Delaware\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 to have some first-hand recommendations. \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

• Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
  \n<\/strong>Bombay Hook lies northeast of Dover. It’s 16,251 acres include “tidal salt marsh with a mix of cordgrass meadows, mud flats, tidal pools, rivers, creeks, and tidal streams. The upland area includes forests, freshwater impoundments, brushy and timbered swamps, and fields of herbaceous plants.”\u00a0 There are a “12-mile wildlife drive, five walking trails (2 handicapped accessible), three observation towers, wildlife photography, hunting opportunities, a variety of nature and educational programs, and interpretative displays.”\u00a0 Here is their website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0 Phone 302-653-9345\u00a0 Trail Map<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0Brochure\u00a0<\/a>
  \n<\/a>Bear Swamp Trail 0.25 mile forest and freshwater marsh to observation tower and floating platform.
  \n<\/a>Boardwalk Trail 0.25 mile over tidal salt marsh.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

• Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
  \n<\/strong>Prime Hook NWR\u00a0 is some 22 miles southeast of Dover.\u00a0 It’s10,144 acres of mixed habitat provides “…an important stopover site for migratory birds as they travel up and down the Atlantic Flyway and provides protected breeding habitat for federally and State-listed threatened and endangered species, as well as many neo-tropical migrating bird species. Prime Hook\u2019s habitat features include salt marsh, freshwater marsh, ponds and impoundments, wooded swamps and upland grasslands and forest.”\u00a0 \u00a0Here is their website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0 Phone 302-684-8419\u00a0 Brochure<\/a>\u00a0 Walking trails map<\/a>
  \nBoardwalk Trail 0.5 mile loop “…meanders through uplands, forested wetlands, and across 600′ of freshwater marsh…”
  \nDike Trail\u00a0 0.5 mile to observation platform overlooking the marsh.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

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

  • Cape Henlopen State Park<\/strong>
    \n“Cape Henlopen’s beaches attract thousands of visitors who enjoy ocean swimming and sunbathing. A designated swimming beach, accessible from the Lewes entrance to the park, provides lifeguard patrols\u00a0between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day.”\u00a0 The Seaside Nature Center is open year around, Wednesdays through Sundays.\u00a0 \u00a0Trails<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Map<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Phone\u00a0302-645-8983\u00a0 Here is their website<\/a>.
    \n<\/a>“Mobi-Mat equipment, consisting of three 30-foot mats allowing those in wheelchairs and power chairs to access the beach from the boardwalk, is also available at this location. View our wheelchair policy\u00a0here<\/a>.”
    \nJunction and Breakwater Trail \u00a0“Trail users will pass\u00a0through mature hardwood and conifer forests, marshes and open fields. Scenic vistas at\u00a0the Wolfe Glade and Holland Glade crossings provide spectacular views of the coastal\u00a0marshes, and interpretive signs provide visitors with information about plant and animal\u00a0life along the trail.”
    \nGordons Pond Trail \u00a0Accessible for 3\/4 of a mile to an overlook.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Delaware Seashore State Park<\/strong><\/a>
    \nThis park at Rehoboth has six miles of ocean and bay shoreline, bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by Rehoboth and Indian River Bays.
    \nPhone\u00a0 302-227-2800\u00a0 \u00a0Trails<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Map<\/a>
    \nFred Hudson Road Trail \u00a01.0 mile connector from parking to the Prickly Pear trail
    \nPrickly Pear Trail \u00a0 “….3.5-mile loop perfect for exploring the park’s open meadows, young hardwood and pine forests, and a view of the Indian River Bay.”
    \nThompson Island Trail \u00a01.7 mile round trip \u00a0“The hike begins in a mature upland hardwood and conifer forest, traverses a small marsh, and meanders through pine forest toward the Lewes\/Rehoboth Canal. The trail ends at an overlook showcasing views of Thompson Island, tidal salt marsh, Rehoboth Bay, and the Dewey Beach skyline.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Holts Landing State Park<\/strong><\/a>
    \nThis 203 acre park at Dagsboro “…contains a variety of beautiful landscapes, from bay shore beach to grassy fields and hardwood forests.” Here is their website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 302-227-2800\u00a0 Map<\/a>\u00a0 Trails<\/a>
    \n<\/a>Seahorse Trail 1.2 mile loop. “The trail travels over packed earth along the forest edge, open meadow, and dense forest.”
    \n<\/a>Sea Hawk Trail 1.5 mile loop described as flat and easy. “…meanders through mixed hardwood and conifer forest, crosses grassy meadow, and follows a section of the Indian River shoreline. Birding and wildlife viewing opportunities exist for nature enthusiasts as they experience the different coastal bays environment along the trail.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Lums Pond State Park
    \n<\/strong>Lums Pond State Park is built around the largest freshwater pond in Delaware. The park features camping, fishing, sports facilities, hiking trails, and an adventure rope course.\u00a0 Phone 302-368-6989 Here is their website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Map<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Trails<\/a>
    \n<\/a>Sensory Trail is a 0.10 mile loop from the Nature Center.\u00a0 There are two other trails which sound easy, but long.\u00a0 You might call to see if walking partway on one of these would be appropriate for your ability.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Here is a website with comprehensive list of the state park trails<\/a> giving length, ease, and accessibility .<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Trap Pond State Park
    \n<\/strong>Trap Pond State Park, Laurel DE is a remnant of an extensive freshwater wetland.\u00a0 The park includes\u00a0Nanticoke River Nature Preserve \u2013\u00a0 located along Butler Mill Branch, a tributary of the Nanticoke River. It is comprised of upland forest and Atlantic White Cedar.\u00a0 The park “…retains a part of the swamp’s original beauty and mystery, and features the northernmost natural stand of baldcypress trees in the United States.” “Hiking trails surround the pond, providing opportunities to glimpse native animal species and many flowering plants.\u00a0 Birdwatching is a popular activity…”\u00a0 Here is their website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 302-875-5153\u00a0 Trails<\/a>
    \nLoblolly Trail \u00a04.6 mile loop that “… winds around Trap Pond and links the Park Office, campground, and Baldcypress Nature Center. ”
    \nAmerican Holly Trail\u00a0 0.7 mile loop through mixed hardwood forest.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • An article by \u00a0Barbara Raskauskas \u00a0on wheelchair trails in Delaware State Parks<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

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

    Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

    <\/a>Private<\/h2>\n

    • Delaware Nature Society
      \n<\/strong>The Delaware Nature Society is the state affiliate for the National Wildlife Federation and “…manages over 2,000 acres of land, including four nature preserves, and operates three educational nature centers:\u00a0Ashland Nature Center,\u00a0Abbott\u2019s Mill Nature Center\u00a0and\u00a0DuPont Environmental Education Center\u00a0at the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge. Programs are also held at our\u00a0Coverdale Farm Preserve.”\u00a0 \u00a0The Society’s focus is on working & natural Lands,\u00a0healthy waters, and\u00a0protecting habitats and wildlife.\u00a0 Here is their website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0 Phone\u00a0302-239-2334
      \nAbbott’s Mill Nature Center<\/a>\u00a0Milford\u00a0\u00a0Trails\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0 Trail Map\u00a0 Phone 302-422-0847
      \n<\/a>There is a wheelchair accessible boardwalk and three miles of walking trails.\u00a0 \u00a0 Stop off at the Visitor Center to be sure where to go.
      \nAshland Nature Center<\/a> Hockessin\u00a0 \u00a0 Phone 302-239-2334\u00a0 Trail Map<\/a>
      \n<\/a>4 miles of nature trails, said to be easy.\u00a0 Call first to be sure.<\/p>\n

      DuPont Environmental Education Center<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Wilmington\u00a0 Phone 302-656-1490
      \n<\/a>?<\/strong> There is a “10-acre ornamental garden, a quarter-mile pond loop through a freshwater, tidal marsh and a four-story environmental center.”\u00a0 \u00a0 One visitor to TripAdvisor<\/a>\u00a0mentions that the boardwalk “…can be easily traversed with a stroller or wheelchair.”\u00a0 \u00a0Still a good idea to call first.<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

      <\/a>Miscellaneous<\/h2>\n

      • Maps and Guides to Delaware Greenways<\/a><\/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>

      • The Northern Delaware Greenway trail is nine miles, about half of which is a rail-trail. \u00a0It passes through several state and county parks. Map<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

      • The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy<\/a> lists wheelchair accessible trails in Delaware.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul> Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Delaware\u00a0has a number of trails with minimal obstacles. \u00a0Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. \u00a0Here are just a few of them. These\u00a0links were found through Internet search. \u00a0I would love to have some first-hand recommendations. \u00a0With your help, we can share our knowledge with disabled people everywhere and also increase awareness of … Continue reading Rails-to-Trails – Delaware<\/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-332","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/332","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=332"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/332\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5849,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/332\/revisions\/5849"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=332"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}