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Looking to get out there and enjoy nature this summer? Whether you use a wheelchair or other mobility device, hiking can be a fun and easy way to do it. Wheelchair hiking takes a little prep depending on how far you’re going and how long you plan to be out, but the fresh air and adventure are well worth it. Make sure you have all the equipment you need, and it’s also a good idea to go with a buddy. Then, take advantage of all the bird watching, wildlife, and scenery you can handle!
Wheelchair Accessible Hiking Trails
These wheelchair accessible trails are all paved with asphalt and should be manageable for most wheelchairs. This list of accessible hiking trails across the U.S. is by no means exhaustive, but it should get you started and hopefully give you some ideas. Look for the wheelchair accessible hiking trail that's nearest to you!
Texas: White Rock Lake Park Loop Trail, Dallas County, 9.4 miles
Part of the City of Dallas trails system, The White Rock Lake Park Loop Trail runs along White Rock Lake. This scenic trail is one of the busiest in the area, and can occasionally get a bit overcrowded with walkers, runners, and cyclists. However, the beautiful views of the lake more than make up for it. The trail also connects many of the features and amenities within the park, including picnic structures, reservation facilities, and the Mockingbird Point Dog Park.
California: Kern River Parkway Trail, Kern County, 21.4 miles
The Kern River Parkway Trail runs, as its name suggests, along the usually-dry Kern Riverbed in Bakersfield. The east-west running trail passes through residential areas in the east, and more rural areas in the west. Word is that this trail is typically peaceful and less crowded, and if you’re lucky you may see some local wildlife like bobcats and egrets.
New York: The Bethpage Bikeway, Nassau County, 12.5 miles
Located in Long Island, this popular trail runs from the Massapequa Preserve, north to Bethpage State Park, passing through wooded areas and parks. The trail is loved by families, runners, dogs, cyclists, and walkers in the area.
Florida: Suncoast Trail, Hernando/Hillsborough/Pasco Counties, 42 miles
The longest trail on our list, Suncoast runs from Keystone in Hillsborough County, to Brooksville in Hernando County, passing through Pasco on the way. Suncoast is a part of Florida's Statewide Greenways and Trails System, and spans a mix of residential, rural, and farm areas. In Pasco, you’ll find the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Preserve, a regional park featuring picnic shelters, more trails, and camping.
Arizona: Grand Canyon Greenway, Coconino County, 13.9 miles
Designed to reduce car traffic and improve the visitor experience at the Grand Canyon, the Greenway runs along the North Rim and South Rim, connecting Mather Point in Grand Canyon National Park, to the Grand Canyon Imax Theater in Tusayan. There are, of course, an abundance of overlooks and scenic views, and you’ll share the trail with runners, walkers, cyclists, and even people on horseback.
Washington: Green River Trail, King County, 19.6 miles
Running along the Green and Duwamish Rivers, from the southern outskirts of Seattle to Kent, the Green River Trail passes through industrial and natural areas. The trail offers scenic views and is designed not just for recreation like running, biking, and horseback riding, but for non-motorized commuting and connecting nearby areas.
Massachusetts: Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, Berkshire County, 11.2 miles
“Ashuwillticook” gets its name from a Native American word meaning “pleasant river between the hills,” and the rail trail runs along a former railroad corridor through the Hoosic River Valley, between Mount Greylock and the Hoosac Mountains in Berkshire County. You’ll pass through wooded areas, and catch views of the river, lakes, and mountains. Picnicking and fishing are popular area activities, along with biking, running, hiking, and other recreational pastimes.
North Carolina: Catawba River Greenway, Burke County, 3.8 miles
Although it’s not one of the longer trails on our list, the Catawba River Greenway passes through woods, meadows, and a little village, all while running beside the Catawba River. Along the way you’ll find fishing piers, canoe launches, picnic facilities, and more.
If you’re looking to take on rougher terrain, but your mobility device isn’t up to the challenge, consider checking out the WHILL Model C2.
The Model C2 is a life-changing personal electric vehicle with patented front omni-wheels that allow you to easily navigate over rocks, branches, and other obstacles.
The Model C2 is available for rent or purchase through Scootaround at the links below:
Buy WHILL Model C2 Rent WHILL Model C2
You can also shop for other electric wheelchairs online in Scootaround Store.
Images Used in This Article
Article feature image, "Grand Canyon NP Hermit Road Greenway hr-p23" by Grand Canyon National Park is licensed under CC BY 2.0
