This May, we’re spotlighting the great outdoors and adventure. In 2020, many people sought solace in nature after a tough spring, trying new activities and exploring fresh paths. Now, in 2021, dive into our articles to discover 15 essential outdoor skills, the best state parks nationwide, the emerging trend of hotels near once-remote national parks, and one individual’s mission to make outdoor experiences accessible for everyone.
America’s national parks are treasures of natural beauty, cultural importance, and outdoor fun. However, it’s important to acknowledge the complex history of the parks system, especially the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples. Today, many Indigenous groups continue to fight for their rights, people of color often feel unwelcome in parks, and accessibility for people with disabilities remains limited. While public lands don’t always feel inclusive, advocacy efforts are making strides towards change. Everyone, including those with disabilities, should enjoy the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of the great outdoors.
There are 423 sites in the national park system, with 63 officially designated as “National Parks.” As federally managed areas, these parks strive to meet the accessibility standards set by the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Since many of these parks were established before these laws, the National Park Service created an Accessibility Task Force in 2012 to improve accessibility from 2015 to 2020. Even so, there are still many ways for those with disabilities to enjoy these natural wonders. You can experience incredible sights without leaving your car, rent adaptive equipment, use a pack animal, or join guided programs tailored to your needs.
With a little research and planning, there’s a trip for you. Start with the “Trip Ideas” page on the National Park Service website, then check out the “Plan Your Visit” section for more tips. The site also provides a map of parks with accessible features and details for visitors with mobility challenges, vision or hearing impairments, or intellectual disabilities. It explains what mobility devices are allowed in parks (any device designed for use by a person with a disability is permitted, including power-driven devices) and outlines rules for service animals, who can go anywhere their handler can.
The Access Pass, formally known as the America the Beautiful Interagency Access Pass, grants free lifetime entry to over 2,000 Federal recreation sites, including national parks, for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a permanent disability. You don’t need to be fully disabled to qualify. The pass also offers discounts on amenities like camping and guided tours. You can apply for the pass online or by mail (with a $10 fee) or get it for free at issuing sites. All you need is valid ID and proof of a permanent disability, such as a doctor’s statement or documentation from a federal or state agency. In my experience, park staff are flexible with documentation, so don’t let that deter you. I got mine quickly at a park entrance booth.
Most parks offer standard wheelchair rentals for indoor use, with some providing adaptive equipment for outdoor use. For instance, Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan offers free Track Chair rentals, and Redwood National and State Parks provide beach wheelchairs at select locations.
If you’re an ambulatory hiker, try using hiking poles. They greatly enhance my hiking experience, allowing me to tackle longer trails and varying elevations with reduced pain and fatigue. Proper footwear, suitable clothing, and additional supports also make a big difference.
Many blogs and websites cater to disabled travelers, but finding quality information can take time. I often look for recent social media hashtags to see trail conditions and join online hiking groups, especially those focused on disabled communities, to connect with others who share similar experiences.
For accessibility specifics on a park, visit its website and click on “accessibility” under “Plan Your Visit.” Park websites vary in detail, so if you need more information, call the park directly. If the initial contact doesn’t help, ask to speak with the accessibility coordinator, trails manager, or facilities manager.
When I first began visiting national parks, I didn’t know what information I needed—and that’s okay! Here are some questions you might consider:
– How many accessible parking spots are there? Are they van-accessible? How close are they to desired trails or buildings? Where are the curb cuts?
– If shuttles are used, do they require reservations? Are they accessible, and can you secure a spot for mobility devices?
– Where are the restrooms, and what kind of toilets are available? How many accessible stalls are there, and are buildings climate-controlled? Are there quiet areas away from crowds?
– Are the exhibits accessible, with options like braille, audio descriptions, and plain language? How far are medical services? Are food and water available? Is there cell service?
– Are accessible trails truly ADA-compliant, and what are their lengths, grades, elevation changes, and surfaces? Are there steep drop-offs or sun exposure? Are benches available, and are maps, signs, and brochures detailed? Are park staff or volunteers available for questions or guidance?
I’ve visited various parks, preserves, monuments, historic sites, and scenic roads. Here are four of my favorites:
– In northwestern California, on the Yurok and Tolowa lands, Redwood National Park has made significant strides in accessibility, offering audio-described and braille exhibits, accessible trails, and campsites.
– Olympic in Washington, covering the lands of the S’Klallam, Quileute, and Quinault, may have limited accessible facilities, but it provides thorough information, with detailed trail descriptions available online. A drive to Hurricane Ridge is highly recommended for breathtaking views.
– Yosemite, the land of the Southern Sierra Miwok, is hugely popular, and increased visitor restrictions include reservations. Despite this, its stunning scenery is worth the trip. Though accessibility information is detailed on the website, in-person guidance may be limited.
– The Smokies in North Carolina and Tennessee, on Cherokee lands, were the first park I visited and remain a favorite. They offer auto touring routes for a nature experience without leaving your car, but accessibility information is sparse. The nearby Blue Ridge Parkway offers spectacular views.
Visiting a national park with a disability requires extra effort and planning, but it’s worth it. These special places offer rich natural, cultural, and historical experiences, and you deserve access to them as much as anyone else. My time in national parks has brought me inspiration, comfort, and joy, and I hope they do the same for you.
