Located on the northeast shore of Lake Tahoe, Sand Harbor State Park (parks.nv.gov/parks/lake-tahoe-nevada-state-park) features a string of beaches that line the crystal clear mountain lake. Not only is it a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, but thanks to a loaner track chair program, wheelchair-users and slow walkers can now explore this scenic Nevada state park.
The Action Trackchair (actiontrackchair.com) available for loan is billed as the “ultimate all terrain wheelchair”. Fitted with tank tracks instead of wheels, it can easily navigate the sandy or even muddy beach terrain with relative ease. And, since this power chair operates with a joystick, it can be operated independently, unlike manual beach wheelchairs.
The Action Trackchair is available for loan on a first-come basis at the park office. Three’s no fee required to use the track chair, but all users must be briefed on the appropriate use of this assistive device and sign a waiver. For more information about the trach chair loaner program, contact the park office at (775) 831-0494.
So get out and enjoy the Lake Tahoe beach independently this summer, and borrow a track chair at Sand Harbor State Park.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Nicknamed the “Switzerland of America”, Ridgeway State Park (cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/ridgway-state-park) is one of Colorado’s often overlooked gems. Located off of Highway 550, about 15 miles south of Montrose, it offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains, and borders a five-mile stretch of the Uncompahgre River. And the good news is, thanks to a bevy of accessible trails, a loaner track wheelchair, a water wheelchair and even a wheelchair-accessible paddleboard, it’s now possible to plan a wheelchair-accessible Ridgway State Park getaway. Top it off with spending a night or two in a wheelchair-accessible yurt, and you have all the ingredients for a perfectly accessible outdoor excursion.
Explore the Forest
One of the largest areas of the park, Dutch Charlie, is the perfect spot to enjoy a wheelchair-accessible Ridgeway State Park visit. It includes the visitor center, several accessible trails, an accessible beach area, and a campground.
There’s accessible parking in front of the visitor center, which is located just off of Highway 550. The visitor center features level access to a variety of interpretive exhibits, a ranger information desk and accessible restrooms.
Overlook Trail at Ridgway State Park
There are two accessible trails near the visitor center. The Overlook is a short 600-foot paved trail that leads over to a vantage point that offers a good view of the Ridgway Reservoir. The Forest Discovery Trail also begins near the visitor center. This .6-mile hard-packed dirt loop is wide and fairly level; however there are some rough spots and ruts along the way. Additionally it can get pretty muddy after a storm, but it’s usually passable in a loaner track chair.
Forest Discovery Trail at Ridgway State Park
Two loaner track chairs are available at the visitor center, however advance reservations are required. Staff members are not allowed to assist with transfers to the track chair; and a park volunteer must accompany all track chair-users on their excursions. The excursions can include the Forest Discovery Trail, as well as several other trails in the park. Track chairs must be reserved at least one week in advance on the park website, or by calling (970) 626-5822. It’s a great way for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to explore the park, but plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
Bluebird on the Discovery Forest Trail at Ridgway State Park
Hit the Beach
Mobi-mat at Mears Bay BeachBeach at Ridgway State Park
If you prefer the beach to the forest, them head on over to Mear’s Bay, which is just a short drive from the visitor center. There’s accessible parking near the marina, with level access over to the office and the accessible picnic tables on the adjacent deck There’s also ramp access down to the beach, which has a 300-foot Mobi-Mat to the water.
If you’d like to go into the water, a loaner MobiChair is available to use at the Mears Bay swimming beach. This floating wheelchair can travel over the sand or on the Mobi-Mats and go into the water. It is not self propelling, so users need someone to push the MobiChair.
And for more water fun, check out the loaner SOLFiesta wheelchair-accessible paddleboard. This massive paddleboard measures 15 feet six inches long by five feet six inches wide. There are tie-downs for a wheelchair in front, and room for a passenger behind it. And there’s still plenty of room in back for the requisite guide who maneuvers the paddleboard.
There’s no charge to use the Mobi Chair or the accessible paddleboard, but advance reservations are a must. They can be made on the park website or by calling (970) 626-5822. And just like the track chair reservations, they must be made at least a week in advance.
Finally, if you’d like a short walk while you’re in the area, then check out the Mears Bay Trail. This one-mile paved trail has a maximum grade of 4% , and runs alongside the lake. It’s not really too scenic in dry years when the lake is low, but if it’s a normal rainfall year it’s very pleasant.
Spend the Night
Yurt 10 in Dakota Terraces Campground at Ridgway State Park
Top off your wheelchair-accessible Ridgway State Park adventure with an overnight stay in the park. Book a night or two at the accessible yurt in the Dakota Terraces Campground, which is located midway between Mear’s Bays and the visitor center,
Accessible yurt 10 is located in Loop A of the campground. This round canvas structure offers accessible parking in front, with a paved pathway to the front porch. Access features include a threshold ramp, a wide entrance door, and good pathway access throughout the yurt.
The yurt is furnished with two queen futons (bring your own bedding), a bunk bed and a table and chairs. The kitchenette has a small counter, and it includes a microwave and a refrigerator. And although there isn’t a bathroom in the yurt, it does have electricity, an overhead light and a stove for heat. Outside, there is an accessible picnic table, a grill on a cement pad, and a 15-inch high tent platform.
Inside Yurt 10
An accessible restroom is located next door, with accessible parking in front of the building. Accessible pay showers are available in the camper services building near the beginning of Loop A.
Toilet and Showers in the Camper Services Building
So save the trouble of pitching a tent and give yurting a try for a night – or two – in Ridgway State Park. It’s a comfortable and affordable way to extend your visit to wheelchair-accessible Ridgway State Park.
Population 4,529
Billed as one of the most beautiful small towns in America, Jim Thorpe was named after the 1953 Olympic medal winner, James Francis Thorpe. And although the town does have some access problems, with a shortage of curb-cuts and accessible sidewalks, it’s worth a stop for a ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway (www.lgsry.com ). There’s accessible parking at the station, with level access to the ticket window. Lift boarding is available for the coach car or the open-air car, and wheelchair-users can stay in their own wheelchair or transfer to a seat for the 70-minute narrated tour. The train travels into Lehigh Gorge State Park, with plenty of scenic views along the way. And if you’d like a closer look at the scenery after the excursion, there’s a 2.5-mile section of the Lehigh Gorge Trail that’s wheelchair-accessible. This paved multiuse trail runs alongside the river, and it’s especially beautiful in the fall.
Logan is a required stop on any Hocking Hills road trip. It also makes a good home base for the further exploration of the area. The Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls (innatcedarfalls.com) offers several accessible options, including the secluded Redbud Cabin. This two bedroom cabin includes a ground-floor bathroom with a roll-in shower, and has level access to the spacious back porch. Another Logan favorite — Watersong Woods (www.watersongwoods.com) — offers the accessible Melody Cabin which includes a bathroom with a roll-in shower. And both places are right around the corner from one of the area’s biggest attractions — Hocking Hills State Park. It’s a lovely park to drive through, especially in the fall. It also boasts a quarter-mile wheelchair-accessible trail to Ash Cave, which winds through the woods and terminates at the misty waterfall. It’s also a nice choice for a picnic, as there are several accessible tables near the trailhead.
Population 1,265
This Brown County town is definitely worth a stop on your next trek through the Hoosier State. Shopping is the number one pastime in the pedestrian friendly village, which features everything from garden shops and boutiques to toy stores, galleries and clothing stores. And the good news is, curb-cuts are ubiquitous and most of the stores have an accessible entrance. If you’d like to get a little exercise, then hop over to Brown County State Park, and enjoy the barrier-free Friends Trail, which winds though a hardwood forest and features a wide paved pathway with a short stretch of boardwalk. For a real treat, make dinner plans at the Artists Colony Inn (www.artistscolonyinn.com), which features level access from the side courtyard. This local favorite is known for crafting creative dishes from fresh ingredients. Jack’s Chicken is a good choice if you’re watching calories, while Lucie’s Pot Pie is the way to go if you just want to throw caution to the wind.
Population 16,850
Located about 30 miles off of Interstate 10, Gulf Shores is worth the short detour for Gulf State Park (www.alapark.com/gulf-state-park) alone. This 6,100-acre state park occupies a prime piece of beach real estate, and offers three two-bedroom wheelchair-accessible cabins on the shore of Lake Shelby. The cabins each includes a full kitchen, a spacious great room, a screen porch, and two bathrooms with a roll-in shower. And the cabins are just a short drive from Gulf Oak Ridge Trail — a 3-mile paved level trail that winds through the woods. Accessible restrooms are located along the trail, and there are plenty of spots to stop and take a break. And don’t forget to visit the Fishing and Education Pier, while you’re in the park. There’s accessible parking close to the pier and barrier-free access to the 1,500 foot-long pier, which features a nice water view, with wayside wildlife exhibits along its length.
Population 1,307
Fanning Springs is a great place to get away from the city. And there’s no better place to stay than in the Fanning Springs State Park (https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fanning-springs-state-park) cabins. One two bedroom cabin is wheelchair-accessible, and it includes a full kitchen and a bathroom with a roll-in shower. It also has a large wrap around screened porch that’s furnished with a picnic table, a swing, three rocking chairs and a small side table. And for added comfort on warm evenings, it’s also equipped with ceiling fans. There’s also an accessible boardwalk that winds through a cypress swamp, just a short walk from the cabin. The Palmetto Nature Trail, which winds through the forest, may also be doable for some wheelchair-users. And don’t’ miss the 32-mile Nature Coast Trail, which features barrier-free access along its length, with a trailhead just across the street for the state park.
Ronald A. Olson Island Bridge at Tahquamenon Falls State Park
There’s good news for wheelchair-users and slow walkers in Michigan — loaner track chairs are now available at many state park and recreation areas. Track chairs allow people with reduced mobility the freedom to explore places that are otherwise inaccessible to them. These off road wheelchairs have tank tracks instead of wheels, and can easily navigate over sand, rough surfaces and even snow. They also come with a big price tag; but thanks to a massive fundraising effort, loaner track chairs are now available at many Michigan outdoor spaces
The following organizations were instrumental in making these Michigan track chairs a reality.
Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (ghacf.org/)
Where to find Michigan Track Chairs
The loaner track chairs are available at the following Michigan state parks and recreation areas. Each venue has different rules, regulations and hours, so check in advance to avoid disappointment. And keep in mind that some locations also require reservations to borrow the track chairs.
Bald Mountain Recreation Area
Bay City State Park
Brighton Recreation Area
Grand Haven State Park
Harrisville State Park
Hartwick Pines State Park
Lake Hudson Recreation Area
Leelanau State Park
Petosky State Park
Wilson State Park
Holland State Park
Ionia Recreation Area
Island Lake Recreation Area
Ludington State Park
Maybury State Park
Muskegon Recreation Area
North Higgins Lake State Park
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Warren Dunes State Park
Waterloo Recreation Area
Wilderness State Park
If you didn’t find your favorite Michigan state park or recreation area on the list, don’t worry as this popular program is constantly expanding. New venues for loaner Michigan track chairs are being added as funding becomes available. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr/about/accessibility/track-chairs to check for the latest additions.
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Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
The fallen Pioneer Cabin Tunnel Tree in Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Make no mistake about it, California can have some brutal winters. Take 2017, for example. Between a record rainfall, mudslides and a late season snow it was definitely a challenge for many mountain communities. And unfortunately there were a few causalities, such as the loss of the Pioneer Cabin “tunnel tree” at Calaveras Big Trees State Park (www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=551).
Sadly this giant sequoia was uprooted during a torrential downpour; however after a massive spring cleanup the grove reopened, with traffic routed around the fallen giant. Today the forest has evolved, however this Northern California state park is still worth a visit for a very accessible and intimate look at the remaining giant sequoias. And for a nice wheelchair-accessible place to spend the night, check out the nearby Black Bear Inn (emerginghorizons.com/sleep-near-the-big-trees-in-calaveras-county/) in Arnold.
The Majestic North Grove
North Grove Trail in Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Although the giant trees are scattered through the park, the North Grove has the most accessible concentration of them. Accessible parking is located near the visitor center, which offers barrier-free access and features a collection of interpretive exhibits. Accessible restrooms with flush toilets are located next to the visitor center.
The trail to the North Grove begins to the left of the visitor center. This hard-packed dirt tail winds around to the right to the Discovery Stump, the official beginning of the grove. This was the site of the first tree that Augustus T. Dowd found in 1852, while he was chasing a wounded grizzly bear. Sadly the tree was felled in 1853, but remnants of it can be found next to the stump.
The Three Senses Trail — which is located just past the Discovery Stump on the left — is also worth a stop. This .13-mile hard-packed dirt trail features interpretive plaques about the native vegetation, and includes benches to sit and rest along the way. And although the trail has a few bumps here and there, it’s still a good choice for most wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Three Senses Trail in Calaveras Big Trees State Park
The hard-packed dirt North Grove Trail, continues past the Three Senses Trail, and winds around the Empire Tree, the Old Bachelor, the Mother-of-the-Forest and the Father-of-the-Forest. At times the dirt transitions to a level boardwalk, as this 1.7-mile trail snakes past the named and unnamed giants.
Just past the Abraham Lincoln Tree, there’s a detour around a fallen giant and through the remains of the Pioneer Cabin Tree. The fallen tree will remain on the ground to provide nourishment to new trees, and continue the forest cycle. And although the North Grove is accessible, it’s best to visit after the winter debris has been cleared in the early summer.
A Meadow Boardwalk
Meadow Boardwalk in Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Although the major focus is on the giant sequoias at Calaveras Big Trees, there’s also a nice accessible boardwalk through a meadow near the North Grove. The meadow itself is surrounded by the North Campground, which is just a short level walk from the visitor center. Follow the park road to the North Grove Campground, and if you hit the dump station, go back as you missed the campground.
Stay on the main campground road, and be on the lookout for accessible campsite 16 on the left. There’s an accessible showerhouse right behind the campsite, and the meadow boardwalk begins on the far side of that building.
There’s level access to this short boardwalk. It’s only .3-mile long, but when the wildflowers are in bloom it’s a sight to see. Lupine and corn lilies fill the meadow in June and July; although peak bloom time is weather dependent. And be on the lookout for Western Tanagers which also frequent the meadow. The boardwalk had low bumpers and no railings so wheelchair-users get an unobstructed view of all of natures beauty. And don’t forget to check at the visitor center to see if there are any wildflower walks scheduled.
The Quieter South Grove
Save some time to explore the South Grove at Calaveras Big Trees. Here you’ll find fewer visitors and the nicely accessible Beaver Creek Trail. It’s easy to find, as it’s near the end of the Walter W. Smith Memorial Parkway, about twenty minutes from the entrance station.
Accessible parking is located near the accessible vault toilet, and there’s level access over to several accessible picnic tables shaded by the surrounding forest. The .7-mile Beaver Creek Trail begins behind the vault toilet. This hard-packed dirt trail follows Beaver Creek, then passes the South Grove parking area, before it loops back to the Beaver Creek picnic area.
Make sure and stop at Beaver Creek along the trail, which is just .1 mile from the Beaver Creek picnic area. Not only are there some more picnic tables near the creek, but beach mats allow for access right up to the water.
Beaver Creek viewed from the Beaver Creek Trail in Calaveras Big Trees State Park
If you want to try a more challenging — yet still accessible — trail, then head on over to the River Picnic Area and try the Stanislaus River Trail. The trailhead for this .35-mile round-trip hike on a hard-packed dirt trail is is next to the parking area. The trail winds downhill to the river, however it still maintains an accessible grade. Make sure and take a good look at the trail in the beginning though, as it’s not flat, and you will have to make your way back up to the parking area.
Stanislaus River Trail in Calaveras Big Trees State Park
You’ll get a nice gander of the river from the end of the trail. It’s also pretty secluded and not frequented by a lot of park visitors. Granted this trail won’t work for everyone, but if you fancy a little workout it’s just what the doctor ordered.
Barrier-Free Travel California National Park Road Trips for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
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
