Idaho has 30 state parks. The Idaho “Passport” , $10 for residents and $40 for visitors from out of state, buys you access to all the parks and discounts on camping for a year.
The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes runs 72 miles from Plummer to Mullan. It is paved asphalt and “perfect for road bikers, in-line skaters, walkers and wheelchairs”. There are 19 trailheads along the way. Call 208 682-3814 for more information.
Idaho Panhandle National Forests
The 2.5 million acres of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests contain mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, ancient cedar groves, and an abundance of wildlife. From NationalForests.org: “The Idaho Panhandle National Forests are an aggregation of the Coeur d’Alene and portions of the Kaniksu and St. Joe National Forests. There are eight local points of contact including the Supervisor’s Office, six district offices and the Coeur d’Alene Tree Nursery.” The Forests extend into eastern Washington and western Montana. Supervisor’s Office phone 208-765-7223. See their website for District Rangers’ phones. Publications
Pulaski Tunnel Trail The forest service says that the first 725 feet of trail are accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Hobo Cedar Grove Trail From the website: “The trail has a gentle gradient making it accessible to older persons or those with moderate physical impairments. The trail width is about 40 inches. An occasional log bench provides seating along the trail.”
Hiawatha Rail Trail is not listed in the Rails-to-Trails site, but I have seen references to wheelchair use. Call 208-744-1301. Here is some more information from the Friends of the Coeur d’Alene Trails. You can also give the Forest Service a call at (208) 765-7223.
Mineral Point Trail is 2.1 miles one way and described as “….one of the most beautiful trails on the Sandpoint Ranger District and is popular with hikers and mountain bikers. Gentle grades, wildflowers and excellent views make this trail suitable for the entire family.”
Sam Owen Trail is “wheelchair moderate, hiker easy……The first ½ mile of this trail has a hardened surface that is suitable for wheel chairs and strollers. The hardened trail ends at a beautiful vista of Owens Bay and the benches offer a nice place to sit and enjoy the view. The remaining ½ mile of trail is native surface, narrow and not suitable for wheel chairs or strollers…..This is a great hike for a family with small children. ”
Phone numbers and addresses for the ranger districts in Idaho National Forests.
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy lists wheelchair accessible trails in Hawaii.
Honolulu County – The City and County of Honolulu’s website with information on accessible beaches and facilities.
Beach wheelchair access
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is on Hawai’i – The Big Island. The island of Hawai`i actually consists of five volcanoes. The ongoing eruptions of Kīlauea Volcano and the periodic eruptions of Mauna Loa, offer opportunity “…to witness the formation of an array of astounding geologic features including new cinder cones, glowing pit craters, rivers of lava and fountains of spatter. ” The Park protects many rare species of plants and animals.
From the Accessibility page of the park’s website: “The Kīlauea Visitor Center, Jaggar Museum, Volcano House and Volcano Art Center are wheelchair accessible. Here is the Park website. Map Phone 808-985-6000
Ha’akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) Trail 1.2 mile round trip. “Visitors with heart or respiratory problems (such as asthema), pregnant women, infants, or young children should avoid this walk.”
Devastation Trail 1 mile round trip There are sections of this paved trail that have grades greater than eight percent (8%).
Kīpukapuaulu 1 mile round trip. “Be aware that concentrated SO2 gasses (sulphur dioxide) and sulphur fumes from Halema‘uma‘u Crater can be dangerous for those with heart or respiratory conditions.”
Crater Rim Trail Two sections are currently open. Call to learn more.
Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui covers an area of 33,265 acres of which 19,270 acres is a wilderness area. The park features include the dormant Haleakalā volcano with its huge crater and the Kīpahulu coast near Hana. There is a unique forest of alien trees.
The summit area’s altitude is 10,023 which makes even easy hiking more challenging. There are a number of short trails in the summit area, but none of them wheelchair accessible. Best to call ahead to get an idea of which are considered easy.
In the Kīpahulu area, there are accessible parking spaces and restrooms near the visitor center. The only paved portion of trail leads to the visitor center.
Accessibility For the hearing-impaired, a script is available for a backcountry slide orientation program at Park Headquarters Visitor Center and Haleakalā Visitor Center.
Phone 808-572-4400 Maps Here is their website.
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has listings of wheelchair accessible trails in Georgia.
Tallulah Gorge State Park –
“… Tallulah Gorge is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. Visitors can hike rim trails to several overlooks… A suspension bridge sways 80 feet above the rocky bottom, providing spectacular views of the river and waterfalls.”
Here is a trail map with descriptions. Phone 706-754-7981 Here is their website.
Tallulah Falls Rail-Trail as described in the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy website: “From its trailhead beside Tallulah Falls Lake the 1.7-mile paved path meanders through a beautiful southern Appalachian forest and crosses a small suspension bridge over the Tallulah River.”
? There are a couple of overlooks accessed via a recycled rubber tire trail from the Interpretive Center. Watch for exposed roots.
Shortline trail 3 miles, paved and described as easy.
Skidaway Island State Park
This park near Savannah borders the “…Skidaway narrows, a part of Georgia’s Intracoastal Waterway. Trails wind through maritime forest and past salt marsh, leading to a boardwalk and observation tower. Visitors can watch for deer, fiddler crabs, raccoon, egrets and other wildlife.” Here is their website.
Phone 912-598-2300. Trail Map
Sandpiper Trail loop 1 mile A lovely glimpse into the ecology of the Golden Isles.
Big Ferry trail 3 miles easy, but not so much for a wheelchair.
Wheelchair Traveling‘s account. Here are some positive reviews from Trip Advisor
