Exploring the great outdoors through national parks is one of the most popular ways to spend a vacation, and for good reason. Unfortunately, many of the activities and trails in national parks are not accessible for people with disabilities or those who might need to use assistive devices such as wheelchairs. However, the good news is that there are many, many parks with accessible areas, and many of these are among the most popular parks in the country. This means that you can visit famous parks like Yellowstone, Everglades, and Grand Canyon with the assistance of your electric wheelchair.
Benefits of Using Electric Wheelchairs in Outdoor Settings
Using electric wheelchairs in national parks offers a multitude of benefits, both physical and emotional. In terms of physical benefits, electric chairs allow users to navigate a variety of areas that might otherwise be inaccessible. Because your chair powers itself, you might be able to explore the area for longer than you would otherwise. Make sure that your electric wheelchair batteries will last long enough for the adventure you have planned.
Electric wheelchairs can also significantly enhance your sense of independence and freedom. Instead of relying on others for assistance, you can explore at your own pace and on your own terms. You can decide where to go, what you want to see, and how long you want to stay. This ability to adventure on your own terms can greatly enhance your experience in the park.
Six Great Wheelchair-Friendly National Parks
Among the most popular national parks in the US, most have wheel-chair accessible hiking trails, visitor centers, and tours. While in general, longer trails aren’t accessible to those with electric wheelchairs, many of the short trails are paved or smooth gravel, and many have boardwalks that are accessible as well.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rapidly becoming one of the most well-known and loved parks in the country, Rocky Mountain National Park is the best place to see the soaring peaks and alpine meadows of the high mountains. The Sprague Lake Trail is an accessible and relatively flat ¾ mile-long trail around a picturesque mountain lake. Also consider trying the Coyote Valley trail, a 1-mile packed gravel path that is considered accessible. The visitor centers are also accessible and there is a free shuttle through part of the park during the summer.
Grand Canyon National Park
This famous canyon and its accompanying national park may be one of the most wheelchair-friendly parks in the country. Most of the dramatic views and overlooks along the south rim offer accessible overlooks and trails. These overlooks are all linked together by the South Rim Trail, much of which is accessible. If your wheelchair isn’t too large, you can also access the overlooks via the free shuttle which drives from overlook to overlook along the trail.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains, located across parts of Tennessee and North Carolina, is a great place to explore nature and get a taste of the diverse flora and fauna of this unique area. There are several parts of this park where you can explore with the help of an electric wheelchair or from your car, including Cades Cove, the different visitor centers, and scenic drives. Consider visiting the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail for a short hike or enjoy looking at the historic buildings in areas like Cades Cove and the Mountain Farm Museum.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park, one of the largest parks in the eastern United States, is a beautiful landscape of mountains and rocky coastline. The Jessup and Hemlock Loop trails are both accessible and together provide a 1.5-mile journey. One of the loops is a gravel path while the other is a boardwalk, and they are connected. The Ocean Path trail is also partially accessible from the parking lot to Thunder Hole. Contact the visitor center for more information on accessibility in this park.
Yellowstone National Park
In Yellowstone, there are many areas where you will find wheelchair-accessible boardwalks near thermal features. For example, the area around Old Faithful has several boardwalks and most of the shorter trails here are paved. There are also accessible areas near most of the visitor centers. Because it’s so big, Yellowstone National Park requires hours of driving to get from place to place. Many of the best wildlife sightings don’t require you to leave your vehicle- consider driving through the Lamar Valley or Hayden Valley for the best chances to see animals. Nearly everywhere you go, including the drive to and from the park, will be an enjoyable scenic adventure.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park covers a huge area of the southern part of Florida and is an expanse of watery grassland, mangrove trees, and islands. A lot of driving is required to visit this unique area, but there are several excellent accessible features. First, don’t miss the Anhinga Trail, a short trail with both paved and boardwalk portions where you are almost guaranteed to spot wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and wading birds. You can also visit the Shark Valley area and ride the wheelchair-accessible tram to see more of this grassy landscape and the wildlife that lives there.
Conclusion
Visiting our great national parks is something everyone can enjoy, no matter your fitness or ability level. Finding parks that are suitable for electric wheelchair use can require a little more work and research, but the rewards are worth it. Our national parks are a treasure that all people deserve to experience, and using an electric wheelchair, all-terrain wheelchair, or other assistive device can make this possible.
