Explore These Lesser Known National Parks For Wheelchair-Users

National Parks are a popular vacation choice. Unfortunately that means some of the more popular ones are now more crowded than ever. So how do you beat the crowds? Well you can always get an early start or visit in the off season, but to be honest that’s not always possible. Alternatively you might want to visit one of these lesser known national parks for a more relaxed experience. Not only do they all offer some scenic natural beauty, but they are also good choices for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.

Isle Royale National Park

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At the top of the list of lesser known national parks for wheelchair-users is Isle Royale National Park. Located in the middle of Lake Superior, there’s a wheelchair-accessible ferry that takes visitors to this remote national park. And once you get to Isle Royale National Park there’s even a cozy lodge with a wheelchair-accessible room.

North Cascades National Park

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Located in far Northern Washington, North Cascades National Park offers some scenic drives, a couple of accessible trails and even a campground with an accessible campsite. And although there’s no lodging in the park, there’s an upscale lodge with a spacious wheelchair-accessible room located near the eastern gateway.

Great Basin National Park

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Definitely one of the lesser known national parks, Great Basin National Park is located just off the “loneliest road in America” in Eastern Nevada. Enjoy the scenic drive with accessible overlooks, take a hike on a forest boardwalk or explore Lehman Caves on an accessible tour.

Pinnacles National Park

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Pinnacles National Park is a great place to spot the endangered California Condor. There are also a few accessible trails, scenic drives and some comfortable accessible tent cabins at this California national park. 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

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Located halfway between El Paso and Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is the site of the historic Pinery Stage Stop. There are a few accessible trails in the park, and the Frijole Ranch site is also worth a visit.

Voyageurs National Park

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Voyageurs National Park is located in Northern Minnesota, just shy of the Canadian border. It’s filled with accessible trails, but one of the best ways to see the park is to take an accessible boat tour on Rainy Lake.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

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Known as America’s Other Grand Canyon, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has far fewer visitors than its Arizona counterpart. It offers a scenic drive with some gorgeous views, and a campground with a wheelchair-accessible campsite. 

Big Bend National Park

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Billed as being more than 100 miles from the nearest freeway, shopping center or hospital, Big Bend National Park is bordered by the Rio Grande on the south. This expansive park features scenic drives, accessible desert trails, drop dead gorgeous views and an accessible in-park lodge. 

Redwood National and State Parks

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This California national park also includes three state parks. Its easy to spend a week exploring trails lined with giant redwoods.. Additionally, there’s a loaner track chair available at Kuchel Visitor Center for use on Freshwater Beach. They also have accessible campsites and cabins in several of the parks, so it’s easy to sleep under the redwoods. 

Lassen National Park

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Last but not least on our list of lesser known national parks for wheelchair-users is Lassen Volcanic National Park. Located in Northern California, this remote gem offers a variety of accessible trails and thermal features, as well as some accessible camping cabins. It’s a great place to get away from the city and truly enjoy Mother Nature.