Top 10 Accessible Trails in America’s National Parks for Wheelchair Users

The United States is the fourth-largest country in the world, filled with sites that showcase its unique heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Protected and preserved by the National Park Service, these parks offer experiences accessible to everyone, including those using mobility devices.

While many national parks are still working towards increasing accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges, several adaptive hiking trails are available, allowing everyone to enjoy nature’s beauty. It’s essential to know where to go and what to expect.

The National Park Service app is an excellent resource, providing details on wheelchair-accessible locations across over 400 parks. For comprehensive information on trail conditions, visitors are encouraged to check the park’s website for accessibility maps. Additionally, many parks offer loaner devices to enhance the visitor experience; for instance, Great Sand Dunes National Park provides balloon-tire wheelchairs for its sandy terrain.

Miriam Eljas, CEO and co-founder of accessibleGO, a platform dedicated to accessible travel accommodations, suggests researching bathroom facilities before visiting, ensuring that mobility devices are fully charged, and bringing personal ramps when necessary.

For insights into other visitors’ experiences, the accessibleGO community forum can be an invaluable resource. Personal accounts of park visits often provide more reliable information than official sources.

Individuals with permanent disabilities can also obtain free, lifetime Access Passes to enjoy national parks across the country. Below is a list highlighting 10 accessible trails in some of the most popular national parks.

Trail of Time in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The Trail of Time spans just under three miles, offering a fully paved and flat route. As you walk, you’ll traverse the geological history of the Grand Canyon, where each meter signifies one million years, with informative exhibits along the way. Grand Canyon National Park is renowned for its accessibility, boasting 24 wheelchair-friendly trails.

Boardwalk Loop Trail in Congaree National Park, South Carolina

All visitors to Congaree National Park can walk the 2.6-mile Boardwalk Loop Trail, which showcases some of the preserve’s majestic trees, including the Big Bald Cypress and Big Loblolly Pine. The trail is flat, shady, and relatively smooth, making it universally accessible.

Big Trees Trail in Sequoia National Park, California

This 0.7-mile loop offers adaptive hikers an opportunity to experience the vast beauty of sequoia trees. The flat and paved path circles a lovely meadow and is home to yellow-bellied marmots and bears, providing an exciting wildlife viewing experience.

Trail of the Cedars in Glacier National Park, Montana

In addition to traversing the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, visitors can explore the Trail of the Cedars, which extends 0.7 miles under towering cedars near Avalanche Campground. This nature trail features a combination of paved paths and wooden boardwalk sections.

Pa’rus Trail in Zion National Park, Utah

The Pa’rus Trail offers breathtaking views of the Watchman, a towering 6,545-foot sandstone mountain, while meandering alongside the Virgin River. This paved trail is wide and smooth, with a minimal 50-foot elevation change. However, to access the Pa’rus Trail, visitors must navigate a short connector trail that may not be wheelchair-friendly.

Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina

If you’re planning to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Sugarlands Visitor Center serves as an excellent starting point. Open year-round, the visitor center features accessible bathrooms and parking and leads visitors to the half-mile Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail. This paved path winds through second-growth forest along the Little Pigeon River, offering a serene nature experience.

Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop in Acadia National Park, Maine

The figure-8-shaped Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop encompasses 1.5 miles of gravel roads and wooden boardwalks that navigate through a lovely white birch forest. The path is mostly level and accommodates a single wheelchair. An alternative accessible option is the Ocean Path that runs along the coast.

Limberlost Trail in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

The 1.3-mile Limberlost Trail features a smooth surface made of crushed greenstone. Designed to be five feet wide, it also sees an elevation gain of 130 feet. The forested area is ideal for birdwatching, allowing visitors to connect with nature seamlessly.

Old Faithful Geyser Loop in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park, the oldest national park in the U.S., offers several trails accommodating mobility devices. No visit is complete without exploring the Old Faithful area, where visitors can enjoy stunning views from the paved Old Faithful Geyser Loop trail.

Desert Discovery Trail in Saguaro National Park, Arizona

The Desert Discovery Trail offers an immersive experience as it winds through stunning saguaro cacti, some reaching heights of 40 feet. The half-mile paved pathway provides a delightful introduction to the habitats and ecology of the Sonoran Desert, especially breathtaking at sunrise and sunset.