Savannah National Wildlife Refuge\u00a0<\/strong>
\nSavannah National Wildlife Refuge has “…29,452 acres of freshwater marshes, tidal rivers and creeks, and bottomland hardwoods. About half the refuge is bottomland, composed primarily of cypress, gum, and maple species. Access to these areas is by boat only. ”\u00a0 Phone\u00a0843-784-2468\u00a0 Here is their website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0 Reviewed on Trip Advisor<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 Maps<\/a>\u00a0 Trail\u00a0Map<\/a>
\nThanks to Ranger Amy Ochoa for the following information:
\n $\"Wheelchair$ The only wheelchair accessible trail is at the Visitor Center\u00a0is an 800 ft. long paved trail “that runs from one side to the other. ” \u00a0However there is “an outstanding 4.25 mile wildlife drive that visitors can drive around and get …<\/span>\u00a0the same wildlife viewing opportunities as walking on the trails…..pretty much anywhere along it there’s room for a car to pull to the side, stop, even get out and look, while still allowing room for a vehicle to pass by.”
\n $\"Hikerwithcane\"$ ? \u00a0“<\/strong><\/span>The trails are all the same surface; grass covered, earthen dikes.\u00a0 They’re not always mowed, depending on the availability of heavy equipment operators to run the large mower, so things like fire ants and snakes could be present and not easily seen.\u00a0 Like any earthen path, they would all be subject to holes, bumps, etc. that could trip up someone not sure-footed.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a>State<\/h2>\n
Paved Trails from Hiking in Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites<\/a>
\n<\/strong>“Paved or hard-surfaced trails suitable for wheelchairs and strollers are found at\u00a0Amicalola Falls\u00a0(great waterfall view),\u00a0Cloudland Canyon\u00a0(parking lot to overlook),\u00a0Mistletoe\u00a0(rubber surface),\u00a0Fort Yargo\u00a0(Birdberry Trail),\u00a0Panola Mountain\u00a0(hilly),\u00a0Red Top Mountain\u00a0(short loop),\u00a0Skidaway Island\u00a0(some sand and roots),\u00a0Stephen C. Foster\u00a0(Okefenokee boardwalk) and\u00a0 Tallulah Gorge<\/a>\u00a0(old railroad bed). “<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
The State of Georgia makes available this PDF chart<\/a> addressing accommodations, \u00a0activities, and accessibility of Georgia State Parks.
\nThere are ADA Assessments for all of Georgia Parks\u00a0trails. “These accessibility assessments are maintained at each state park and historic site where the trails are located and are available for review and\/or can be provided electronically by directly contacting the state park or historic site office. For further information, contact Larry Blankenship at 404-656-6524.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
Amicalola Falls State Park
\n<\/strong>Amicalola Falls State Park 15 miles northwest of\u00a0 Dawsonville, is a 829 acre park.\u00a0 The Amicalola waterfalls drop 729′ in seven cascades making them the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River.\u00a0 There are several hiking trails, including access to the Appalachian Trail.
\n<\/strong>Here is their website<\/a>.\u00a0 Phone 706-265-4703.\u00a0 \u00a0 Trail Map<\/a>
\n $\"Wheelchair$ West Ridge Falls Access Trail\u00a0– 0.3 miles in length. Rated easy to moderate. Wheelchair accessible with gentle slope. One of the best views of the falls and one of the easier trails. Trail surface is flat and coated with recycled tires.
\n $\"Wheelchair$ Lodge Loop\u00a0– 0.25 mile loop. Rated easy. Wheelchair accessible. Paved surface with educational displays. Trail is lighted for early morning and\/or evening use.”<\/p>\n
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Black Rock Mountain State Park<\/strong> is in Rabun County, northeast Georgia. \u00a0Terry Guthrie \u00a0sent these photos. \u00a0He writes, “The park has two accessible overlooks on the way to the visitor’s center, and the visitor’s center itself provides good views.” \u00a0I am putting more of Terry’s photos in the Photography page.\u00a0 Trail Map<\/a>\u00a0 Park phone\u00a0706-746-2141\u00a0 Here is their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n
$\"Wheelchair$ <\/a>
Access to Blue Ridge Overlook \u00a9 Terry Guthrie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
$\"Fall$ <\/a>
Fall Color from Accessible Overlook, Black Rock Mountain State Park GA \u00a9T. Guthrie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

$\"\"$ <\/a>Black Rock Lake<\/strong> in Black Rock Mountain State Park.\u00a0 The trail around the lake is .8 mile long and is rated easy.\u00a0 Thank you to Rex Matthews, who wrote that “There is no nearby handicapped parking access, the trail is flat but not paved or surfaced, and they prefer that people not try to take wheelchairs on it due to rutting, etc.”<\/span><\/p>\n
$\"Wheelchair$ <\/a>
Accessible boardwalk at Black Rock Lake, Black Rock Mt. State Park \u00a9T.Guthrie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
$\"Wheelchair$ <\/a>
Wheelchair Accessible Fishing Dock, Black Rock Mt. State Park GA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Crooked River State Park<\/strong> –
\nCrooked River State Park is on the southern tip of Georgia\u2019s Colonial Coast, along the Intracoastal Waterway and in maritime forest. Campsites are surrounded by palmettos and live oaks, while cottages are set near the tidal river.\u00a0 There is a boat ramp.
\nA nature trail “winds through forest and salt marsh, and hikers may see gopher tortoises, fiddler crabs, herons and other birds. A nature center features fish, snakes, turtles and other animals native to coastal Georgia.”\u00a0 Trail Map<\/a>
\n Trails descriptions<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 Phone\u00a0912-882-5256\u00a0 Here is their website<\/a>.
\n $\"\"$ <\/a>There are several short nature trails described in the website, which sound as if they would be easy walking, but there is no indication of wheelchair accessibility.<\/p>\n
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Fort Yargo State Park<\/strong> –
\nFort Yargo in Winder east of Atlanta is a 1816-acre park featuring “… a 1792 log fort built by settlers for protection against Creek and Cherokee Indians. Today, visitors come to Fort Yargo for its wide variety of outdoor recreation and scenery.”\u00a0 There are 18 miles of hiking\/biking trails, accessible cottages to rent and an accessible fishing\u00a0 dock.
\nPhone\u00a0770-867-3489\u00a0 Here is their website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Trails Map<\/a>
\n $\"Wheelchair$ <\/a>Birdberry Trail<\/a>\u00a0 0.9 mile\u00a0\u00a0round trip paved\u00a0 Map<\/a><\/p>\n
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Moccasin Creek State Park<\/strong> –
\nOn the shore of 2,800 acre lake Burton, Moccasin Creek has a fully accessible fishing pier which sits above a trout-filled creek open only to seniors 65 and older and children 11 and younger, as well as all ages with a Georgia disability fishing license.\u00a0 Although a mountain location, Moccasin Creek is relatively flat.
\nPhone 706-947-3194\u00a0 Here is their website<\/a>.
\n $\"Wheelchair$ Interpretive Trail\u00a0 1 mile<\/p>\n
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Panola Mountain State Park<\/strong>
\n<\/strong>Panola Mountain, near Atlanta, is a 100-acre granite outcrop.\u00a0 This monadnock and its rare ecosystem is still pristine as it was known to Native Americans centuries ago.\u00a0\u00a0Panola Mountain State Park is part of the\u00a0Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0 Trails<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Trail map and Guide<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Phone\u00a0770-389-7801\u00a0 Here is their website<\/a>.\u00a0
\n<\/a><\/strong> $\"Wheelchair$ ?<\/strong> Outcrop Trail 0.75 mile was referred to as a “handicap access trail” in a now defunct guide.\u00a0 Call before you go to see if it is something you can do.
\nThere is a two mile self-guided nature trail and a 12 mile paved trail, which connects Panola Mountain with Arabia Mountain and Stonecrest Mall.<\/p>\n
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Redtop Mountain State Park<\/strong>\u00a0 –
\nRedtop Mountain State Park near Acworth is on 12,000 acre Lake Allatoona.\u00a0 There are more than 15 miles of trails winding through the forested park.\u00a0 The park is named for its red iron-rich soil.\u00a0Trails descriptions<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 Trails map<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0Rave reviews from Yelp<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Phone\u00a0\u00a0770-975-0055\u00a0 \u00a0Here is their website<\/a>.
\n $\"Wheelchair$ Lakeside Trail\u00a0 0.75 mile paved loop by Lake Altoona<\/p>\n
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Skidaway Island State Park
\n<\/strong>This park near Savannah borders the “…Skidaway narrows, a part of Georgia\u2019s Intracoastal Waterway. Trails wind through maritime forest and past salt marsh, leading to a boardwalk and observation tower. Visitors can watch for deer, fiddler crabs, raccoon, egrets and other wildlife.”\u00a0 Here is their website<\/a>.
\nPhone\u00a0912-598-2300.\u00a0 \u00a0 Trail Map<\/a>
\n $\"Wheelchair$ \u00a0Sandpiper Trail loop\u00a0 1 mile\u00a0 A lovely glimpse into the ecology of the Golden Isles.
\n $\"\"$ <\/a>\u00a0Big Ferry trail\u00a0 3 miles easy, but not so much for a wheelchair.<\/p>\n
Wheelchair Traveling<\/a>‘s account.\u00a0 Here are some positive reviews from Trip Advisor<\/a><\/p>\n
$\"Sandpiper$ <\/a>
Medium tide at the Sandpiper Trail<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
$\"Cherokee$ <\/a>
Cherokee rose at the start of the 1 mile Sandpiper Trail<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/a>Local<\/h2>\n
Gwinnett County<\/a>
\n<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Gwinnett county has a lot of parks.\u00a0 Here is a Map and List.<\/a>
\nGeorge Pierce Park<\/strong>\u00a0 Greenway Planner, Marcie Moore, writes, ”\u00a0The Ivy Creek Greenway at George Pierce Park is a great place to see nature for those who are disabled.\u00a0 It is flat and has an extensive boardwalk across the wetlands.\u00a0 I\u2019ve seen beaver, otter, deer, turtles, ducks, herons and so much more out there. ”\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 They are “…in the design stage of a designated accessible nature trail…” at this park, so check with them to see when it will be done.\u00a0 Phone 770-978-5270 or 678-277-0910.\u00a0 Here is the Park website<\/a>.
\n $\"Wheelchair$ <\/a>Ivy Creek Greenway 1.25 miles, paved.\u00a0\u00a0 Ivy Creek Greenway Map<\/a>\u00a0 There are parts of this greenway that are of uneven gravel and would be difficult for a wheelchair.\u00a0 Ms Moore says, “<\/span>\u00a0The paved section of the greenway is smoother although it can get steep in sections. “<\/span>
\n $\"\"$ Whispering Woods Braille Trail<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0I don’t know the length of this trail in Buford, but there are interpretive signs specifically for the blind.\u00a0 Call 770.904.3500 to learn more.
\n Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center<\/a>
\n“The center is used as a multi-use history, culture, heritage, and environment facility.\u00a0It is located on a 700-acre campus with greenspace and walking trails, as well as a 66,000 square foot educational building.”<\/p>\n
$\"ADA$ <\/a>
Wheelchair accessible boardwalk, Ivy Creek Greenway, Gwinnett Co., GA \u00a9Gwinnett County<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/a>Private<\/h2>\n
Chattahoochee Nature Center
\n<\/strong>\u00a0Most of Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell, is handicap and wheelchair accessible.\u00a0\u00a0“Explore the Chattahoochee River watershed through interactive exhibits, live animal habitats and hands-on fun. ”\u00a0 There are woodland and wetland trails and gardens such as the Butterfly Garden and Native Gardens.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\u00a0Jon Copsey writes that, “Our wildlife walk, pollinator gardens, aviaries and living wetlands areas are all paved and are easily accessible.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>Our wooded trails are less-so. I would not describe them as wheelchair accessible due to roots and slippery surfaces. Our easiest trail, Kingfisher Trail, while on a gentle incline, would still be difficult for a wheelchair. Depending on the mobility of the elderly, it may also be too difficult.”\u00a0 Check with the Discovery Center before you head out to learn more about which trails might be suitable for you.\u00a0 Phone 770-992-2055 Here is their website.<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 Trail Guide<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>Map<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Reviewed on Trip Advisor<\/a>,\u00a0 \u00a0 Yelp<\/a>
\n $\"\"$ <\/a>Kingfisher Pond Trail<\/a>\u00a0 0.25 mile runs along the eastern edge of the pond and connects with the Beaver Pond Trail.
\n $\"Wheelchair$ <\/a>\u00a0 River Boardwalk Trail<\/a>\u00a0 0.50 mile Self-guided nature trail interpreting the habitats along the river.\u00a0 The boardwalk is accessible, but can get slippery in wet weather.
\n $\"\"$ <\/a>Homestead Trail<\/a>\u00a0 0.25 “easy hike with beautiful view of both the forest and the pond.\u00a0”
\n $\"\"$ <\/a>Beaver Pond Trail<\/a>\u00a0 0.25 mile self-guided tour of both pond and forest habitats.
\n $\"Wheelchair$ <\/a>Georgia’s Living Wetlands garden<\/a>\u00a0 More than 200 species of native plants found in five different wetland habitats.<\/p>\n
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Marshall Forest
\n<\/strong>\u00a0The Nature Conservancy’s\u00a0Marshall Forest has the Big Pine Braille trail which is wheelchair accessible.\u00a0 The Forest is in Floyd County near Rome, Georgia.\u00a0 It covers 301 acres of pine-hardwood forest. \u00a0It is “one of the last remaining stands of old-growth forest in the Ridge and Valley Province, a geographical corridor that runs from Pennsylvania to Alabama.\u201d \u00a0 There are three plant communities and a \u00a0\u201d…wealth of fauna, including frogs, salamanders, at least six\u00a0species of snake, and dozens of bird species.”\u00a0 Phone 404-873-6946\u00a0 Here is their website<\/a>.
\n $\"\"$ <\/a> $\"Wheelchair$ <\/a>Big Pine Braille\u00a0<\/span>Trail\u00a0 0.025 mile loop.\u00a0 Thanks to LA Allen for this information about the trail: “It is gravel paved and leveled regularly for wheelchair accessibility for chairs with wide tires”
\n $\"Wheelchair$ <\/a>There is a “…short trail that has been improved for wheelchair access (gravel surface). The trail can be navigated by most wheelchairs with wide tires. ”<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/a>Miscellaneous<\/h2>\n
Nature For The Blind<\/a> has a directory of Braille trails for almost every state in the US and for many other countries.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
Nature For The Blind<\/a> has a directory of Braille trails for almost every state in the US and for many other countries.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
A mixture of locations are described at the website NE Georgia Mountains ADA Accessible Outdoor Places to Visit<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has listings of wheelchair accessible trails<\/a>\u00a0in Georgia.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul> Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Georgia\u00a0has a number of trails with minimal obstacles. \u00a0Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. \u00a0Here are just a few of them. Most of the links given were found through Internet search. Some places I have been able to visit and a few have been recommended to me by other people who have … Continue reading Rails-to-Trails – Georgia<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-317","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/317","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=317"}],"version-history":[{"count":27,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/317\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5851,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/317\/revisions\/5851"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=317"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}