Author: Cecilia

Split Rock Mountain Wild Forest
The 3,700-acre Split Rock Wild Forest is part of the Adirondack Forest Preserve in Essex County.
“Webb Royce Swamp is reached by a 700-foot-long accessible trail. This hardened trail travels through a field in the early stages of succession, then crosses a hedgerow into another field that is actively mowed before ending at a raised pad overlooking the swamp. “

Rogers Environmental Education Center
Rogers EEC is in Chenango County.
Here is their website.  Phone 607-674-4733   Map
There is an accessible nature walk, but no information is given on the website.  Call to learn about it.

Pharsalia Woods State Forest
Formerly New Michigan State Forest, Parsalia Woods SF is in Chenango County.
Here is the Forest website.   Phone  607-674-4017 Map
“…boardwalk that leads to an elevated, covered viewing platform overlooking the 90-acre Round Pond wetland complex that contains several protected plants, including the carnivorous pitcher plant…”

McDonough State Forest
McDonough State Forest is located ten miles west of Norwich, in the Allegheny Plateau.
Here is the Forest website.  Phone  607-674-4017   Map
“A short (less than one mile) trail in the southwestern portion of the forest off Sort Cut Road allows motorized access for people with mobility impairments. A permit is required through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities.”
Kopac Pond 0.2 mile hard-pack trail on Bliven-Sherman Road that loops through the hemlock forest.  “At the end of the trail, there is an accessible observation deck that overlooks the pond.”

Chautauqua Gorge State Forest
Chautauqua Gorge State Forest consists of 538 acres in Chautauqua County.  “Numerous wildlife species can be found here, including white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, raccoon, and turkey. There are also occasional fox, mink and bear sightings. A variety of songbirds can be found, especially near heavily harvested areas where there is thick seedling-sapling cover.”
Here is the Forest website.   Phone 716-363-2052  Map
There is an accessible ¼-mile loop trail made of crushed stone. The trail head is located at the picnic area.

Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area
“The 3,014-acre Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area (MUA) is one of the most scenic and ecologically diverse environmental areas in Western New York. The Zoar Valley MUA is known for the spectacular scenery created by its deep gorge, sheer cliffs, flowing waterfalls, and dense forests.”
There is a 0.6 mile trail from the accessible parking lot to a viewing platform at the end of Forty Road.

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center is a living museum comprising over 450 acres of fields, forests, and wetlands in Albany County.
Here is their website     Phone 518-475-0291 Nature Trails
Nature’s Accessible Backyard Trail 0.25 mile loop with shortcut options

Woodlot Trail 0.25 mile loop with shortcut option

Old Field Trail 0.5 mile with shortcut options “…gentle grades over grass and wood chip surfaces…”
Service Road Loop 1.5 mile “…seldom-used service road of gentle grades over grass and gravel surfaces…”

There are several other trails which might be within your ability.  Call or check at the Visitor Center.

Wickham Marsh Wildlife Management Area
Wickham Marsh WMA consists of 862 acres of  Pine Barrens ecosystem of pitch pine, scrub oak, sweet fern, and blueberry, as well as invading white pine, grey birch, hazelnut, aspen, cinquefoil, and bracken fern.
Here is a website with more information.  Phone 518-897-1291  Map
A 300 foot long accessible trail brings users from the parking area to the viewing platform.

New York Department of Environmental Conservation
ADA Coordinators Here is a listing with contact numbers of the ADA co-ordinators for New York who can provide site-specific information related to accessible features.
Accessibility in outdoor New York
State Forest areas allowing ATV use for qualified people with mobility limitations.
Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD)
The DEC issues temporary revocable permits that provide motor vehicle access to certain state lands. “MAPPWD permit holders are permitted uncommon access to activities such as hunting, fishing, camping and wildlife observation.”  The permit is only issued to qualified people with disabilities, who must apply.
Accessible Recreation Areas arranged by county