Located on Highway 14 near the town of Lyle in Southwestern Washington, Schreiner Farms is home to a number of exotic animals. Even better, they welcome visitors as long as they abide by a few simple rules. They ask visitors to stay in their own vehicles, remain on the main main road, yield to farm traffic and refrain from smoking and littering. Best of all — there’s no admission charge.
A working cattle ranch, Schreiner Farms also raises a variety of exotic animals. As you cruise along the main ranch road you’ll see enclosures on each side, filled with antelope, emu, ostrich, deer, elk, zebra and llamas. Sometimes the animals get close to the fence, and sometimes they don’t, so sightings are truly the luck of the draw. That said, at the turn-around spot — which is clearly marked — you’ll probably get a good gander of the resident giraffes. Their barn is close to the road and more often than not they hang out there. Either way, this is a great quick road trip stop along Highway 14, as you never know what you’ll see.
Although there’s no shortage of fun attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, sometimes it’s nice to take a break from the city. Fortunately these popular tourist hubs are just a stone’s throw away from the incredibility scenic Great Smoky Mountains National Park (www.nps.gov/grsm/). The good news is, even though this Appalachian gem is America’s most visited national park, there’s still plenty of room to spread out and enjoy a quiet slice of Mother Nature. So pack a picnic lunch and plan a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and enjoy a wheelchair-accessible Smoky Mountain day trip
Get Your Bearings
Getting to the park is easy. From Pigeon Forge, just follow Highway 321 south to Gatlinburg, then head west on Highway 441. And once you get to the park, make sure your first stop is Sugarlands Visitor Center.
There’s plenty of accessible parking in front, with level access over to the main building, and to the accessible restrooms on the far side. Inside there’s ample room to maneuver a wheelchair through the small museum and bookstore, and to the ranger information desk. There’s also level access and accessible seating in the theater, where a 20-minute film about the park is shown throughout the day. It’s the perfect place to get a good overview of the park and pick up a few maps. The one thing you won’t find at the Sugarlands Visitor Center — or anywhere else in the park — is a fee collection station, as there is no entrance fee for Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Take a Wheelchair-Accessible Smoky Mountain Hike
Sugarland Valley Nature Trail in Smoky Mountain National Park, Tennessee
Unfortunately the trail at Sugarlands Visitor Center is not accessible, due to rocks and ruts along the way. That said there is a nicely accessible option just down the road — the Sugarland Valley Nature Trail. It’s located just south of the Sugarlands Visitor Center on the east side of Newfound Gap Road.
This nicely accessible trail was made possible through a public-private partnership, with $60,000 in federal funding and $90,000 in private donations. There’s plenty of accessible parking near the trailhead, and level access over to the paved half-mile loop. Along the way interpretive plaques describe the natural features of this area, which includes a greater variety of salamanders than anywhere else in the world.
It’s also a great place to spot wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys and even bear. And there’s even some unintended evidence of the robust bear population, as a bear tracked through the wet concrete when the trail was built. There are also a few rock chimneys from old cabins along the way, and you just can’t beat the view of the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. It’s a nicely shaded walk, so it’s an ideal choice for a hot day.
A Scenic Drive to Remember
Roaring Fork Motor Trail in Smoky Mountain National Park, Tennessee
Finally, get an entirely different view of the forest on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, located just outside of Gatlinburg. It’s easy to find — just follow Highway 441 east from the Sugarlands Visitor Center, and turn right at Stoplight #8 on Historic Nature Trail (Airport Road). You can’t miss it — Bubba Gump’s is on the corner. Continue along the road till you hit Cherokee Orchard Road. Bear right on Cherokee Orchard Road, which will take you to the one-lane Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
This 5.5-mile loop drive winds through the forest and offers a quiet look at the national park. Pick up a brochure at the beginning of the drive to learn more about the history and ecological diversity of the area. Best of all, RVs and buses are not permitted on this drive, so it’s a great way to dodge the crowds.
The drive begins in a dense hardwood forest filled with chestnuts, oaks, maples and magnolias. The trees arch over the road in places; and in season you’ll even get a glimpse at the tulip trees in bloom. The road passes by 25-foot high Grotto Falls before it transitions into a hemlock forest. Old log cabins dot the landscape, and there’s even a grist mill along the way. Last but not least, the route eases past the “place of a thousands drips”, which becomes a mini-waterfall in wet weather. It’s a very pleasant drive, but it’s important to note that the road is closed in the winter. Additionally, it’s an absolutely gorgeous fall foliage route.
Located just west of Spokane, Way Out West Statue Farm is worth a stop on any Interstate 90 road trip. Owned by two brothers who relocated from downtown Spokane, this rural property allows them plenty of room for expansion. You get your first glance of the property on the north frontage road while driving east on Interstate 90. Fortunately it’s not hard to backtrack. Just take the next exit (272), cross the freeway, then head west on the frontage road. The parking lot is not paved and it has gravel to fill in the low spots, so it’s not that great for most wheelchairs. That said, the whole area where the metallic works of art are displayed is level. The pathways are narrow and not paved, but it’s still a great choice for slow walkers. But if you have a little help it may also work for some wheelchairs.
The selection of yard art is second-to-none at the Way out West Statue Farm. You’ll find a little bit of everything, from signs and metal sculptures to small decorations and larger works of art. A chicken here, an alligator there, flamingos planted in the flowerbeds and a cactus or two are just a few examples of the offerings; but trust me, there’s much more. Everything is for sale, but browsers are also welcome. There are no pushy salespeople there; in fact if you want to buy something you’ll have to flag down one of the owners who are usually roaming the grounds in golf carts. If you can’t find them, then just ask — the other tenants are usually out and about and they will go and fetch them for your. As one friendly guy told me “It’s part of our job”. Either way it’s a fun stop, and I came home with a cool “welcome rooster”. And had a wonderful conversation with the owner, who wanted to make sure the rooster was going to a good home. This fun roadside attraction is also worth a revisit, as the selection constantly changes, but the owners are always friendly. And don’t miss their trademark alien spaceship.
Located in the middle of Lake Superior in Isle Royale National Park, Rock Harbor Lodge (www.rockharborlodge.com/) is probably the most difficult national park lodge to get to, as it’s a six-hour cruise from the mainland. That said the journey over is a scenic adventure itself, and the Ranger III ferry has wheelchair access to the lower deck and an accessible restroom aboard (www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/ranger-iii-info.htm). And once you dock at Isle Royale National Park, you’ll be rewarded with the rugged beauty at this remote retreat. Even though the island itself is rather rustic, Rock Harbor Lodge offers spacious rooms for a comfortable and relaxing Isle Royale wheelchair-accessible retreat.
An Isle Royale Wheelchair-Accessible Room with a View
Entry to room 35 at Rock Harbor Lodge
Located along the Lake Superior shore, Rock Harbor Lodge is a .3-mile walk from the boat dock. There’s a paved level path alongside the marina, but golf cart transportation is available for guests who cannot manage the distance. And although there are a few steps up to the front door of the main office at the lodge, the back entrance is ramped.
There are three wheelchair-accessible rooms at Rock Harbor lodge, including room 35 which is located in the Chippewa Building, right behind the main office. There’s ramp access to the front door, with enough space for a wheelchair to maneuver inside the room. Access features include wide doorways, lever handles, a lowered clothing rod and low-pile carpet for easy rolling.
Room 35 at Rock Harbor Lodge
The room is furnished with a 26-inch high open-frame double bed with wheelchair access on the right side (as you face it), a night table, a desk with a chair, a small chest of drawers, and a table with two chairs. The bathroom features a full five-foot turning radius and is equipped with a tub/shower combination with grab bars. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated), and the bathroom also includes a roll-under sink with an angled mirror. A portable shower bench is available, but make sure to request one when you make your reservation, so it will be in your room when you arrive.
Bathroom in room 35 at Rock Harbor Lodge
There’s also barrier-free access to the roomy back porch, which is furnished with two Adirondack chairs. Truly one of the best features of this corner room is its location, as the porch allows for an unobstructed view of the waves crashing on the rocks below, and a peek at the barrier-islands across the harbor. It’s definitely an Isle Royale wheelchair-accessible room with a view.
Back porch in room 35 at Rock Harbor Lodge
Eat Drink and Be Merry
There’s good access to the public facilities at this Isle Royale retreat as well. An accessible dirt pathway leads from the accessible room over to the Lighthouse Restaurant and the Greenstone Grill, which are located next to the main office. The grill offers bar service and a light menu of burgers, sandwiches and pizzas; while the restaurant serves up some hearty entrees. There’s barrier-free access to both establishments; but if you’d prefer a bit more privacy you can always order a pizza to go and enjoy it on your back porch.
There’s also ramp access up to the Rock Harbor Auditorium, where evening ranger programs are presented. The dirt path over to the ramp is a little bumpy, but it’s doable with a little assistance.
And although the bulk of the island has inaccessible trails, the cement walkway along the marina offers some good wildlife viewing opportunities. Even though this walkway is well trafficked, it’s not unusual to spot moose along the trail. Even if you don’t happen to see them, the lake view itself is stunning. And that’s reason enough to stay a spell at this remote but pristine national park lodge.
Road trips are an excellent vacation choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. They offer the freedom to motor through the countryside at your own pace, and stop whenever you want. There’s no tour group to keep up with, no mandatory stops at oddball attractions, and no worries about personality conflicts with other tour participants. You can go wherever you want, and do whatever you choose on a road trip. Additionally, road trips are a great way to explore small towns that are often overlooked on large group tours. Of course road tips require some serious planning and advance research, so here are some tips to help you plan a wheelchair accessible road trip (emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-road-trip-tips/)
Half the fun of a road trip is stopping at quirky roadside attractions along the way. It’s a great way to take a break, get off the highway and get some fresh air. And although you’ll probably not find these fun and funky stops splattered across the pages of high end travel magazines, they are all great spots to take a break and enjoy the local color. So here’s a fun assortment of wheelchair-accessible roadside attractions to consider for your next getaway.
Road trips are an excellent vacation choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Not only can you take things at your own pace on a road trip, but you can also map out a custom itinerary that includes accessible attractions, rest stops and lodging choices. Plus you can pack along all of your equipment, and you don’t have to worry about wheelchair damage by airline baggage handlers.
Additionally, a wheelchair-accessible road trip is are a great way to explore small towns that are often overlooked on large group tours. And although some small towns may lack accessible facilities, that’s not the case across the board. With that in mind, here are 36 towns across America that have wheelchair accessible lodgings, attractions and even trails. Some are along less traveled byways, some are near national parks, and some are located on popular road trip routes; however they’re all worthy of consideration on your next road trip adventure. So add them to your itinerary on your next wheelchair-accessible road trip.
Population 243
This Southern Utah town, which is located along Scenic Byway 12, connects Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. It’s home to the Anasazi State Park Museum (www.stateparks.utah/parks/anasazi) , which offers an intimate look at the Anasazi people who once inhabited the area. The highlight of the museum is the Coombs excavation site out back — where 97 rooms, 10 pit structures and hundreds of thousands of artifacts were unearthed. There’s a level walkway through the excavation site, with interpretive panels about the former residents along the way. While you’re in town, stop in and have a bite at the Burr Trail Grill — which features level access — and don’t forget to save room for a piece of their mouth-watering home made pie. Last but not least, save some time for a scenic drive on the Burr Trail, which begins next to the Burr Trail Grill and winds through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Population 2,697
Located smack dab in the middle of covered bridge country, Landrum is a nice place to settle in for a few days, while you take in some of the local sights. And the Red Horse Inn (www.theredhorseinn.com) includes an accessible room that has a bathroom with an accessible whirlpool tub and a built-in shower bench. Additionally, since the property is located just off the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway, it’s a great road trip choice. Nearby covered bridges include Campbell’s Bridge, Klickety-Klack Bridge and Pointsett’s Bridge. And if you’re not sure how to get to them, just ask the innkeeper and she’ll be happy to point them out on the map. Be sure and stop in at Victoria Valley Vineyards (www.victoriavalleyvineyards.com) for lunch too. Styled after a French Chateau, the tasting room features barrier-free access, and the café offers a nice sampling of sandwiches and salads. And then there’s the wine.
Population 10,337
This rural Tennessee town is a tasty place to stop for a treat along the White Lightening Trail. The route — formerly called Thunder Road — received its colorful moniker from bootleggers who once roared along it in their hot rods to deliver prohibition era moonshine. Today this 200-mile drive features historic towns, a slice or two of Appalachian history, and some absolutely gorgeous scenery. And for a step back in time, stop in at Hoskins Drug Store (www.hoskinsdrugstoreandsodafountain.com) in downtown Clinton. Established in 1930 the store retains much of its old time charm, and includes a small lunch counter and a soda fountain. There’s accessible parking on Main Street, with level access to the store, and the soda fountain has booths with room at the end for wheelchairs. And although you can certainly order a burger and fries, the real reason to stop at this soda fountain is for the milkshakes — they’re absolutely delicious.
Population 10,639
Located near the South Entrance to Grand Teton National Park, Jackson makes a great stop on a Yellowstone-Grand Teton road trip. The Town Square — which is the focal point of downtown — is a good place to begin your visit. This small parcel is marked by four elk antler archways, and its one of the most photographed sites in town. The National Museum of Wildlife Art (www.wildlifeart.org), which is located closer to the national park, is also worth a stop. Wrap up your visit with a drive through the National Elk Refuge (fws.gov/refuge/national-elk), which is the seasonal home to the Jackson Elk Herd. Alternatively you can take a gander at them from the second-floor deck at the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center. And if you’d like to spend the night, Homewood Suites has a nicely equipped accessible guestroom that includes a full kitchen, a separate bedroom and a bathroom with a roll-in shower.
Lyle, WA 98635
