National Parks in the United States offer some of the most breathtaking scenic views and outdoor experiences in the world. However, not all of these parks are easily accessible for visitors with disabilities. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the top national parks in the United States that are handicap accessible, what facilities and amenities are available for visitors with disabilities, and how you can plan your next adventure.
What makes a park handicap accessible?
A national park is considered handicap accessible if it provides facilities, services, and programs that are accessible to people with disabilities. This includes ensuring that trails, boardwalks, and other outdoor areas have smooth and level surfaces, are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, and have appropriate signage and rest areas.
Additionally, they must provide accessible parking spaces, restrooms, and picnic areas. They may also offer accessible lodging, transportation, and interpretive programs.
To be considered handicap accessible, national parks must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. These are guidelines for accessibility in public facilities and services. They ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to the same services and experiences as people without disabilities.
It’s important to note that while many national parks have made efforts to be handicap accessible, not all areas of every park may be fully accessible. Visitors with disabilities are encouraged to contact the specific park they plan to visit in advance to learn about specific accessibility requirements.
Which national parks are most handicap accessible?
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a nature lover’s paradise and offers a variety of accessible trails, scenic drives, and accommodations. The park has over 20 miles of paved trails, including the lower Yosemite Falls trail and the Mariposa Grove trail. Additionally, the park offers accessible camping options and provides wheelchair-accessible shuttle services throughout the park.
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon National Park offers a range of accessible trails and facilities for visitors with disabilities. The park has an accessible shuttle service, as well as other trails that provide breathtaking views of the canyon.
Rim Trail: The Rim Trail is a paved, mostly level trail that runs for 13 miles along the rim of the canyon. Portions of the trail near the visitor center are wheelchair accessible, and there are several overlooks with accessible viewpoints.
Mather Point: Mather Point is a popular overlook that offers views of the canyon. The overlook is accessible via a paved trail from the visitor center, and there are several accessible viewpoints.
Yavapai Point and Geology Museum: Yavapai Point and the adjacent Geology Museum offer views of the canyon and exhibits about the park’s geology. Both the viewpoint and the museum are accessible via a paved trail from the visitor center.
The park also offers accessible picnic areas, restrooms, and several accessible campgrounds.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique rock formations and stunning views. The park offers a variety of accessible trails, overlooks, and scenic drives including…
Rim Trail: The Rim Trail is a paved, mostly level trail that runs for 5.5 miles along the rim of the canyon. Portions of the trail near Sunset Point and Sunrise Point are wheelchair accessible, and there are several overlooks with accessible viewpoints.
Inspiration Point: Inspiration Point is a popular overlook that offers views of the canyon. The overlook is accessible via a paved trail from the parking area, and there are several accessible viewpoints.
Sunrise Point and Sunset Point: Both Sunrise Point and Sunset Point offer views of the canyon and are accessible via paved trails from the parking areas.
Mossy Cave Trail: The Mossy Cave Trail is a short, easy trail that leads to a small waterfall and a mossy cave. The trail is accessible via a paved trail from the parking area.
Additionally, the park offers accessible restrooms, picnic areas, and campgrounds.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States and offers a range of accessible trails and facilities for visitors with disabilities. The park has an accessible shuttle service, as well as several accessible trails including…
Riverside Walk: The Riverside Walk is a paved, mostly level trail that runs for 2.2 miles along the Virgin River. The trail is wheelchair accessible and offers views of the river and towering canyon walls.
Pa’rus Trail: The Pa’rus Trail is a paved, mostly level trail that runs for 3.5 miles along the Virgin River. The trail is wheelchair accessible and offers views of the river and surrounding canyon.
The park also offers accessible camping options and picnic areas.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a nature lover’s dream, offering stunning views, abundant wildlife, and a range of accessible trails and facilities. The park has an accessible shuttle service, as well as several accessible trails and overlooks including…
Gatlinburg Trail: The Gatlinburg Trail is a paved, level trail that runs for 1.9 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the outskirts of the town of Gatlinburg. The trail is wheelchair accessible and offers views of the river and surrounding forest.
Oconaluftee River Trail: The Oconaluftee River Trail is a paved, mostly level trail that runs for 1.5 miles along the Oconaluftee River. The trail is wheelchair accessible and offers views of the river and surrounding mountains.
Cades Cove: Cades Cove is a scenic valley that offers several trails and viewpoints. The Cades Cove Loop Road is a paved, 11-mile scenic drive that offers views of the valley and surrounding mountains. The loop road is open to vehicles from sunrise to sunset. There are several accessible pull-offs and viewpoints along the way.
The park also offers accessible camping options and picnic areas.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park offers a range of accessible trails, scenic drives, and facilities for visitors with disabilities. The park has several accessible trails including…
Lily Lake Trail: The Lily Lake Trail is a level, 0.8-mile loop trail that circles Lily Lake. The trail is wheelchair accessible and offers views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Last time we walked this trail, it was at dusk, and we were stopped by a huge mama moose that wanted to get close-ups (too close) of all her visitors! It is also one of the best places in the park for wildflower viewing.
Bear Lake Trail: The Bear Lake Trail is a paved, mostly level trail that leads to Bear Lake. The trail is wheelchair accessible, and there are several accessible viewpoints along the way.
Moraine Park Discovery Center: The Moraine Park Discovery Center offers several accessible exhibits and displays. It also has a short, level interpretive trail that offers views of Moraine Park.
Additionally, the park offers accessible camping options and picnic areas.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is known for its stunning coastal views, abundant wildlife, and range of accessible trails and facilities. The park has several accessible trails including…
Ocean Path: The Ocean Path is a level, 4-mile trail that runs along the rocky coast of Acadia National Park. The trail is wheelchair accessible and offers views of the ocean and surrounding mountains.
Wonderland Trail: The Wonderland Trail is a level, 1.4-mile trail that winds through a forest of spruce and fir trees. The trail is wheelchair accessible and offers views of the surrounding forest.
Sieur de Monts Nature Center: The Sieur de Monts Nature Center offers several accessible exhibits and displays. It is also home to a level, 0.5-mile trail that offers views of the surrounding forest.
Cadillac Summit Loop Road: The Cadillac Summit Loop Road is a scenic drive that leads to the summit of Cadillac Mountain which is the highest point on the East Coast. The road is accessible to vehicles and provides several accessible viewpoints along the way. You do need a special permit to drive this loop, so make sure to get reservations as soon as you book your trip!
Additionally, the park offers accessible camping options and picnic areas.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park offers a variety of facilities and services to make the park accessible to people with disabilities. The park has several wheelchair-accessible boardwalks and trails including…
Anhinga Trail: The Anhinga Trail is a wheelchair accessible, 0.8 mile trail that winds through a sawgrass marsh. It starts from the Royal Palm Visitor Center and offers a safari-like experience due to its abundance of wildlife.
Gumbo Limbo Trail: The Gumbo Limbo Trail is a paved, 0.4 mile trail that takes visitors through a hammock of gumbo limbo trees.
Mahogany Hammock Trail: The Mahogany Hammock Trail is a 0.5 mile boardwalk trail that takes visitors to see the United States’ largest living mahogony tree.
Although it is not a formal trail, we do suggest that you visit the paved marina and view the many manatees in empty boat slips. You may even catch a crocodile sighting!
The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, the Gulf Coast Visitor Center, and the Flamingo Visitor Center are also accessible with accessible parking, restrooms, and exhibits.
The park offers accessible tours and programs including tram tours and ranger-led programs. It also offers accessible boat tours which depart from the Gulf Coast and Flamingo areas. Some of the park’s campsites are also accessible.
Many United States National Parks offer a range of accessible trails, facilities, and amenities for visitors with disabilities. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views, abundant wildlife, or scenic drives, these parks provide opportunities for everyone to enjoy the great outdoors. When planning your next adventure, consider visiting one of these handicap accessible national parks for an unforgettable experience!
