Accessibility in the outdoors is having a moment

More than ever, outdoor recreation places are welcoming people who live with a disability.

Thirty-six years after the Americans with Disabilities Act took effect, it’s definitely time for that to happen!

A person in a wheelchair goes down a path alone.

Throughout National Disability Pride Month, I’ve written about travel and outdoor tips for those with disabilities. In this final post for July, I am leaving you with places to get even more info:

A list of the disability-friendly trails I’ve reviewed
Other websites and resources

If you or a loved one has a disability, there are so many resources out there to help. The hardest part may be sifting through the noise and the web pages to find what can most benefit you. Don’t give up on educating yourself! Be an advocate for yourself and others.

Accessible trails I’ve visited

These posts are only a start: I plan to write about more accessible trails in the coming weeks and months.

An accessible trail to Brandywine Falls in Ohio

Two women take pictures over a railing near a waterfalls. — Wheelchairs and walkers are welcome at Brandywine Falls in Ohio’s Cuyahoga National Park.

Hiking lite in a picturesque Phoenix Park

Touring Mammoth Cave when walking is difficult

Of the many tours Mammoth Cave in Kentucky offers, one is designed specifically for those in wheelchairs.

Lakes Trail reveals some of the beauty found in Wyoming (See the “Insider Tip” at end.)

An accessible trail close to California’s coast

An easy hike to Arch Rock at Joshua Tree NP

Large rocks outline a trail with small mountains in the distance ahead. — Arch Rock Trail in Joshua Tree National Park is accessible until at the very end, where it gets rocky.

Other resources

U.S. Forest Service: Access for all

Since the 1990s, the Forest Service has followed principles of universal design, which is to make facilities usable by all people. Read their guidebook.

History of guidebooks

This is a look at the evolution of the National Park Service’s emphasis on welcoming the disabled. Early efforts go back to the early 1970s!

Be an advocate

If you want to join an advocacy group, this United Spinal Association website is a good place to start. You can choose groups on emergency preparedness, transportation access, accessible parking, and health access.

A man in a wheelchair sits at a low outdoor table outside.

Here’s a final tip

When you see “Nature Trail” at a state or national park, or even on privately owned land, it often will be accessible to people with movement difficulties.

It’s heartening to see that parks and many adventure businesses have adopted the view that the outdoors is for everyone. But we all must work to ensure those gains in access continue to expand.