Maine\u00a0has a number of trails with minimal obstacles. \u00a0Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. \u00a0Here are just a few of them.
\nThese\u00a0links were found through Internet search. \u00a0I would love some first-hand information. \u00a0\u00a0With 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.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Federal<\/a>
\nState<\/a>
\nLocal<\/a>
\nPrivate<\/a>
\nMiscellaneous<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a>Federal<\/h2>\n

• Acadia National Park
  \n<\/strong>“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.”
  \nHere is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0There are 4 accessible trails listed in the Park\u00a0Accessibility Guide<\/a>.\u00a0 Echo Lake has an accessible path to the water.
  \n<\/strong><\/a>Jesup Path is a wheel chair wide boardwalk with pullouts that goes through a white birch forest.
  \n<\/a>Intertidal Zone is not really a trail, but a gravel bar only exposed 1 to 1.5 hours on either side of low tide.\u00a0 “The road to the bar is steep, rocky, and uneven.”
  \n<\/a>Jordan Pond has some accessible paths with “…beautiful views of the pond and connections to the carriage roads.”
  \n<\/a>Hemlock Path 1.5 mile round trip that trail meanders through woodlands.<\/p>\n

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• Main Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge
  \n<\/b>“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 \u2014 Petit Manan, Cross Island, Franklin Island, Seal Island, and Pond Island.”
  \n<\/b>Here is the refuge website<\/a>.\u00a0 Phone 207-594-0600 \u00a0 Brochure with Maps.<\/a>
  \n<\/a>Corea Heath Division has a 0.4 mile universally accessible trail to an observation platform with a 270\u00b0 view overlooking the heath.<\/p>\n

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• Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge<\/strong>
  \nThe refuge lies along 50 miles of coastline in York and Cumberland counties and consists of eleven divisions between Kittery and Cape Elizabeth.\u00a0 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.”
  \nHere is the trail guide<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0 Here is their map and brochure<\/a> and the\u00a0website<\/a>.\u00a0 Phone\u00a0(207) 646-9226.
  \n<\/a>The Timber Point trail<\/a> is a 1.4 mile accessible loop that “takes visitors past fringing salt marshes, cattail marshes, mixed deciduous forest, mudflats, shrublands, and rocky shores.” \u00a0Trail map<\/a>.
  \n<\/a>The Carson Trail in Wells<\/a>, 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. ” \u00a0See an article written by Carey Kisch<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n

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• Roosevelt Campobello International Park
  \n<\/strong>This park is on Campobello Island, New Brunswick, Canada and can be accessed \u00a0via the FDR Memorial Bridge at Lubec, Maine. \u00a0 In the summer you used to be able to get there by car ferry from\u00a0L’Etete or St. Andrews, New Brunswick or\u00a0Eastport, Maine (via Deer Island). The ferry is currently (2018) not available.\u00a0 \u00a0 This is a good place for birding – it is on the Atlantic Flyway – and wildflowers on the many drives and trails.\u00a0 Habitats include fields, marsh, sphagnum bogs, ponds, cobble beaches, and coniferous, deciduous and mixed forest.
  \nPhones for the park are\u00a0\u00a0(506)-752-2922 or the toll-free\u00a01-877-851-6663.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>
  \n<\/span>Here is their website<\/a> and page on accessibility.<\/a>
  \n<\/a>There are numerous trails and drives<\/a> including the wheelchair accessible 0.3 mile Eagle Hill Bog boardwalk and the “flat and easy” Lower Duck Pond to Raccoon Beach trail. \u00a0A few others sound pretty easy too.\u00a0 Call first.<\/p>\n

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• Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge
  \n<\/strong>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.\u00a0 A total of 229 bird species have been observed on the refuge, and 137 species are known to breed there.\u00a0 The many fish in the lakes and rivers provide food for osprey and bald eagles.\u00a0 “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.”
  \nHere is their website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 603-482-3415 \u00a0Map<\/a>
  \nMagalloway River Trail \u00a0Trail Map<\/a> \u00a01\/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.” \u00a0trailfinder<\/a><\/p>\n

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• White Mountain National Forest
  \n<\/strong>“The White Mountain National Forest in eastern New Hampshire and western Maine ranges from mountainous hardwood forests to majestic alpine peaks.\u201d
  \n<\/strong>There are nine trails described in this\u00a0brochure on accessible trails<\/a>\u00a0 and here is a brochure on\u00a0accessible water bodies<\/a>.
  \nHere is the Forest\u00a0website<\/a>.\u00a0 Phone 603-536-6100.\u00a0\u00a0Visitor center\u00a0phone 603-536-3665
  \nPemigewasset Ranger District 603-536-6100
  \n<\/a><\/a>Forest Discovery Trail<\/a> \u00a0Guide Book<\/a> 1.53 miles long in two loops. “There are breathtaking views, and opportunities to see some wildlife. ”
  \n<\/a>Lincoln \u00a0Woods Trail<\/a>\u00a0” 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.”
  \n<\/a>Livermore Road<\/a> \u00a0a former logging road which is mostly level and shaded by trees.
  \n<\/a>Lower Ammonoosuc River Trail<\/a> \u00a00.2 mile trail to a view of the lower falls.<\/p>\n

  Saco Ranger District phone 603-447-5448
  \n<\/a>Rail N’ River Trail<\/a>\u00a00.5 mile “…fairly flat, shady loop trail takes you out to the Swift River…” This description came from a now expired website by Eric Rathbun.
  \n<\/a>Rocky Gorge Scenic Area<\/a>\u00a0 There are two possible trails here.<\/a> \u00a0From the parking area to Falls Ponds is 1,300′, but a short stretch sounds a little steep. \u00a0An alternate trail follows the river for about 1,000′.
  \n<\/a>Diana’s Baths<\/a> \u00a0 “The Baths are located 0.8 miles from the trailhead at the parking area.”
  \n<\/a>Sabbaday Falls<\/a> “…..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.”<\/p>\n

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  <\/a>State<\/h2>\n

  • Ferry Beach State Park
    \n<\/strong><\/a>Ferry Beach State Park is situated between Old Orchard Beach and Camp Ellis in Saco.\u00a0 There are\u00a0…”1.7 mile network of trails that for the most part are barrier free and pass through varied ecosystems.” \u00a0 The park is about 100 acres and has a\u00a0picnic area, nature trails\u00a0and\u00a0guided nature programs from Memorial day to Oct. 1. \u00a0Round trip walk to the beach is 2.8 miles. \u00a0Parking off season can be a problem.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0Call\u00a0207-283-0067 \u00a0or 207- 624-6080 (off season)\u00a0<\/span>for more information.\u00a0 Here is their website.<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  • <\/a>The Maine Wildlife Park<\/strong>, off Interstate 95, near Gray has some accessible nature trails and picnic tables, rental wheelchairs and Braille signs which can be requested.\u00a0 “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.”\u00a0 \u00a0There are many different flower and wildlife gardens throughout the park.\u00a0 Call \u00a0(207) 657-4977 for more information. Here is the website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  • Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands brochure<\/a> with accessibility of each State Park and Historic Site.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Shackford Head State Park<\/strong>
    \n<\/a>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”.\u00a0 \u00a0 The park has “some wheelchair accessible trails\u00a0 (MaineTrailFinder<\/a>) near the parking lot, but not all the trail network is accessible” and some trails are quite difficult.\u00a0 Fog and low visibility are common.\u00a0 Here is a website from VisitMaine<\/a>\u00a0and another from the Department of\u00a0 Agriculture<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0 Phone 207-726-4412\u00a0 Trail Map<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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  • Wolfe’s Neck State Park
    \n<\/strong>Wolfe’s Neck State Park\u00a0 is more than\u00a0200 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.”\u00a0 The park is known for its nesting ospreys.
    \n<\/a>White Pines Trail is a 0.5 mile accessible loop trail along the shore.
    \nThank you to Naomi King who wrote this report of her visit: ”\u00a0…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.”\u00a0 \u00a0Here is their website.<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0Trail map<\/a>. \u00a0Reviews from Trip Advisor<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0Phone 207-865-4465 \u00a0Brochure & Map<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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    <\/a>Local<\/h2>\n

    • City of Bangor
      \n<\/a><\/strong>Brown Woods.\u00a0 1 mile accessible loop\u00a0where you can still see old-growth Eastern White Pines in their forest habitat.\u00a0\u00a0The trail is managed by Bangor Parks and Recreation, phone 207-992-4490.\u00a0 Here is a\u00a0map<\/a>\u00a0from Maine Trail Finder.<\/p>\n

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    • Bethel Pathway<\/strong>
      \nThe 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.\u00a0 Description and map from Maine Trail Finder<\/a>.
      \n<\/a>The Bethel Pathway has a 0.9 mile section going west from Davis which is wheelchair accessible. \u00a0From 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.” \u00a0There is another crushed stone, hard, and flat section which goes eastward to the upper end of Sunset Road.<\/p>\n

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    • City of Portland.<\/strong> \u00a0 Portland Trails maintains a use-searchable list of trails in the Portland area<\/a>. \u00a0You can screen the trails by “wheelchair accessible” or “stroller friendly”. \u00a0 It lists 13 wheelchair accessible trails.\u00a0 The phone for the nonprofit Portland Urban Trails Land Trust is\u00a0207-775-2411.
      \n<\/a>Baxter Woods Nature Preserve<\/a> is a 30 acre area that offers “…\u00a0towering pines, river views and quiet, shaded trails” within Portland. \u00a0The trail is about 0.75 miles and is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Very popular with dog walkers.
      \n<\/span>\u00a0<\/span> Fore River Sanctuary<\/a> is a 85 acre nature preserve within Portland. \u00a0It came up in my search for wheelchair accessibility, but the trails are not described on the website. \u00a0Try calling Portland Trails at 207-775-2411 for information on this and other Portland trails.
      \n<\/a>The Riverton Rail Trail<\/a> cuts ”\u00a0a straight line through rock outcroppings and thick forest\u00a0…\u00a0the 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.”<\/p>\n

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    • Town of Damariscotta<\/strong>
      \nThank you Tony Barrett for letting us know about this trail.
      \nTown website<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Conservation Trust phone 207-563-1393
      \n<\/a><\/a>The Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust, headquartered at Round Top Farm<\/a> , 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\u2032 wide, gently graded and finished with stone dust, ideal for strollers, bikes and wheelchairs as well as for those on foot.”<\/p>\n

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    • Town of Dresden<\/strong>
      \nThank you Tony Barrett for alerting me to the Dresden trail.
      \n<\/a>The trail on the historic Pownalborough Courthouse grounds is 1500′ of hard-packed gravel with no more than a 5% grade.
      \nTown website<\/a>\u00a0 Phone 207-737-4335<\/p>\n

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    • Town of Farmington
      \n<\/strong>Thanks to Tony Barrett for telling us that Farmington has accessible trail to the river.
      \n<\/a>The Sandy River trail, a project by the High Peaks Alliance and University of Maine\u00a0 is a .51 mile crushed stone fully -accessible trail to the banks of the river.\u00a0 Map<\/a> of Sandy River Multi-Use Trails.\u00a0 Parks and Recreation website.<\/a>\u00a0 Phone 207-778-3464.<\/p>\n

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    • Town of\u00a0Cape Elizabeth
      \nPortland Headlight and\u00a0Fort Williams Park
      \n<\/strong>“Cape Elizabeth is the home of Portland Head Light.\u00a0 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.\u00a0The\u00a0Park\u00a0is open year round from sunrise to sunset.”
      \nHere is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 Phone\u00a0\u00a0207-799-2661.
      \n<\/a><\/strong>The Cliff Walk to the Portland Head Light is an \u201ceasily 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.\u201d \u00a0From Main Trail Finder<\/a>.
      \nThank you, Eric Rathbon, for letting me know about this trail and for the photo.<\/p>\n

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