Here are some informative websites for hiking in North Carolina. They do not specifically address disability, but have good descriptions and photographs.
http://appalachiantreks.blogspot.com/
http://blueridgencguide.com/
Meanderthals – Easy Hikes
Author: Cecilia
Pisgah National Forest
Pisgah National Forest
“The Pisgah National Forest is a land of mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls, and heavily forested slopes.”
Here is the Forest website. Map Phone 828-877-3265
Roan Mountain Gardens Trail Brochure “On a clear day you can enjoy views of Mount Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock and Hump Mountain. This trail passes through a large patch of Catawba rhododendrons and consists of two loops. The upper loop is wheelchair accessible, while the lower loop has several steps.”
? Deerfield Loop Trail in the Bent Creek area 0.8 miles with a 100′ elevation change. This is described as easy, but you might call ahead to ask about conditions.
Wiseman’s View in Grandfather District a 0.2mile access trail to a spectacular view.
? Tom’s Creek Falls near Marion. This 0.8 mile trail is described as easy, but the last 0.2 miles get steeper and may be too much for you.
South Mountains State Park
South Mountains State Park
South Mountains State Park features elevations to 3,000 feet, an 80-foot waterfall, mountain streams and more than 40 miles of trails for hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers.
Here is the Park website. Phone 828-433-4772 Map
Hemlock Nature Trail 0.3 mile Self-guided nature trail “provides an easy hike along the Jacob Fork River.”
River Trail 0.5 mile “an easy foot trail along Jacob Fork River”
Mountains to Sea Trail
Mountains to Sea Trail When complete, this 900+ mile trail will link the Mountains in the West to the Coastal Plain in the East. Very little of it is easy, let alone accessible.
? From Sleepy Gap around Grassy Knob near Asheville This up to two mile trail is described as “nearly level with a fairly smooth surface. …… You will find a few rocks, roots, and muddy stretches here and there, but it’s nothing to worry about.”
Wake County
Wake County
Website for Parks and Recreation and Open Space 919-856-6170
Blue Jay Point County Park is a “236-acre park located on the shores of Falls Lake in northern Wake County. Blue Jay Point’s mission is to offer environmental education programming in a natural setting.”
Brochure and Trail Maps 919-870-4330
There are three short loop trails Azalea 0.5mile, Sparkleberry 0.3 mile, and Laurel 0.2 mile which are described as old roads that are wide and mulched.
Three short trails go to points on the lake. They are the Sandy Point 0.2 mile, Blue Jay Point 0.3 mile, and Beaver Point 0.3 mile trails. These are described as old road beds.
Holly Springs
Holly Springs
Bass Lake Park Trails Map
Lake Trail is described as 1.25 miles and easy. “The trail begins behind the visitor’s center and follows the shoreline with beautiful views of Bass Lake. Keep watch for waterfowl, osprey and snakes.”
Greenway connection to Womble Park is a “1.32-mile paved greenway that travels past Sugg Farm to Grigsby Avenue across from an entrance to the paved Womble Park trails.” I am assuming that this is accessible, but the website doesn’t say, so call first: 919-557-2496.
Santa Fe National Forest
Santa Fe National Forest
The Santa Fe National Forest holds 1.6 million acres of mountain scenery, the headwaters of Pecos, Jemez, and Gallinas Rivers, mountain streams and lakes. It includes four wilderness areas and 1,000 miles of hiking trails.
Here is the Forest website. Phone 505-438-5300. Thanks to Clifton Russell for suggestions of accessible trails in Santa Fe National Forest.
There is a paved trail with fishing access spots along the San Antonio River at San Antonio Campground. Thank you, Katie Watson, for the reference.
San Diego Canyon Overlook site in the Jemez Ranger District.
There is a paved trail to the overlook as well as ADA restroom.
East Fork Trail (Forest trail 137) just off NM State Highway 4. Also in Jemez Ranger District. “This [10 mile] trail would be suitable for elderly, but maybe too challenging for wheel chairs.” It sounds as if parts of it would be OK. “From Jemez Falls it’s another mile to the East Fork Trailhead. This segment of trail is an easier walk, although still moving uphill. From the East Fork Trailhead to the Las Conchas Trailhead the hiking becomes easier with rolling terrain.” I suggest you contact Forest Headquarters (505) 438-5300 for advice on the parts appropriate for you.
Cowles Fishing Pond in the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District. “An ADA accessible trail around both ponds was completed on 5/25/2013.”
Here are some accessible picnic and camping areas that Clifton Russell brought to my attention:
Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District
Windy Bridge
Baker Flat
Lower Dalton
Española Ranger District
Black Canyon Campground
Big Tesuque Campground
Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
Río Grande del Norte National Monument
“The Río Grande del Norte National Monument is comprised of rugged, wide open plains at an average elevation of 7,000 feet, dotted by volcanic cones, and cut by steep canyons with rivers tucked away in their depths. The Río Grande carves an 800 foot deep gorge through layers of volcanic basalt flows and ash.”
Here is their website. Here is a more descriptive website from Taos.org. Phone for office in Taos 575-758-8851 Map
Rio Grande Visitor Center 575-751-4899 Wild Rivers Visitor Center 575-586-1150
The descriptions below are from a website I can no longer find. Call ahead to be sure about the ease of these trails.
Upper Gorge (Wild Rivers)
Wild Rivers Nature Trail “is an easy interpretive loop along the canyon rims of the Red River and the Rio Grande at La Junta Point. The trail is approximately 1/2 mile long.”
Rinconada Loop Trail is a 6.1 mile loop which you could do parts of from the campgrounds. A wheelchair user would probably need some assistance.
Chawalauna Overlook is about 1/4 mile from the parking lot and according to the very helpful Monument manager, John Bailey, has a lovely rim view.
Trails leading north and south from the Wild Rivers Visitor Center have gravel in places, making them probably too difficult for wheelchair users.
Pescado Trail from the Visitor Center is pretty easy for the first 1/2 mile and takes you to a great view of the river gorge. A wheelchair user might need assistance.
Lower Gorge (Orilla Verde)
The first 1 1/4 mile of the 9 mile West Rim Trail going south from the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge (High Bridge) is easy, flat, and smooth. There is a bench which would make a good turn-around spot for limited walkers.
La Vista Verde is 1.3 miles and easy, but does have 6 steps near the beginning.
Taos Valley Overlook
Trader’s Trail is an easy 1.8 mile with a steady, not too steep slope.
Socorro Nature Area
Socorro Nature Area
“The Socorro Nature Area is a 120-acre environmental education area in the Rio Grande Bosque. The area includes a 1/2-mile self-guiding nature walk with interpretive signs, a pond, and amphitheatre.”
Here is the BLM Area website. and here is a more informative website from Soccorronm.org. Phone 575-835-0412 Interpretive Trail Guide
The first .11 mile of this self-guiding nature walk goes to the pond and is wheelchair accessible. On the guide, there are two loop trails which add up to about a mile and are very easy. According to the manager, you could possibly do them in a wheelchair, if you had help getting through some soft patches. Call 575-835-0412 for information.
Perea Nature Trail
Perea Nature Trail
“A mountain peak dominates the one-mile Perea Nature Trail — located just outside the village of San Ysidro in northwest New Mexico. The mountain highlights the Jemez Mountain Range, which is the southern start of the Rocky Mountains that extend northward to Alaska.”
Here is a website for the Trail. Phone 505-761-8700
This one mile (or 0.8 or 0.9 depending on the source of information) loop trail “features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels.” Here is AllTrails description.