trail

A Wheelchair-Accessible Silver Falls State Park Getaway

Candy B. Harrington cabin, camping, nature, Oregon, Salem, Silver Falls, state park, trail, waterfall, wheelchair October 25, 2025

Located about 20 miles southeast of Salem, Silver Falls State Park is the crown jewel of the Oregon State Park system. There’s no shortage of majestic waterfall views, and if you’d like to get a closer look, there are also several wheelchair-accessible trails to explore. Add in accessible picnic areas, restrooms, food service and visitor facilities, and you have the complete package. And if you’d like to spend a few nights, there’s a nice selection of wheelchair-accessible cabins nears the rivers edge. So pack the car and get ready to experience a cornucopia of natural beauty at Silver Falls State Park.

South Falls District

The South Falls District is the most developed area of the park. It features accessible parking in the main lot, near the accessible restrooms and the information board. A wide paved trail leads to the left past the South Falls Café to the stone circle. From there bear left and continue along past the Nature Store. Take the next left and follow the trail out to the viewpoint. This is the closest view of the South Falls, and it’s about .25 from the parking lot. There is a small wall along the rim, and depending on the season some foliage may obstruct your view, so continue along the paved trail for a better vantage point.

After you return to the main trail, take the next left for a better falls view. This viewpoint is about .3 from the parking lot, and a bit downhill, but there’s a bench and a clear view at the end.

The trail past this point is not accessible, but if you head back towards the parking lot you can see the other side of the area. This time, take the right trail from the parking area and wind around the back of the South Falls Cafe and past the second set of restrooms to the Stone Kitchen Shelter on the right. Constructed by the CCC in 1936, this community kitchen was renovated in 2005. There’s an accessible pathway that leads past a picnic area to the right and up to the kitchen, and bypasses the steps in front.

And just past the Stone Kitchen Shelter, there’s a nice accessible boardwalk that winds through the forest. The access ends after the boardwalk, but it’s still a nice little jog through the forest. And a pleasant place to have a picnic lunch.

North Falls District

The North Rim Trail in the North Canyon District

The North Canyon District also has some accessible features, as this area recently underwent a major renovation. It’s located just past the north entrance to the park, and it should not be confused with the North Falls parking area, which is located further south along the road.

There’s accessible parking in the large lot with level access to the accessible restrooms and picnic area. There are a number of tables on the grass under the trees, plus one accessible table near the parking lot with an accessible drop-off are nearby. There’s no shortage of picnic choices here.

The North Rim Trail begins just to the left of the restrooms. This wide hard-packed dirt trail is covered with crushed rock in the beginning, and then transitions to a dirt trail. It winds through the forest and passes the North Canyon Nature Play Area, where kids can play on nature-themed play equipment. There’s also another picnic area along the route, which is in a level dirt area and has room at the end of the tables for wheelchairs. It’s a more secluded option than the main picnic area.

The trail continues along through the forest, crosses a bridge and has a minimal elevation gain. At about the .6-mile point, there’s an accessible viewpoint with an interpretive plaque and a nice view of the North Falls. After that the trail loses its access, as there are steps, ruts, and elevation gains. Still it makes for a nice 1.2-mile out-and-back hike through the forest, and it offers a great view at the end.

A Taste of Mother Nature

The South Falls Campground also boasts a doable trail for many folks. You can access the trail in two places — near the campground entrance and campsite 2, or near the amphitheater and campsite 41. The entrance near campsite 2 has a bridge with about a three-inch step, but there is also an alternate entrance from the campground road.

The whole trail is about 1.25 miles long, but only the end sections are doable, as the middle has narrow pathways, rocks and other obstacles, steep sections and some overgrown foliage. From each entrance the trail is doable for about .4 mile. These sections boast a wide trail in good repair, that meanders along a stream and through the forest with a minimal elevation gain. It’s a good trail for birders, as there’s no shortage of wildlife along the way. Best bet is to take the trail as far as you can manage, and then double back. It’s a beautiful taste of nature.

And if you’d like to spend the night in the campground, accessible campsites 58, 60, 86 and 91 feature a paved driveway, a raised grill, an accessible picnic table and are near the accessible restrooms. As an added bonus, campsite 91 also has a covered picnic table. If you want to bring your rig, campsites 2, 3 and 4 are accessible sites with power. To be honest, this is a pretty level campground and most of the campsites are doable for wheelchair-users — the big difference is the distance from the bathrooms.

And if you’d like to get up-close-and-personal with mother nature, then check out this accessible tree climbing option near the campground. emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-tree-climbing-in-silver-falls-state-park/

Cabins in the Woods

If you want to overnight in the park, but don’t really want to pitch a tent, then consider one of these wheelchair-accessible camping cabins. Located in the cabin village, Cabin 1 is the most private. It features a wide paved driveway and ramped access up to the front porch.

This two-room cabin features electricity, lights, a heater, and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair. The front room is furnished with a table with four chairs and a 19-inch high futon; while the other room includes a bunk bed (20-inch high bottom bunk) and a 24-inch high double bed. And outside there’s an accessible picnic table, a raised grill and plenty of room to roll around the level site. This cabin can sleep six, and does not allow pets.

The shower house is about 120 feet away, and it includes a private room with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a fold down shower seat and a hand-held showerhead. It also has a small changing area and a roll-under sink with a lowered mirror. The bathroom is next door and includes a toilet with grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated), a urinal and a roll-under sink.

Cabin 1

Inside Cabin 1

Bedroom in Cabin 1

Toilet and sink in Showerhouse

Shower Room in Showerhouse

Cabins 3,4 and 7 are also accessible choices in the cabin village. They have the same access features as cabin 1, and they all sleep six and don’t allow pets. Cabin 3 has a large accessible deck, cabin 4 has a side ramp and a large porch, and cabin 7 is the closest to the bathroom.

Additionally, there’s an accessible cabin in the campground (19) which sleeps four people and accepts pets. It’s not as private as those in the cabin village but it’s still a nice accessible place to overnight in Silver Falls State Park.

A Wheelchair-Accessible Silver Falls State Park Getaway

Cabin 2

Cabin 4

Cabin 7

Resource

Keystone Ancient Forest Offers Track Chairs

Candy B. Harrington cedar, forest, hikes, Keystone, loaner, oaks, Oklahoma, Sand Springs, track chair, trail, wheelchair October 14, 2025

Located in Northeastern Oklahoma, the Keystone Ancient Forest (www.sandspringsok.gov/175/Keystone-Ancient-Forest) is home to 500-year old cedars, 330-year old majestic oaks and over 80 species of butterflies. As an added bonus the preserve is filled with eagles, migratory birds, deer and other wildlife. The 1,380-acre parcel has received recognition from The Nature Conservancy and it’s the first Oklahoma property to become a member of the Old Growth Forest Network. And although the forest has a few natural barriers for wheelchair-users and slow walkers, track chairs are now available for loan.

Track chairs have tank tires instead of standard wheels and they can navigate over obstacles that most wheelchairs can’t manage. The track chairs can be taken on the Childers Trail, the Fire Road and the Frank Trail. If you cannot transfer to the track chair on your own, you must bring somebody to help you. And while you’re in the preserve, all pets must be on a six-foot leash.

The track chairs are available by advance reservation at sandspringsok.org/FormCenter/Case-Community-Center-10/Track-Chair-Request-Form-98. After the form is completed and the waiver is signed, someone from the Keystone Ancient Forest will get back to you to confirm your reservation and to answer any questions. For more information, call (918) 246-7795.

Destination/ Lodging/ NP Tips

Plan a Wheelchair-Accessible Reunion at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Candy B. Harrington Brecksville, canal, Cuyahoga, exploration, house, national park, Ohio, overnight, railway, Rockport, towpath, trail, Valley October 5, 2025

Planning a family reunion can be quite a challenge, especially if it’s a multi-day event that requires overnight lodging. On the other hand, a large house or cabin allows folks to visit and reminisce for the entire weekend. And although finding a reunion house is one thing, finding one that is wheelchair-accessible can be an added challenge. And in that respect Stanford House (www.conservancyforcvnp.org/experience/plan-your-visit/retreats-lodging/) — which is located in Northeastern Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park (https://www.nps.gov/cuva/index.htm) — fills the bill perfectly.

Historic Stanford House

Located near Boston Mills Visitor Center, Stanford House was built in 1843 and can accommodate up to 30 overnight guests. And the good news is, access features have been added over the years to this historic home, so today it’s a great multigenerational lodging choice.

There’s accessible parking in front of the two-story home, and a barrier-free pathway over to the front porch. The grand old home features wide doorways, wood floors, good pathway access and wheelchair access on the first floor. The home is decorated with vintage wallpaper, stately wood moldings and historic chandeliers; while several comfortable rocking chairs line the accessible front porch.

The living room is furnished with a sofa, two love seats, a settee and a few chairs; and there’s still plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair or scooter around the period pieces and reproductions.

The dining room is massive and it includes two long wooden tables which each can each seat 30 people. There’s a small hutch which is filled with cups, plates, glasses and dishes; and the adjacent commercial kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, freezer, microwave, and just about every small appliance and utensil you can imagine. And if you’d like to dine outside, there’s level access to a picnic table on the lawn, and the nearby fire circle.

Access Features Galore

Although the bulk of the dormitory style sleeping areas are located upstairs, there’s also a wheelchair-accessible suite located on the first floor. It’s furnished with two 19-inch high twin beds (which can be pushed together) with access on both sides, as well as a trundle daybed. Truly wheelchair-users have their choice of beds in this home. Top it off with a lowered bedroom mirror and you have a nice accessible room.

The adjacent bathroom features a full five-foot turning radius and is equipped with a 36-inch square transfer-type shower, with a fold-down shower bench, grab bars and a hand-held-showerhead. There’s ample floor space in front of the shower to transfer to the shower bench, and level access to roll-in to the unit. Other bathroom access features include a roll-under sink, and a toilet with a grab bar on the left side (as seated).

Bathroom in the Ground Floor Accessible Suite

The access features are well done, and truly this wheelchair-accessible suite will work for folks with a wide range of mobility disabilities. Additionally, the home is secluded and private, so your group will have the area all to yourself.

Explore Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Boarding the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Stanford House also makes perfect home base for daily jaunts to some of Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s accessible attractions. At the top of the list is the Canal Exploration Center, which is located on the north end of the park. There’s accessible parking with level access to the front entrance of this former 1800s tavern, which now houses a store and an information center. And since the paved wheelchair-accessible towpath runs right in front of the building, you can take an accessible hike in either direction.

Brecksville Nature Center, which is located near the Station Road Bridge, is also worth a stop. Accessible parking is located next to an accessible picnic table, so pack along a lunch and enjoy a midday break. From there it’s a .15-mile walk on an accessible trail to the nature center. Accessible restrooms are located next door, and there’s level access to the nature center, which features a number of interpretive exhibits. The building also boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the garden bird feeders. It’s an excellent place to sit back and enjoy some of the 200-plus different avian visitors that have been spotted in the park.

And don’t miss a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (www.cvsr.org). The three-hour scenic excursion winds through the park, and offers visitors a good overview of the area. Even better, the train has a lift-equipped car with plenty of wheelchair seating, and an accessible restroom. The trip begins at the Rockside Station in Independence and heads south along the Cuyahoga River, before it winds its way down to the Akron Northside Station. After that, it turns around and heads back to the Rockside Station. It’s a great way to explore Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and you just can’t beat the views.

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Destination

Wheelchair-Accessible Columbia River Hikes

Candy B. Harrington Balfour-Klickitat, Catherine Creek, Columbia River, hike, Sam's Walker, trail, universal access, Washington, wheelchair September 20, 2025

The majestic Columbia River flows through the Pacific Northwest and forms the border between Washington and Oregon. On the Oregon side of the river, Interstate 84 travels through several mid-sized cities as it skirts the waterway. That said, Highway 14 on the north side of the river offers a bucolic view of the Washington landscape. Even better, the northern route boasts several wheelchair-accessible hikes. So take the time to hop off the interstate, cross the river, and enjoy these scenic wheelchair-accessible Columbia River hikes on your next Pacific Northwest road trip.

Sam’s Walker Trail

While traveling on the western part of Interstate 84, the best — and frankly the most scenic — river crossing is at the Bridge of the Gods (www.portofcascadelocks.gov/bridge-of-the-gods), in Cascade Locks. After you cross this two-lane toll bridge, head west on Highway 14 for about 10 miles to get to the first accessible hike on the list — Sam’s Walker Trail. When you hit Skamania Landing Road, turn south and and follow the signs to the trailhead. It should be noted that Skamania Landing Road is a loop, so be sure and take the western turnoff.

There’s no accessible parking in the gravel lot, but there’s plenty of room to parallel park an adapted van. An accessible vault toilet sits on one side of the parking lot, and an accessible shaded picnic table graces the other side. There’s level access over to the 1.2-mile hard packed dirt trail. It winds through a sweeping meadow, then passes through a shady cedar forest before it loops back to the trailhead,.

Sam’s Walker Trail is pretty well maintained, but there may be some slight vegetation overgrowth depending on the season. It’s mostly a flat trail, although there are some slight elevation changes along the way. Still it’s well within the ADA guidelines for accessible trails; as the steepest grade is only 4%, and that’s just for a few feet. It’s a great spot for a spring wildflower hike, and the meadow is an excellent birding venue. As an added bonus, there’s an accessible picnic table set off the trail under a few trees, about halfway along the hike If the table in the parking lot is occupied, it’s a great spot for a picnic lunch. And even if the parking lot table is available, the trail table offers more privacy. Sam’s Walker Trail makes for a nice accessible hike throughout the year.

Catherine Creek Universal Trail

Next up on the list of wheelchair-accessible Columbia River hikes is the Catherine Creek Universal Trail. From Sam’s Walker Trail, head east on Highway 14, then turn north on Old Highway 8, about 40 miles up the road. The Catherine Creek Universal Trail is about 1.5 miles up Old Highway 8.

There’s a small dirt parking area on the north side of the street; and although there are no lined spaces, there’s room enough to parallel park in the level lot. There’s another trailhead near the parking area on the north side of the street, but the Catherine Creek Universal Trail begins across the street, near the accessible porta potty.

You can take the trail in either direction, but most folks choose to head east (left). The trail winds through a meadow and over to the Catherine Creek Falls viewpoint. It’s just a quarter-mile walk to the falls, and the area is filled with lilies, poppies and balsamroot blooms in the spring. The waterfall decreases to just a trickle in the summer months, but it’s rather impressive earlier in the year . And if you’d like to stay a spell, there’s also a bench in the waterfall viewing area. As an added bonus, there’s also a nice Columbia River view.

The next part of the route crosses a small footbridge and then an accessible boardwalk, before it splits into two trails. The trail to the right is the half-mile shortcut, and it’s a bit steeper than the longer route. The trail to the left winds along the Columbia River and then intersects with the shortcut, before it returns to the starting point for a 1.2-mile stroll. Although neither route is level, they both are accessible. And don’t forget to bring a hat, as there’s not much shade along the way.

Balfour Klickitat Loop

The final trail on our north shore collection of wheelchair-accessible Columbia River hikes is the Balfour Klickitat Loop. From the Catherine Creek Universal Trail, continue east along Old Highway 8 for about 4.5 miles. The trailhead is on the left, and although it’s marked, it’s east to miss. If you hit Highway 14, turn around and backtrack for about .2 mile.

This land was originally farmed by the Thomas Balfour family in the 1800s, and remnants of the Osage orange trees they planted are still visible along the trail today. There’s accessible parking near the trailhead, with level access over to an accessible vault toilet.

The .75–mile wide paved trail winds through a meadow and offers a panoramic Columbia River view, complete with parasailers. There are turn outs along the way for wheelchair-users, and this is also a great spot for wildflower viewing in the spring. At about the halfway point there’s a single accessible picnic table on a pad, with plenty of room for a wheelchair. It’s a great place for a picnic as it’s tucked off the trail in a private cove, but still offers a nice river view.

The trail then crosses a small bridge and continues along the meadow, with a view of the peaceful Klickitat River. It’s a great birding place, and bald eagles are known to congregate here during the salmon run in January and February. When you reach a fork in the trail, bear left to the return to the parking area. Although there is some elevation gain there, it’s within code, with resting spots every 20 feet. It’s a pleasant trail, that’s definitely worth a stop while road tripping along Highway 14.

Stay a Spell

After you finish exploring the Balfour-Klickitat Loop, head out Highway 14 to continue your trek east. Alternatively, you can extend your stay and explore this less-touristed side of the Columbia River.

Maryhill State Park is located about 20 miles east of the Balfour-Klickitat Loop, and it’s a nice place to stop for a picnic or even spend a night or two. The Maryhill Museum, Maryhill Winery and Maryhill Stonehenge are also all worth a visit while you’re in the area. (emerginghorizons.com/linger-on-in-maryhill-state-park/).

If you’d like to stay a little further west, then check out Skamania Lodge (emerginghorizons.com/sleep-in-a-wheelchair-accessible-treehouse-at-skamania-lodge/). They have a good selection of accessible rooms that includes everything from a wheelchair-accessible treehouse to a spacious accessible cabin. And while you’re in the area, take a quick trip over to the Oregon side of the river and explore the Hood River Infinity Loop (emerginghorizons.com/drive-the-scenic-mount-hood-infinity-loop/) and the Columbia River Waterfall Corridor (emerginghorizons.com/explore-the-historic-columbia-river-highway-waterfall-corridor/).

Vista House on the Columbia River Waterfall Corridor

And finally, if you’d prefer to camp out, then check out Beacon Rock State Park. It offers a nicely accessible campsite, as well as a few accessible hikes. Either way these wheelchair-accessible Columbia River hikes only take a few hours, and the scenery is most definitely worth the slight detour.

Destination/ NP Tips

Escape the Crowds in Great Basin National Park

Candy B. Harrington Baker, Great Basin, Highway 50 remote cave, national park, Nevada, road trip, trail, wheelchair, Wheeler Peak September 4, 2025

Located just off what’s often been called “the loneliest road in America”, Great Basin National Park (nps.gov/grba/) is the epitome of remote. Named for the dry and mountainous basin between the Sierra Nevada and Wasatch mountain ranges, this Eastern Nevada national park offers a diverse landscape, from subterranean caverns to high alpine peaks. And as one of America’s least visited national parks, it’s the perfect place to take a welcome break from hectic city life. The good news is, even though parts of this park are quite rugged, it still offers plenty of places for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to admire Mother Nature’s handiwork.

Get Your Bearings

One of the most accessible ways to enjoy Great Basin National Park is to take the 12-mile scenic drive up to Wheeler Peak. The best place to begin your adventure is at the Great Basin Visitor Center, located on Highway 487 in Baker. There’s accessible parking in front, with level access to the visitor center. Inside there’s plenty of room to navigate a wheelchair around the interpretive exhibits. This is a good place to get your bearings, pick up a park map and get first-hand information from the rangers on duty.

From the visitor center, continue along Highway 488 until you reach the park. Just past the park entrance, make a right turn on Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. This winding road hugs the mountain as it passes through several ecosystems on the way to the summit. The landscape is dotted with sagebrush, before it gives way to a pinion juniper woodland, and then transforms into a conifer forest. There’s no shortage of great windshield views along the way, and there are several scenic viewpoints where you can admire the sweeping vistas. And although the road is paved, the average grade is eight percent, and vehicles and trailers longer than 24 feet are prohibited. On the plus side, that means you won’t see any tour buses at the top.

Enjoy the View

There are several scenic viewpoints along Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, that are definitely worth a stop. First up on the drive is the Osceola Ditch trailhead, which is located just past Lehman Creek campgrounds. There’s plenty of room to parallel park in the asphalt pullout, with level access over to the interpretive panel about the Osceola Ditch. This 18-mile flume dates back to 1890, when it was built to carry water to the nearby gold mining operation. Although the mines saw some success in the beginning, they shut down in 1905, but some remnants of the Osceola Ditch still stand.

Just up the road you’ll find two viewpoints which offer great views of the vast Great Basin. Mather Overlook is just a short drive off the main road, and it features level access to the viewing deck, which has a wheelchair-height scope. There is also an accessible vault toilet and a picnic table on a cement pad at this overlook. Wheeler Peak Overlook also offers level access to a viewing deck with a wheelchair-height scope, where you’ll get an excellent view of the Wheeler Peak Glacier.

Up at the top there is accessible parking in the Bristlecone Parking Lot, with level access to the Sky Island Forest Trail. This .4-mile loop is very nicely done, with rubber mats and boardwalk sections to make it accessible in all weather. The maximum grade along the 32-inch wide trail is eight percent, and there are benches along the way to stop and rest. Interpretive plaques dot the trail, which winds through a fir and pine forest. Located at 10,000 feet, this trail offers a unique opportunity for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to explore the sub-alpine forest.

The Wonder Down Under

The Gothic Room at Lehman Caves in Big Basin National Park

There’s another side to Great Basin National Park – a subterranean side. After you finish the scenic drive, head down to Lehman Caves for an entirely different view of the park. Located at the end of Highway 488, the Lehman Caves Visitor Center offers accessible parking, with a ramp up to the back entrance. Inside, there’s barrier-free access to the visitor center and gift shop.

Although there are 76 steps on the regular cave tour, a special “mobility tour” is also available. Although not 100 percent accessible it may work for some wheelchair-users and slow walkers. The tour is actually a shorter version of the regular tour, and people who can’t manage the steps and grade just go to the first room — the Gothic Room — and then return to the visitor center.

There’s level access on a paved pathway to the cave entrance, but there’s a five-to-eight-percent grade to the Gothic Room. Wheelchair-users must be accompanied by a companion who can push them in and out of the cave. And although it may sound a bit restrictive, it’s a good opportunity for some wheelchair-users and slow walkers to get a look at the fabulous stalactite and stalagmite formations inside the cave.

The availability of the mobility tour is dependent on the staffing, as there has to be an extra ranger to take wheelchair-users and slow walkers back early. For more information on the mobility tour or to find out about availability, call (775) 234-7517. Tickets for this tour are not available online, but it’s definitely worth the extra effort to make arrangements for the mobility tour in advance.

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Destination/ Lodging/ NP Tips

Explore Wheelchair-Accessible Badlands National Park

Candy B. Harrington Badlands, Cedar Pass Lodge, Door Trail, Fossil Exhibit, national park, South Dakota, trail, wheelchair, Window Trail September 3, 2025

Located in Southwestern South Dakota, Badlands National Park (www.nps.gov/badl) features a rugged landscape dotted with an almost otherworldly collection of geological formations. The windshield views of the convoluted rock formations are spectacular, so you don’t even need to get out of your vehicle to enjoy it all. On the other hand, if you’d like to linger a bit, there are plenty of wheelchair-accessible Badlands options; including numerous trails and overlooks along the way. And there’s even an accessible lodge to spend the night.

Take a Hike

Fossil Exhibit Trail in Badlands National Park

Although the landscape looks foreboding, it’s easy to plan a wheelchair-accessible Badlands trip. To get a good overview, take a drive along Badlands Loop Road, where you’ll find a number of wheelchair-accessible viewpoints and pullouts that aren’t even marked on the park map.

There are also several accessible trails along Badlands Loop Road, including the Window Trail and the Door Trail, which are just a short drive from the visitor center. Both trails can be accessed from the same parking lot, which includes accessible parking and an accessible vault toilet.

The Window Trail is located on the south side of the parking lot. The level boardwalk leads out to a natural window that looks out on eerie hoodoo-like formations off in the distance. It’s a pleasant quarter-mile out-and-back stroll.

Viewing Platform at the End of the Windows Trail in Badlands National Park

The Door Trail is located at the other end of the parking lot, near the much needed shade structure. The level boardwalk snakes between a break in the Badlands Wall — called The Door — and opens up to a sweeping sandstone canon view at the end. It’s a .75-mile round-trip hike.

Start of the Door Trail in Badlands National Park

And don’t miss the Fossil Exhibit Trail, which is located near White River Valley Overlook. Accessible parking and an accessible vault toilet are located near the trailhead. This quarter-mile boardwalk features low bumpers for unobstructed views, and includes interpretive panels that describe the extinct creatures that once roamed the area. Examples of fossils are also located along this nicely accessible loop trail.

Each trail offers a different look at the varied landscape, but don’t forget the sunscreen, as shade is in short supply in this neck of the woods

Stay a Spell

To ramp up your wheelchair-accessible Badlands experience, plan to spend at least one night at Cedar Pass Lodge (www.cedarpasslodge.com). Not only is it one of the newer properties in the national park system, but it’s also conveniently located right next door to the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.

Designed to resemble the rustic 1928 Cedar Pass cabins, this modern incarnation includes all the creature comforts that travelers expect today. It has several accessible cabins, including cabin 101, a duplex model.

Access features include ramp access to the front porch, wide doorways, excellent pathway access, a lowered clothing rod, and wood floors for easy rolling. The interior is equally striking and includes walls paneled with beetle-kill pine from the Black Hills, and furnishings that are hand-crafted from Lodgepole pines.

Furnishings include a 23-inch high bed with wheelchair access on both sides, a table, two chairs, a refrigerator and a microwave. There’s also level access out to the spacious back deck, which is a great place to enjoy the sunset.

The bathroom is furnished with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a padded shower bench. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated), and the bathroom also includes a roll-under sink and a lowered mirror. And like the rest of the cabin, there’s plenty of room to maneuver even the largest wheelchair or scooter around the bathroom.

Cabin 101 at Cedar Pass Lodge in Badlands National Park

Image 1 of 4

There’s also good access to the public areas of the property, including the gift shop, registration area and the restaurant. The only in-park lodging option in Badlands National Park, Cedar Pass Lodge makes a great home-base for any wheelchair-accessible Badlands visit. And you just can’t beat the scenery!