. There is a mostly level trail that leads around the various saws, steam donkeys and a vintage Yosemite Lumber Company engine. And although there are a few rough patches here and there, the majority of the outdoor exhibits are manageable for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Visitors will come away with a new knowledge of forest management and a definite appreciation of the hard work of loggers. There’s no admission to this excellent museum, which is staffed by volunteers; but plan ahead as hours and days of operation are limited.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
After a hunting accident left Jacob Beisecker with a spinal cord injury, he was determined to continue his active outdoor lifestyle. While he was in rehabilitation at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Jacob discovered a mobility device that could make that dream a reality — a track chair. This offroad power wheelchair is outfitted with tank tracks instead of wheels, which allows it to navigate uneven terrain. After Jacob tried it out, he knew it was just what he needed to enjoy the outdoors. Sadly though, this expensive piece of adaptive equipment was out of his price range.
After he returned home, Jacob continued to search for an affordable offroad option, and as luck would have it he stumbled across a used track chair within his budget. He snapped it up and proceeded to explore the South Carolina outdoor areas that he had always enjoyed. But then he thought that there were probably others like him, who would benefit from a track chair but couldn’t afford one. And so, Waymaker Offroad Wheelchairs (www.waymakeroffroadwheelchairs.com) was born. Today this South Carolina non-profit provides loaner track chairs to wheelchair-users and slow walkers, who want to enjoy Mother Nature.
Pick Up a Track Chair
Headquartered in Hartsville, Waymaker Offroad Wheelchairs has a fleet of track chairs available to loan. Reserving a South Carolina track chair is easy. Just go to https://docs.google.com/forms/ and fill out the form. The track chairs are usually loaned out for a day or two, but they are available for up to a week if needed.
A small utility trailer is also available for loan; however if your vehicle cannot pull a trailer, delivery can be arranged. The delivery option is only available within 100 miles of Hartsville, on Saturdays from April to September. There’s no deposit needed to borrow a track chair; however a valid drivers license is required. The track chairs are also GPS traceable.
A number of accessories are available for the track chairs, including a headrest and an umbrella holder. They also have a four-point harness for folks who lack trunk control. And if you like to hunt or fish, don’t forget to request the gun mount, shooting rest or fishing rod holder.
Hunters will be happy to hear that track chairs are also permitted in all South Carolina Wildlife Management Areas. In the end, the choice is totally yours — you might even want to check out Myrtle Beach, which is just a few hours from the Waymaker Offroad Wheelchairs headquarters.
Track Chairs at State & County Parks
If you’re not able to pick up a track chair, you can also borrow a South Carolina track chair at many state and county parks through Waymaker Offroad Wheelchairs. These can be reserved online at https://www.waymakeroffroadwheelchairs.com/state-parks . Your drivers license will be held as a deposit when you pick up the track chair, and returned when you are through.
Track chairs are currently available at:
Huntington Beach State Park
Edisto Beach State Park
Ghivans Ferry State Park
Hampton Plantation
Hunting Island State Park
Oconee State Park
Sadlers Creek State Park
Jacob hopes to be able to expand the track chair loaner program in the future, so check the Waymaker Offroad Wheelchair website for new locations. Says Jacob, “We’re totally donor funded and are looking for corporate and individual donors to help sponsor us. These chairs made a huge difference in my recovery journey to be able to get back outdoors doing the things I love.” For more information about Waymaker Offroad Wheelchairs, visit their website, call (843) 287-7986 or e-mail WaymakerOffroadWheelchairs@gmail.com.
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
If a trip to Japan is in your future, then surf on by the Accessible Japan website (www.accessible-japan.com); a consumer-created resource with details about wheelchair-accessible attractions, transportation and lodging throughout Japan. Additionally, the website includes information about wheelchair-accessible day tours, and companies that offer wheelchair-accessible options. Essential information about getting around, accessible transfers, disability discounts, equipment rentals, voltage and suggested guide books and resources are also included. And if you’d like to know about something that isn’t listed on the website, there’s a link to a forum where you can ask additional questions.
All in all, it’s a very comprehensive resource for accessible travel in Japan.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Although many Florida state parks have beach wheelchairs, thanks to a partnership between the Florida State Parks Foundation (floridastateparksfoundation.org) and Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation (preservesurfingbeaches.org) a handful of state parks also have water wheelchairs. Unlike standard beach wheelchairs, the water wheelchairs — also called floating wheelchairs — have buoyant armrests so they can also be taken out into the surf. There’s no charge to use the water wheelchairs at Florida State Parks, but the checkout procedures vary from park to park, so contact the parks directly for more information,
Here’s where you can find the Florida State Park water wheelchairs:
Located in Northwestern Virginia, Shenandoah National Park (www.nps.gov/shen) encompasses nearly 200,000 acres of protected lands, including 79,000 acres of wilderness, and a slice of the Appalachian Trail. Truly you don’t even have to get out of your car to enjoy Shenandoah’s majesty, as impressive windshield views can be had just about anywhere along the 105-mile length of Skyland Drive. That said, the park is worth more than a quick drive-through. The good news is, that if you’d like to stay and linger on, Skyland mountain lodge offers some nice wheelchair-accessible accommodations, close to one of the most accessible trails in the park.
A Room With a View
Located near milepost 41, Skyland (www.goshenandoah.com), which was originally known as Stony Mountain Camp, dates back to 1888. And although there have been a few changes to the property since George Freeman Pollock originally broke ground, the natural beauty of the surrounding forest remains unchanged. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this mountain lodge has also added numerous access upgrades over the years.
Accessible parking is located near the lodge office, with an accessible cement pathway down to the front door. Accessible room 14 is located near the office, with accessible parking nearby. This large corner room not only offers excellent access, but also boasts a lovely valley view.
Room 14 at Skyland in Shenandoah National Park
Access features include wide doorways, wood floors, lever handles, a lowered closet rod, and good pathway access. Furnishings include a 19-inch high open-frame king-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides, two night tables, a chest of drawers and a table with two chairs. And if you want to catch up on the news, there’s also a television in the room.
The bathroom features a full five-foot turning radius, and it’s equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead, and a fold-down padded shower bench. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated), and the bathroom also has a roll-under sink and a lowered mirror. Add in shower controls located within easy reach of the shower seat, and a lowered towel hook near the sink, and you have a very accessible room.
Bathroom in Room 14 at Skyland in Shenandoah National Park
And out on the semi-private front porch, there’s plenty of room to maneuver even the largest wheelchair or scooter. It’s the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the sunset, or to just relax after a busy travel day.
Take A Hike
Access to the public areas of Skyland — which are located next to the office — is equally impressive. There’s barrier-free access to the day lodge, with level access over to the Mountain Room taproom, gift shop and grab-and-go food kiosk. Accessible restrooms are located just off the lobby; and there’s ramp access down to the Pollock Dining Room, which also offers a great view of Shenandoah National Park. Not only is Skyland a great place to spend the night, but it’s also a very accessible spot to grab a bite to eat during the day.
Limberlost Trail in Shenandoah National Park
Additionally, Skyland is located close to the nicely accessible Limberlost Trail. There’s accessible parking near the trailhead, with level access over to this hard-packed dirt trail covered with decomposed granite. The 1.3-mile trail begins in an oak-filled wooded area with ferns and mountain laurels; before it transitions to a wetlands boardwalk, and then crosses the river and loops back to the trailhead.
This area is especially beautiful in June, when the mountain laurels are in bloom, but it also makes for a pleasant hike in the spring and fall. And you can enjoy all of this beauty, just steps from the lodge. It’s definitely worth an overnight stay at Skyland, on your next visit visit to Shenandoah National Park.
Barrier-Free Travel 22 Accessible Road Trips for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
If your travels take you across the pond, and you’re thinking about taking along your Hoyer lift, then think again. There is an easier solution. You can now rent a Hoyer lift in London through Ninja Mobility (ninjamobility.com). Owned by a power wheelchair-user, Ninja Mobility focuses on service, to make sure your essential equipment is available when you need it. Not only do they offer a wide range of mobility equipment choices, but they offer hotel delivery, so your equipment is waiting for you when you arrive. And they also serve the Southern UK, so it’s a good choice for a road trip too. So lighten the load on your next UK trip, leave your equipment at home, and rent a Hoyer lift in London. It’s the easy, stress-free way to travel.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Headquartered in South Africa, Access 2 Africa provides wheelchair-accessible South African safaris and tours. Safari offerings include 7 to 12-day wheelchair-accessible safaris to Kwazulu Natal from Durban, and to Kruger and Swaziland from Johannesburg. All safaris include transportation in accessible vehicles — either a ramped van or a bus with a hydraulic lift — with tie-downs and air conditioning, as well as accessible tours and lodgings. Day tours, which include elephant interactions, hot air ballooning, the cat and cheetah rehabilitation center and whale watching, are also available.
Accessible Van at Access 2 Africa
Additionally they offer a floating beach wheelchair at Cape Vidal, where guests can enjoy the surf, and spot turtles and whales. It’s truly a unique experience to enjoy an accessible game drive, and then hit the beach in a floating beach wheelchair.
Access 2 Africa’s floating beach wheelchair at Cape Vidal
And if you happen to cruise to South Africa, Access 2 Africa can arrange for accessible shore excursions from Richards Bay and Durban to Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve and the Zulu Cultural Village. For more information about their wheelchair-accessible South African safaris and shore excursions, visit www.access2africasafaris.com.
Barrier-Free Travel California National Park Road Trips for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
A project of the Paris Convention and Visitor Bureau, this online resource offers information on visiting Paris in a wheelchair.
It includes a detailed section about getting around, including information on wheelchair-accessible bus, metro, tramway and RER routes in the City of Lights. Also included is a list of adapted taxi companies, information about hiring a wheelchair-accessible vehicle with a driver, adapted van rental resources, and even the low-down on wheelchair-accessible airport transfers. Additionally there are links to local providers that can provide personal travel assistance, as well as information on accessible car parks.
Also included is detailed information about accessible lodgings, restaurants, tours, attractions and even self-guided walks. And if you still have questions, visit their comprehensive FAQ page. This well researched guide is an excellent resource for visiting Paris in a wheelchair. parisjetaime.com/eng/article/accessibility-a646
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
