Texas\u00a0has a number of trails with minimal obstacles. \u00a0Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. \u00a0Here are just a few of them.
\nMost of the links given were found through Internet search, although a few have been recommended to me by other people who have been there. 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.<\/p>\n

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

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

• Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge<\/strong>
  \n“Within the refuge, old growth stands of mature Ashe juniper, low-growing shin oaks, grasslands and spring-fed creeks provide important habitat for many species unique to the Texas Hill Country. \u00a0At least one-third of Texas’s threatened and endangered species live or move through this part of the Hill Country, the Edwards Plateau.”
  \n<\/strong>Here is the Refuge website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Phone 512-339-9432 \u00a0Map<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Trails
  \n<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Warbler Vista Trail Map<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 Doeskin Ranch Trail Map<\/a>
  \nThe only mention of accessibility on the refuge website is an accessible photo blind on Post Oak Creek Trail and an accessible sunset deck at Warbler Vista reached via the Ridgeline Trail. \u00a0 Both these trails are described as having “moderate” grades (5% to 8%) and “native” surfaces. \u00a0 \u00a0There are numerous trails described as “gentle”.
  \n? <\/strong>Pond and Prairie Trail at Doeskin Ranch is 0.38 mile and “gentle” with a cross slope of only 1.5. \u00a0The surface is “native\/paved”. \u00a0Better call to learn where it is safe for you to go.<\/p>\n

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• Big Bend National Park<\/strong>
  \n“Big Bend National Park is a geological marvel evidenced in sea fossils and dinosaur bones to volcanic dikes that mar the desert landscape. It’s a world of species diversity from the meandering river corridor that sidles across the desert floor to the sky island ridge tops that reach for the stars.”\u00a0 In addition to the accessible trails, there are about six day hikes described as “easy”.\u00a0 Check with the Park to be sure.
  \nHere is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 432-477-2251 \u00a0 Maps<\/a>\u00a0 Maps of Chisos Basin and Rio Grande Village<\/a> with trails. \u00a0 \u00a0Accessibility<\/a>
  \nPanther Path<\/a> 50 yard loop “self-guiding nature trail at Panther Junction, is rough, but level and useable by people in wheelchairs. An accompanying brochure explains Chihuahuan Desert plants.
  \nWindow View Trail<\/a><\/span> 0.3 mile in the Chisos Basin “provides outstanding views of the window formation and the Chisos Mountains.”
  \n<\/span>Rio Grande Village Nature Trail Boardwalk<\/a><\/span>. \u00a00.75 mile loop. “The first 100 yards is wheelchair accessible and crosses a boardwalk through a spring-fed wetland”. \u00a0The trail is an “excellent place for observing birds and aquatic plants and animals.” \u00a0There is a self-guiding booklet.
  \n<\/span>Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail<\/a><\/span> 0.5 mile round trip \u00a0“On this easy desert stroll you will see remnants of human settlement and typical Chihuahuan Desert habitat. A shady oasis with cottonwood trees and tables at Dugout Wells provides a good area for picnicking and bird watching.”<\/p>\n

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• Big Thicket National Preserve
  \n<\/strong>Big Thicket Preserve protects the incredible diversity of life in nine different ecosystems, from longleaf pine forests to cypress-lined bayous.\u00a0
  \n<\/strong>Here is the Preserve website<\/a>.\u00a0 Phone \u00a0409-951-6800 Accessibility<\/a> \u00a0Map<\/a> \u00a0Trails<\/a>
  \nQuite a few of the trails at Big Thicket look as they might be easy walking, but call first to be sure.
  \n?<\/strong> Kirby Nature Trail map<\/a> \u00a0This self-guided trail is not described on the website as wheelchair accessible, but is labeled so on the general park map.
  \nPitcher Plant Trail \u00a0map<\/a> \u00a03\/4 mile “…boardwalk through the savannah provides easy access for viewing several types of carnivorous plants.”\u00a0 The first 1\/4 mile is accessible.
  \nSundew Trail Map<\/a> \u00a01.0 mile loop \u00a0“…a great place to see birds and wildflowers.” The inner loop is accessible.<\/p>\n

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• Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge
  \n<\/strong>“Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge contains some of the best remaining short grass prairie in the United States.”
  \n<\/strong>“Walking trails, blinds and an 11-mile auto tour route offer many opportunities to get outside and enjoy the refuge.”
  \nHere is the Refuge website<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Phone \u00a0806-499-3382 \u00a0Trails<\/a>
  \n<\/a>Prairie Dog Loop 0.25 miles ADA wheelchair accessible<\/p>\n

  <\/a>Cottonwood Hiking Trail 1.25 mile ADA wheelchair accessible<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

• Guadalupe Mountains National Park<\/strong>
  \n“Guadalupe Mountains National Park protects the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef, the four highest peaks in Texas, an environmentally diverse collection of flora and fauna, and the stories of lives shaped through conflict, cooperation and survival.”
  \nHere is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Accessibility<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 915-828-3251 \u00a0Map<\/a>\u00a0 Brochure on Day Hikes<\/a>
  \nPinery trail 0.7mile “paved trail leads to the ruins of a mid-1800s Butterfield stagecoach station and features exhibits about the plants of the Chihuahuan Desert.”
  \nManzanita Spring Trail 0.5 mile trail “leads to Manzanita Spring and through the orchard once belonging to the Smith family.”
  \n? Indian Meadow Nature Trail 0.6 mile round-trip. \u00a0Rated “easy”, but call first to be sure.<\/p>\n

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• Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge <\/strong>
  \nJust 75 miles north of Dallas, the Refuge provides a variety of habitats for birds and wildlife.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Earthen dikes create shallow marshes for waterfowl and farm fields provide 300 acres of wheat for wintering geese.\u00a0\u00a0 Colorful wildflowers and prairie grasses provide seasonal food and shelter for wildlife. Bottomland hardwoods along the creeks attract a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, bobcats, river otters, turtles, and fox squirrels.
  \nHere is the Refuge website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0 Trails<\/a>\u00a0 Phone 903-786-2826.\u00a0 Be sure to call to learn about trail conditions after rain.
  \nHarris Creek Trails – Crawfish Pond Loop. \u00a01\/3 mile of this trail and a photo blind are ADA accessible.
  \n<\/a>?<\/strong>\u00a0 Meadow Pond Trail is 5.7 mile round trip – you may want to walk just a part of it.\u00a0 It crosses a variety of habitats including shallow ponds, farm fields, forests, and bottomland hardwoods. The surface is gravel. Call to be sure there are no steps or other obstacles.<\/p>\n

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• Padre Island National Seashore
  \n<\/strong>“Padre Island National Seashore separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre, one of a few hypersaline lagoons in the world.\u00a0 The park protects 70 miles of coastline, dunes, prairies, and wind tidal flats teeming with life. ”
  \nHere is the Seashore website<\/a>.\u00a0 Phone 361-949-8068 \u00a0 Accessibility<\/a>
  \nThere are five beach wheelchairs available for free for accessing Malaquite Beach.<\/p>\n

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• Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
  \n<\/strong>Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge lies along a juncture of two major migratory routes for many species of birds.\u00a0 \u00a0“It is also at the northern-most point for many species whose range extends south into Central and South America. ……Though small in size, Santa Ana offers visitors an opportunity to see birds, butterflies and many other species not found anywhere else in the United States beyond deep South Texas.”
  \n<\/strong>Here is the Refuge website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 956-784-7500 \u00a0Map<\/a> \u00a0 Trails\u00a0Map<\/a>\u00a0 Accessibility<\/a>
  \n? <\/strong>The longest of the 12 walking trails at this refuge is just 2 miles. \u00a0Call to find out if some are easy enough for you.
  \nTour loop \u00a07 miles ADA compliant. \u00a0“Accommodations are possible for wheelchair users on the tram (inquire at the Visitor Center).”
  \nChachalaca Trail 0.5 miles<\/p>\n

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

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

  • Texas State Parks and Historic Sites with Wheelchair-Friendly Facilities<\/a>
    \n<\/strong>This list with links is a\u00a0great source of information for wheelchair users. \u00a0It includes fishing piers and boat ramps.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Abilene State Park
    \n<\/strong>“Come to the shady banks of Elm Creek, where large trees arch overhead and deer and other critters wander by. Just 16 miles southwest of Abilene, the park has a lake and fishing pond, a historic swimming pool, trails, camping and more.”\u00a0 There are six trails described as “easy” in addition to the ADA accessible Eagle trail.\u00a0
    \n<\/strong>Here is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 Phone 325-572-3204 \u00a0Brochure<\/a>\u00a0 Map<\/a>\u00a0 Trails Map<\/a>
    \nEagle Trail to Buffalo Wallow Pond \u00a01.5 mile on hard surface caliche. 0.5 mile of this trail is wheelchair accessible.
    \n<\/a>?<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0There is a “…short Boardwalk to a wildlife viewing platform in the Day Use Area.”<\/p>\n

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  • Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
    \n<\/strong>As part of the\u00a0World Birding Center<\/a>, Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park is a world-class destination for bird-watching.\u00a0 \u00a0358 species of birds have been recorded within the park\u2019s boundaries.
    \n<\/strong>Here is the Park website.<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 956-584-9156 \u00a0 Map<\/a>
    \nRio Grande Trail 1.8 miles loop. \u00a0A .2 mile round trip takes you to the accessible two-story high Hawk Tower for a “bird\u2019s-eye view of the canopy as well as a peek into Mexico.”
    \nKiskadee Trail 0.4 mile one way<\/p>\n

    Green Jay Trail 0.3 mile one way<\/p>\n

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  • Brazos Bend State Park
    \n<\/strong>Brazos Bend State Park includes 5,000 acres of bottomland and upland coastal prairie.\u00a0 …Woodlands include live-oak gallery forests and mixed bottomland hardwood forest” and there are ” several types of wetlands: swamps, lakes, marshes and short-lived ponds….”\u00a0 The park is about an hour from Houston.
    \n<\/strong>Here is the Park website.\u00a0 Phone 979-553-5101 \u00a0Trails Map<\/a>
    \nCreekfield Lake Nature Trail \u00a00.5 mile paved trail in wetland.\u00a0 “This short, accessible trail makes it easy for you to see many different kinds of wildlife and features interpretive signs along the way.”<\/p>\n

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  • Caddo Lake State Park\u00a0<\/strong>
    \n“Bald cypress trees draped with Span\u00adish moss tower over the maze of bayous, sloughs and ponds of Caddo Lake.”
    \nHere is the Park website.<\/a>\u00a0 Phone 903-679-3351 \u00a0Map<\/a> \u00a0Trails Map<\/a> \u00a0Brochure
    \n<\/a><\/a>\u00a0Caddo Forest Trail 0.25 mile of the 0.91 mile trail is ADA compliant.<\/p>\n

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  • Lake Somerville State Park
    \n<\/strong>“Four units make up Lake Somerville State Park. Birch Creek Unit is on the north side of the lake, while Nails Creek Unit is on the southwest side. The 13-mile Lake Somerville Trailway connects the two units. Somerville Public Hunting Land is nearby, also on the lake.\u00a0Birch Creek and Nails Creek offer access to the lake for fishing, boating, paddling and swimming. ”
    \nHere is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 979-535-7763 \u00a0Trails Map<\/a>
    \nHoneybee Hill Trail at Birch Creek \u00a00.44 mile<\/p>\n

    <\/a>Flag Pond Loop 1.67 miles.\u00a0 Call to be sure this trail is easy for you.<\/p>\n

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  • Palo Duro Canyon State Park
    \n<\/strong>“The second largest canyon in the country lies in the heart of the Texas Panhandle.”\u00a0 It offers a \u201ca myriad of recreational opportunities, rich history and colorful geology.”
    \nHere is the Park website.<\/a>Phone 806-488-2227 \u00a0 \u00a0Trails Map<\/a> \u00a0 Facilities Map<\/a> \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Brochure<\/a>
    \n<\/strong>
    \n<\/a>Pioneer Nature trail 0.49 mile loop a “family-friendly trail that loops down to the river and back.”
    \n<\/a>Sunflower 1.17 one way.\u00a0 A “shady, family-friendly trail.”<\/p>\n

    <\/a>Paseo del Rio 2 miles round trip “suitable for all levels”.<\/p>\n

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  • Sea Rim State Park
    \n<\/strong>“Sea Rim State Park has 5.2 miles of Gulf shoreline and 4,000 acres of marshlands.”
    \nHere is the Park website.<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 409-917-2559 \u00a0Trails Map<\/a>
    \n<\/a>?\u00a0<\/strong>Gambusia Marsh Nature Trail 0.75 miles and Dune Boardwalk 0.1 mile are both described as easy.\u00a0 However, there are no claims for accessibility so perhaps the boardwalks have steps or other obstacles.\u00a0 Call to find out.<\/p>\n

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

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

    • Armand Bayou Nature Center\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>
      \n“ABNC is the largest urban wilderness preserve in the U.S. with 2500 acres …. We are home to over 370 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. There is a “”a boardwalk through the forest and marshes, live animal displays, educational signage, bison and prairie platforms, butterfly gardens and a 1800’s farm site.” There are” more than 5 miles of well maintained trails<\/a> that provide .25 mile to 1.5 mile loops though ABNC’s stunning forest, prairie, marsh and natural bayou habitats which were once common in the Houston\/Galveston area.”
      \nHere is the Center website<\/a>.\u00a0 Phone \u00a0281-474-2551 or 713-274-2688 \u00a0Trail Map<\/a>\u00a0 Yelp Reviews<\/a>
      \nMartyn Trail 1.3 miles dirt surface<\/p>\n

      Karankawa Trail 1.38 miles dirt surface<\/p>\n

      Lady Bird Trail 1.5 miles dirt surface<\/p>\n

      <\/a><\/strong> Short Loop Boardwalk\u00a0 \u00a0This may be accessible, but the website\u00a0 does not say so.\u00a0 Call the Center to find out and to learn other trail conditions.<\/p>\n

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    • City of Berne
      \n<\/strong>Cibolo Nature Center & Farm
      \n<\/strong>Cibolo is a “unique conservation model to protect our resources, study and learn from the natural world, teach and apply sustainable farming practices, and encourage the enjoyment and celebration of nature.”\u00a0 The Center is important habitat for a variety of flora and fauna found in habitats such as spring-fed marsh, tallgrass prairie, riparian forest and live oak savannah.
      \nHere is their website.<\/a>\u00a0 Phone \u00a0830-249-4616 \u00a0Map and Trails<\/a>
      \nMarshland Trail \u00a00.5 mile<\/p>\n

      <\/a>Woodlands Trail 0.5 mi. looks easy, but call to be sure of conditions.<\/p>\n

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    • Fort Worth
      \nFort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
      \n<\/strong>\u00a0The Refuge encompasses 3,621 acres and includes over 20 miles of hiking trails in habitats including forests, prairies and wetlands..\u00a0 It is a National Natural Landmark.\u00a0 <\/strong>There are a number of short trails that might be easy – call to find out.
      \n<\/strong>Here is their website<\/a>.\u00a0 Phone 817-392-7410 \u00a0Map and Trails<\/a>
      \nLimestone Ledge Trail \u00a00.21 mile paved nature trail \u00a0“…great trail to hike during the spring months. This trail is blanketed with wildflowers..”
      \nMarsh Boardwalk 0.16mile over wetlands.<\/p>\n

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    • Fredericksburg
      \nFredericksburg Nature Center<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong> in Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park
      \nPhone (city hall) \u00a0830-997-7521 \u00a0Map<\/a>
      \n<\/a>Handicapped Accessible Trail<\/a>\u00a0 600 feet \u00a0“….runs along a bluff overlooking the lower section of the Vista Loop Trail, passing the Butterfly Garden, the bird blind, and bird-feeding station.”<\/p>\n

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    • Harris County
      \nJesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center, \u00a0<\/strong>Humble
      \n“Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center is a premier 312-acre Harris County Precinct 4 nature preserve open daily to visitors free of charge. The park features a variety of plant and wildlife species, white sand beaches along Spring Creek, swamps and sloughs with century-old cypress trees, and a pristine floodplain located in a hardwood and pine forest.”
      \nHere is their website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone \u00a0281-446-8588\u00a0 Trails Map<\/a>
      \nThere are\u00a0over eight miles of paved, handicap-friendly pedestrian trails and several unpaved primitive trails.\u00a0\u00a0Although the website does not give descriptions of the eleven or so trails in this park, the map states that “All trails are wheelchair accessible with the exception of the River Birch Trail”.<\/p>\n

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    • Hood County
      \n<\/strong>Acton Nature Center
      \n<\/strong>“Trails will lead you around the center to view the natural pond filled with croaking toads. In a heavily shaded ravine you will find a large old Live Oak tree spreading its branches as if to welcome you in.”
      \nHere is the Center’s website<\/a>.\u00a0 Phone \u00a0817-326-6005 \u00a0Trail Map<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/strong>Aerial Trail Map<\/a>
      \n<\/strong>Elizabeth Crockett Butterfly Trail\u00a0<\/strong>0.3 miles
      \n<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

      • Cedar Ridge Preserve<\/strong>
        \nManaged by Audubon Dallas, \u00a0Cedar Ridge\u00a0“is a natural habitat of 600 acres featuring about 9 miles of trails, native trees, grasses and wildflowers, butterfly gardens, limited picnic areas and wild mammals, birds, insects and reptiles” \u00a0It is 20 minutes from downtown Dallas. \u00a0Although there is only one wheelchair accessible trail, several others look as if they might be fairly easy. \u00a0The scale of the trail profiles makes them look much steeper than they are. \u00a0Call to learn more.
        \nHere is the Preserve website.<\/a>\u00a0 Phone 972-709-7784 \u00a0Trail Map<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Trail Profile<\/a>
        \n\u00a0Little Bluestem Trail 0.25 mile<\/p>\n

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      • <\/a>