Maine has a number of trails with minimal obstacles. Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. Here are just a few of them.
These links were found through Internet search. I would love some first-hand information. With your help, we can share our knowledge with disabled people everywhere and also increase awareness of the need for more accessibility. Please e-mail me with your suggestions using the form in the sidebar.
Federal
State
Local
Private
Miscellaneous
Federal
Acadia National Park
“Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats with high biodiversity, clean air and water, and a rich cultural heritage.”
Here is the Park website. There are 4 accessible trails listed in the Park Accessibility Guide. Echo Lake has an accessible path to the water.
Jesup Path is a wheel chair wide boardwalk with pullouts that goes through a white birch forest.
Intertidal Zone is not really a trail, but a gravel bar only exposed 1 to 1.5 hours on either side of low tide. “The road to the bar is steep, rocky, and uneven.”
Jordan Pond has some accessible paths with “…beautiful views of the pond and connections to the carriage roads.”
Hemlock Path 1.5 mile round trip that trail meanders through woodlands.Main Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge
“The Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge contains more than 61 offshore islands and four coastal parcels, totaling more than 8,200 acres. The complex spans more than 250 miles of Maine coastline and includes five national wildlife refuges — Petit Manan, Cross Island, Franklin Island, Seal Island, and Pond Island.”
Here is the refuge website. Phone 207-594-0600 Brochure with Maps.
Corea Heath Division has a 0.4 mile universally accessible trail to an observation platform with a 270° view overlooking the heath.Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
The refuge lies along 50 miles of coastline in York and Cumberland counties and consists of eleven divisions between Kittery and Cape Elizabeth. Currently the refuge covers 5,400 acres along the Maine coast and will eventually be about 14,600 acres when land acquisition is complete. “The proximity of the refuge to the coast and its location between the eastern deciduous forest and the boreal forest creates a composition of plants and animals not found elsewhere in Maine. Major habitat types present on the refuge include forested upland, barrier beach/dune, coastal meadows, tidal salt marsh, and the distinctive rocky coast.”
Here is the trail guide. Here is their map and brochure and the website. Phone (207) 646-9226.
The Timber Point trail is a 1.4 mile accessible loop that “takes visitors past fringing salt marshes, cattail marshes, mixed deciduous forest, mudflats, shrublands, and rocky shores.” Trail map.
The Carson Trail in Wells, is a “one-mile loop that winds along Branch Brook and the Merriland River with 11 interpretive stations en route. The trail is accessible throughout, and dogs on leash are welcome. ” See an article written by Carey Kisch for more information.Roosevelt Campobello International Park
This park is on Campobello Island, New Brunswick, Canada and can be accessed via the FDR Memorial Bridge at Lubec, Maine. In the summer you used to be able to get there by car ferry from L’Etete or St. Andrews, New Brunswick or Eastport, Maine (via Deer Island). The ferry is currently (2018) not available. This is a good place for birding – it is on the Atlantic Flyway – and wildflowers on the many drives and trails. Habitats include fields, marsh, sphagnum bogs, ponds, cobble beaches, and coniferous, deciduous and mixed forest.
Phones for the park are (506)-752-2922 or the toll-free 1-877-851-6663.
Here is their website and page on accessibility.
There are numerous trails and drives including the wheelchair accessible 0.3 mile Eagle Hill Bog boardwalk and the “flat and easy” Lower Duck Pond to Raccoon Beach trail. A few others sound pretty easy too. Call first.Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge
Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge spans northern New Hampshire and Maine, At the southern range of the boreal forests and the northern range of the deciduous forests, the Umbagog area is a transition zone providing homes to species of both habitats. A total of 229 bird species have been observed on the refuge, and 137 species are known to breed there. The many fish in the lakes and rivers provide food for osprey and bald eagles. “Mink, otter, muskrat, and beaver can be seen in the lakes and rivers while black bear, bobcats, fishers, marten, white-tailed deer and a dense population of moose inhabit the uplands. The extensive wetlands and marshes provide ideal habitat for waterfowl, such as common mergansers, American black ducks and common goldeneye and common loons.”
Here is their website. Phone 603-482-3415 Map
Magalloway River Trail Trail Map 1/3 mile “….a good place to view moose, boreal birds and waterfowl. It features an easy walk through a forested river’s edge to an observation platform overlooking the backwaters of the Magalloway River.” trailfinderWhite Mountain National Forest
“The White Mountain National Forest in eastern New Hampshire and western Maine ranges from mountainous hardwood forests to majestic alpine peaks.”
There are nine trails described in this brochure on accessible trails and here is a brochure on accessible water bodies.
Here is the Forest website. Phone 603-536-6100. Visitor center phone 603-536-3665
Pemigewasset Ranger District 603-536-6100
Forest Discovery Trail Guide Book 1.53 miles long in two loops. “There are breathtaking views, and opportunities to see some wildlife. ”
Lincoln Woods Trail ” The trail crosses a suspension bridge over the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River, then follows an abandoned railroad grade for 2.8 miles along the west side of the river.”
Livermore Road a former logging road which is mostly level and shaded by trees.
Lower Ammonoosuc River Trail 0.2 mile trail to a view of the lower falls.Saco Ranger District phone 603-447-5448
Rail N’ River Trail 0.5 mile “…fairly flat, shady loop trail takes you out to the Swift River…” This description came from a now expired website by Eric Rathbun.
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area There are two possible trails here. From the parking area to Falls Ponds is 1,300′, but a short stretch sounds a little steep. An alternate trail follows the river for about 1,000′.
Diana’s Baths “The Baths are located 0.8 miles from the trailhead at the parking area.”
Sabbaday Falls “…..0.4 mile trail leads to a picturesque series of cascades in a narrow flume. The gravel trail is wheelchair accessible, but is steep in places (6 to 25% grades) with frequent level spots.”
State
Ferry Beach State Park
Ferry Beach State Park is situated between Old Orchard Beach and Camp Ellis in Saco. There are …”1.7 mile network of trails that for the most part are barrier free and pass through varied ecosystems.” The park is about 100 acres and has a picnic area, nature trails and guided nature programs from Memorial day to Oct. 1. Round trip walk to the beach is 2.8 miles. Parking off season can be a problem. Call 207-283-0067 or 207- 624-6080 (off season) for more information. Here is their website. - The Maine Wildlife Park, off Interstate 95, near Gray has some accessible nature trails and picnic tables, rental wheelchairs and Braille signs which can be requested. “The Park serves as a permanent home for wildlife that cannot be returned to their natural habitats…Unlike a zoo, the park does not feature exotic species from outside [Maine]; or breed wildlife in captivity.” There are many different flower and wildlife gardens throughout the park. Call (207) 657-4977 for more information. Here is the website.
Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands brochure with accessibility of each State Park and Historic Site.
Shackford Head State Park
Schackford Head State Park, near downtown Eastport, Maine and St. Andrews, New Brunswick, “encompasses 90 acres on Moose Island overlooking Cobscook Bay. This promontory at the entrance to Cobscook Bay encircles the west side of Broad Cove”. The park has “some wheelchair accessible trails (MaineTrailFinder) near the parking lot, but not all the trail network is accessible” and some trails are quite difficult. Fog and low visibility are common. Here is a website from VisitMaine and another from the Department of Agriculture. Phone 207-726-4412 Trail Map.Wolfe’s Neck State Park
Wolfe’s Neck State Park is more than 200 acres near Freeport. “The park contains varied ecosystems, including climax white pine and hemlock forests, a salt marsh estuary, and the rocky shorelines on Casco Bays and the Harraseeket River.” The park is known for its nesting ospreys.
White Pines Trail is a 0.5 mile accessible loop trail along the shore.
Thank you to Naomi King who wrote this report of her visit: ” …White Pines Trail is along the shore, it is heavily wooded. It is electric wheelchair accessible. There are special picnic areas with picnic tables longer at one end to accommodate wheelchairs. The restrooms are truly accessible, even for a large power chair, though those with limited upper body mobility may want assistance with the screen door and the faucet. There is no accessible trail to the shore. However, the osprey nest observation site is on the accessible part of White Pines. There are more pieces of trail that might be suitable for easy walking but cannot accommodate a wheelchair. Entrance fee is $4/person. Not much to see, but a nice place to plan a family or friend outing and to fit in some good osprey watching. Bring binoculars.” Here is their website. Trail map. Reviews from Trip Advisor Phone 207-865-4465 Brochure & Map
Local
City of Bangor
Brown Woods. 1 mile accessible loop where you can still see old-growth Eastern White Pines in their forest habitat. The trail is managed by Bangor Parks and Recreation, phone 207-992-4490. Here is a map from Maine Trail Finder.Bethel Pathway
The paved Pathway’s main trailhead and parking lot is at the Davis Park picnic area on ME-26 on the east edge of Bethel Village, on the south bank of the Androscoggin River. Description and map from Maine Trail Finder.
The Bethel Pathway has a 0.9 mile section going west from Davis which is wheelchair accessible. From Maine Trail Finder: the trail “goes past the skate park, over a miniature covered bridge, and out to US Route 2 where there is another parking lot. The pathway then goes over the impressive single span bridge over the Androscoggin, loops back on itself, and continues along the other shore of the river, past the parking lot and water slide of the Big Adventure Center. It currently ends soon after, on the North Road.” There is another crushed stone, hard, and flat section which goes eastward to the upper end of Sunset Road.City of Portland. Portland Trails maintains a use-searchable list of trails in the Portland area. You can screen the trails by “wheelchair accessible” or “stroller friendly”. It lists 13 wheelchair accessible trails. The phone for the nonprofit Portland Urban Trails Land Trust is 207-775-2411.
Baxter Woods Nature Preserve is a 30 acre area that offers “… towering pines, river views and quiet, shaded trails” within Portland. The trail is about 0.75 miles and is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Very popular with dog walkers.
Fore River Sanctuary is a 85 acre nature preserve within Portland. It came up in my search for wheelchair accessibility, but the trails are not described on the website. Try calling Portland Trails at 207-775-2411 for information on this and other Portland trails.
The Riverton Rail Trail cuts ” a straight line through rock outcroppings and thick forest … the trail is mostly flat and level until a steep gully interrupts the old rail line near Riverside Industrial Parkway.” “Most of the trail is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.”Town of Damariscotta
Thank you Tony Barrett for letting us know about this trail.
Town website Conservation Trust phone 207-563-1393
The Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust, headquartered at Round Top Farm , maintains “Trails [which] meander across open fields to the shore of the Upper Damariscotta River. Picnic tables are placed for ideal viewing of wildlife and wild currents. An accessible northbound connector trail allows access to Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site. This trail is 8′ wide, gently graded and finished with stone dust, ideal for strollers, bikes and wheelchairs as well as for those on foot.”Town of Dresden
Thank you Tony Barrett for alerting me to the Dresden trail.
The trail on the historic Pownalborough Courthouse grounds is 1500′ of hard-packed gravel with no more than a 5% grade.
Town website Phone 207-737-4335Town of Farmington
Thanks to Tony Barrett for telling us that Farmington has accessible trail to the river.
The Sandy River trail, a project by the High Peaks Alliance and University of Maine is a .51 mile crushed stone fully -accessible trail to the banks of the river. Map of Sandy River Multi-Use Trails. Parks and Recreation website. Phone 207-778-3464.Town of Cape Elizabeth
Portland Headlight and Fort Williams Park
“Cape Elizabeth is the home of Portland Head Light. Situated along the spectacular shores of Fort Williams Park, at 1000 Shore Road, the popular landmark is owned and managed by the Town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The Park is open year round from sunrise to sunset.”
Here is the Park website. Phone 207-799-2661.
The Cliff Walk to the Portland Head Light is an “easily followed crushed stone path that winds along the scenic cliffs and historic remains of Fort Williams. A highlight is the Portland Head Light located right on the path.” From Main Trail Finder.
Thank you, Eric Rathbon, for letting me know about this trail and for the photo.
Portland Head Light on Cliff Walk, Fort Williams Park ©Eric Rathbon Town of Harpswell
Thank you to Tony Barret for sending this information about the Harpswell area:
? Giant’s Stairs not built to ADA standards but wheelchair users do enjoy this 0.3 mile access trail along the rock Atlantic shore.
Cliff Trail. The first 1/2-mile along Strawberry Creek to the Head of Tide and overlook just finished to ADA standards.
Harpswell Town Office phone 207-833-5771. WebsiteMowry Beach
Mowry Beach is a “A 48-acre conservation property offering access to sandy beach frontage on the Lubec Narrows and to a wheelchair-accessible trail and boardwalk linking the beach to the Lubec Consolidated School.” Here is Main Trail Finder’s description and map.
There is a 0.8 mile round trip path described as, ” A short stretch of gravel path [which] leads to a 1,700-foot long boardwalk that passes through typical coastal scrub-shrub woodland and skirts sphagnum bog and cattail swamp.” The beach is part of a larger network of hiking trails in known as Cobscook Trails, a cooperative project of conservation landowners and community partners.” For more information, contact the Downeast Coastal Conservancy. Phone 207-255-4500Boothbay Regional Land Trust
Penny Lake Preserve
Penny Lake Preserve is a freshwater wetland with adjoining woodlands and open field. “An abundant variety of wildlife may be viewed, including migratory and nesting birds, turtles, beaver, deer, and even a very occasional moose. In addition, numerous plants thrive in this varied natural habitat, from wildflowers to cattails and from hardwood trees to evergreens.” Penny Lake Preserve is part of the Boothbay Regional Land Trust . Trail Map and brochure. Information and map from Maine Trail Finder. Call the Trust for more information 207-633-4818.
Here are links to information on other trails within the Boothbay Trust, many of which sound as if they would be easy walking.
The accessible trail is 0.5 miles.
Private
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
The gardens cover 295 acres of tidal shoreland. “Discover stunning ornamental gardens and exceptional natural beauty, waterfalls, and incomparable stonework and sculpture. Miles of trails allow you to experience waterfront and woodlands that are quintessentially Maine.” That’s from their Facebook page.
Trails in the central gardens are accessible. A visitor writing in TripAdvisor says “If you want to book a accessible cart ride around the garden beware that it must be booked and paid for a week in advance and will happen if it rains or not.” Naomi King, who suggested this post, says “Most of the folks I saw in wheelchairs at the Gardens were in portables or using the scooters the Gardens offer, but there’s at least an hour’s worth of pathways to cover and more if folks stop to rest. There is a finger labyrinth and for folks in manual wheelchairs, a large flat stone and grass labyrinth (too soft for a power chair). Some of the children’s garden was wheelchair accessible, but some of the activities and spaces were not.”
Accessibility Phone 207-633-8000 Map
Miscellaneous
Here is an article by in USA today by Jodi Thornton O’Connell about accessible beaches in Maine.
Cities of Benton and Winslow
Benton-Winslow Rotary Trail
This approximately 3 mile “very level trail, [was] constructed along an old rail bed. It leads to a former rail bridge abutment from which one can look up and down river for a mile each way. Visitors may be see turkeys, deer, ducks, beavers, turtles, and an occasional heron or bald eagle.” Thank you Cyndi, for bringing this trail to my attention. She writes that the “trail’s accessibility is weather dependent. The railroad bed is flat and the ‘superhumus’ bark mulch surface is accessible to individuals in wheelchairs when it is not snow covered. During the winter many people snowshoe, ski, walk and run on this trail so the path is well used and snow becomes packed. This surface becomes slippery when it freezes and boot ice grippers are recommended. The trees along the trail provide a nice wind break.” She cautions that hikers should take care to keep their children and dogs away from the river and adds that “The trail mile markers posts have large print [but] may not be visible to all users with limited vision.” Here is a description from Kennebec Messalonskee Trails. Phone 207-872-8696.Hike New England This marvelous, searchable website lists hikes in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island with information about difficulty, length, elevation gain, and features. There are maps and photos for many of the hikes. Using their Hike Finder, I did a search for Easy trails, 5 miles or less and came up with 51 trails! Be aware that Easy for them, might not be easy enough for you. Once you come up with a page for a sanctuary, park, forest, whatever, it would be wise to call for trail conditions.
Brief description from MDOT of bicycle and pedestrian trails of mixed governance. Those in the first section of the brochure are described as “wide, off-road, paved or gravel trails that allow walking, road and hybrid bicycling, handicap accessibility, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Motorized activity, such as the use of ATVs, is prohibited.”
Here is a list of links to Maine businesses that claim to be handicapped accessible and which offer a wide variety of outdoor activities ranging from camping, guided fishing and hunting, skiing, boat tours and more.
Maine Trial Finder is a searchable website. I have keyed in the words “hiking/walking”, “easy” and “nature”. There are 16 trails listed with links to descriptions and contacts. Searching with “wheelchair” as a key word brings up 13 locations.
Nature For The Blind has a directory of Braille trails for almost every state in the US and for many other countries.
Orono Bog Boardwalk
Orono Bog Boardwalk is for “persons wishing to experience the beauty and fascinating plants and animals of a Maine bog. The 1-mile boardwalk loop trail begins at the forested wetland edge in the Bangor City Forest, and after 800 feet crosses the Orono town line into the portion of the Orono Bog owned by the University of Maine. Along the way the boardwalk passes through a wide range of changing vegetation and environments on its way to the open, peat moss carpeted center of the Orono Bog.” Hours vary throughout the season and it is closed in winter. Here is the website. Map The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy lists wheelchair accessible trails in Maine.
Wheelchair-accessible Trails in Maine
Here is a nice article about nine wheelchair-accessible trails in Maine written Aislinn Sarnacki from April 17, 2021 in the Bangor Daily News.Wheelchairtraveling.com is an outstanding resource.