Fire Island National Seashore
“Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special place for diverse plants, animals and people for centuries. Far from the pressure of nearby big-city life, dynamic barrier island beaches offer both solitude and camaraderie, and spiritual renewal.” Accessibility Map
There is a loaner beach wheelchair available on a first come first serve basis at Sailors Haven. National Park Planner gives a detailed description with photos.
Here is the Seashore’s website and phone (631) 687-4750. Wilderness Visitor Center phone is 631-281-3010 Sailors Haven Visitor Center phone is 631-597-6183
Parts of the boardwalks are accessible, others not yet compliant with ADA standards. You really need to call ahead to determine where you can go given your abilities.
Sunken Forest trail is mostly boardwalks. Call to be sure of conditions.
Author: Cecilia
Rails-to-Trails – New Mexico
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy lists wheelchair accessible trails in New Mexico.
Rails-to-Trails – New Jersey
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy lists wheelchair accessible trails in New Jersey.
Bass River State Forest
Bass River State Forest
“Lake Absegami, a 67-acre lake created in the 1930’s, is the center of the Forest’s recreational activities and provides an area for swimming and a serene setting for boating and canoeing.” The Forest has eight easy walking (non-ADA accessible) trails from 1 to 3.2 miles. All trails start at the second parking lot at the beach. A trail brochure is available at the office. Map and description of trails. Phone 609-296-1114. Here is the Forest Website.
? A self-guided 0.5 mile trail through the 128 acre Absegami Natural Area passes through a pine/oak woods and a small Atlantic white cedar bog. It includes a wooden foot bridge with benches. I have not found a description of just how easy (or not) this trail is. Call to learn more.
Great Egg Harbor National Scenic and Recreational River
Great Egg Harbor National Scenic and Recreational River
The Great Egg Harbor River “gradually widens as it picks up the waters of 17 tributaries on its way to Great Egg Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. Established by Congress in 1992, nearly all of this 129-mile river system rests within the Pinelands National Reserve (“Pine Barrens”). Their website mentions hiking and nature walks as activities in this area, but gives no information about where these are or about accessibility.
Here is their website. Here are assorted maps, but they don’t show trails. Headquarters’ phone number is 215-597-9175.
Gateway National Recreation Area
Gateway National Recreation Area
Gateway’s 27,000 acre area constitutes three geographic units: Sandy Hook, New Jersey; Jamaica Bay and Staten Island, New York City. This park was badly hit by Hurricane Sandy. Some areas are still closed. There are beach wheelchairs available at Jamaica Bay and Sandy Hook. Call ahead.
Here is Gateway’s website. Phone 718-354-4606
Staten Island. There are walking paths at all three Staten Island sites. Accessibility at Staten Island. Phone 718-354-4606
A paved and wheelchair-accessible Multi-Use Path begins at the entrance to Great Kills Park and extends 1.5 miles to the beach center.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Try the Upland, East Pond and West Pond trails. Or hike in the back fort area of Fort Tilden. Here is a website by Steve Markos which describes the West Pond, and North and South Trails at Jamaica Bay. Accessibility at Jamaica Bay.
? West Pond Trail, 2.7 miles, looks from the photographs as if it might be wheelchair accessible. Call the Visitor Center 718-318-4340 to be sure.
Sandy Hook Accessibility at Sandy Hook. Visitor Center phone 732-872-5970.
Multi-use Pathway, 5miles, is wheelchair accessible.
Rails-to-Trails – New Hampshire
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy lists wheelchair accessible trails in New Hampshire.
Rails-to-Trails – Nevada
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy lists wheelchair accessible trails in Nevada.
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park – Sand Harbor
“The largest alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe is a cobalt blue lake atop the Sierra Nevada mountain range. On its eastern shores, gently sloping beaches, crystal-clear water and interesting rock formations allow for wonderfully sublime swimming, kayaking and scuba diving at Sand Harbor.”
Here is the Park website. Phone 775-831-0494 More information
There are a 1/3 mile wheelchair accessible boardwalk nature trail and a picnic area here as well as an accessible path to a sandy beach. Even better, you can borrow one of their two beach wheelchairs, free of charge. The wheelchairs are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Entry to the park is $12 per car for non-residents of Nevada, but it’s worth it.
Spooner Backcountry in the Lake Tahoe Basin “…is a widespread recreational and natural oasis, with a lake surrounded by aspens and more than 12,000 acres of forested, open space. The park features 50 miles of hiking, equestrian and mountain biking trails and primitive roads. “
The Spooner Lake loop trail described by Tahoe Adventure Sports. Said to be “good for all skill levels” by AllTrails. These two references disagree on length — 2.1 or 1.8 miles.
Rails-to-Trails – Nebraska
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy lists wheelchair accessible trails in Nebraska.