No matter where you are located in the
United States, there is a good chance that you are within a few
hours' drive from a State Park that features wheelchair accessible
paths, wildlife viewing spots and picnic areas. An outdoor adventure
day trip with a relative who is confined to a wheelchair or a friend
whose wheeled chariot is the only means of getting around offers the
chance for robust, natural entertainment in nature's playgrounds.
Most state parks provide accessible bathrooms, so you can linger
comfortably for several hours surrounded by fresh air and scenic
beauty.
Check the state parks' websites before
you head out on your journey to verify what facilities and trails are
handicapped-accessible so that you can do some light planning about
how you will spend your time. Not every trail in a park is going to
be one that you can share, but there are bound to be some areas that
capture the interest of both you and your friend or relative.
Examples of activities you and your
wheelchair-traveler pal may enjoy include:
* Fishing for muskie and large-mouth bass
from the wheelchair accessible fishing pier at Cowan Lake State Park
in Ohio.
* Stroll and roll along the granite
gravel covered interpretive trail at the Washington-on-the-Brazos
State Historic Site in Texas.
* Take photos of the spectacular
waterfalls, bird watch and visit the nature center – all of which
can be accomplished via paved pathways – at Gooseberry Falls State
Park in Minnesota.
* Wander through a forest of massive
redwood trees along a wide, packed-dirt trail just under a mile long
at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in California.